Over time, your face begins to show some signs of age. These signs can take many forms, including wrinkles, creases, and fine lines. Additionally, you may notice spots forming on your skin. These areas of discoloration can make you feel a little self-conscious, but the good news is there are some effective, non-invasive ways to get rid of them. We’re specifically talking about Cosmelan peels, a new facial service we’ve introduced here at H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery. If you’ve ever dealt with spots or other melanin-related skin issues, we encourage you to learn more about how Cosmelan works and the stages of Cosmelan Peel.

What is a Cosmelan Peel?

Cosmelan peels are all about depigmentation. What this means is that they treat skin spots at their origin, not only removing them but also preventing them from resurfacing, which is why there stages of Cosmelan peel.

One of the great things about Cosmelan peels is that they are effective for all skin types and ethnicities; and they can be used to address pretty much any kind of melanin-originated skin concern. Some examples include:

  • Melasma. This skin blotch is typically linked with hormonal fluctuation, and often shows up following pregnancy or the start of a new contraceptive pill. Melasma may also be the result of hormone replacement therapy.
  • Solar and senile lentigo. These spots are related to both sunlight and age, and typically show up in areas that have received a lot of sun exposure over the years. Think face, hands, and décolleté. 
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). These spots may appear in the wake of an inflammatory condition. Acne marks and scars are common examples.
  • Freckles. Freckles are caused by simple genetics and exhibit a high sensitivity to sunlight. If you don’t like your freckles, however, Cosmelan peels can help you eliminate them!

These are just a few of the issues that you can resolve via Cosmelan peels.

How Does Cosmelan Work? 

Cosmelan serves two functions: It’s corrective, meaning it helps clear up melanin or pigmentation issues, and it’s also regulatory, which means it prevents these issues from resurfacing. Specifically:

Stages of Cosmelan Peel

  1. For its corrective action, Cosmelan gets rid of melanin deposits. (Melanin is a pigment that can lead to dark-colored spots on the outer layer of the skin.)
  2. And, for its regulatory action, Cosmelan interacts with the melanocyte, which is the cell that produces melanin. It helps control melanin production to keep pigmentation issues in check.

About the Cosmelan Process – Stages Cosmelan Peel

As you consider this treatment, it may be helpful to understand roughly how the process works and the stage of Cosmelan peel. Cosmelan peels require four phases:

Phase 1: Intensive Depigmentation

In the first phase, your skincare provider will apply a Cosmelan 1 mask, after which you’ll be free to go home. You’ll need to leave the mask on for between eight and 12 hours, allowing it to work on your skin. During this phase, your spots will begin to fade, and your outer layer of skin will be revitalized.

This phase is not painful, but it may leave your skin slightly sensitive. It may also make your skin red.

Phase 2: Continuous Depigmentation

Once you remove your mask, you’ll be encouraged to wait two or three days. Then, you can apply Cosmelan 2. This is a topical solution you can apply on your own, from the comfort of your home. This topical solution will complete the corrective effects of Cosmelan. 

This phase of the stages of Cosmelan peel may cause your skin to feel itchy or irritated. You may also begin experiencing some peeling. Additionally, your spots will continue to fade away.

Phase 3: Regulation of Hyperpigmentation

For phase 3, you’ll continue to apply topical Cosmelan treatments at home, though the frequency of these applications may decrease. During this phase, the regulatory action of Cosmelan begins, curbing and controlling your skin’s melanin production. Your skin will start to feel much healthier and more rejuvenated!

Phase 4: Control of Reappearance

This final phase is about ensuring that your spots don’t reappear. You’ll still be applying Cosmelan treatments, but now only at night. You should also find that your skin looks and feels better than it has in ages!

If you have any questions about the specific phases or stages of Cosmelan peel, or about the kind of results you should expect from this process, don’t hesitate to contact H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery at any time.

Common Questions About Cosmelan Peels

As you consider whether Cosmelan is the best treatment for you, feel free to reach out with questions. In the meantime, here are some of the most common inquiries.

Can Cosmelan be used to treat any type of spot?

Cosmelan can be an effective way to treat any kind of spot that’s caused by melanin overproduction.

What time of the year is best for Cosmelan?

While you can technically use it any time, it’s going to be most effective during a season when you’re not exposed to as much prolonged sunlight, such as autumn or winter.

How long does the Cosmelan process take?

Completing all four stages of Cosmelan peel (the first in our office, the final three at home) may take up to six months. However, this can vary according to the severity of your skin issues.

How long will it take to see some results?

While it can take months to see the full results, you may start to see notable progress within two or three weeks.

cosmelan peel before and after photos

What happens if I stop applying the home applications?

If you discontinue your home treatments prematurely, you significantly increase the risk of your spots reappearing. Definitely check with your skincare provider to find out when it’s okay to cease treatment!

Find Out More About Cosmelan Skin Treatments

We’re thrilled to offer our patients so many ways to achieve their desired appearance and to revitalize their skin, including treatments that don’t require surgical intervention.

We’d love to answer any outstanding questions you have about Cosmelan skin peels, and also to counsel you on whether or not you’re a good candidate. To find out more, schedule a consultation at your convenience. Reach out to H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery in Charlotte, NC whenever you’re ready to learn more about Cosmelan.