Peeling for pigmentation – Cosmelan

Abnormal pigmentation is a very common skin complaint. Even the pigment cells can become damaged; when they are damaged they do what they know best – make pigment!! Sun, hormones, pregnancy, stress, trauma and ageing are all features that can result in abnormal pigmentation. Darker skins, mixed race skins and oriental skins are more prone to pigmentation and must be treated cautiously to avoid more pigmentation.

For this type of skin, Cosmelan is advised. Cosmelan is a well-known depigmenting and skin rejuvenating treatments that originated in Spain.

The only way that pigment can be removed from the skin is by the natural exfoliation of the skin; for the treatment to be successful, further pigmentation must be prevented.

Cosmelan is a combination of both; exfoliation and prevention of further pigmentation. Cosmelan can be used in its full strength as Cosmelan  1 and 2, and in a more gentle manner with Cosmelan soft.

Cosmelan 1 and 2 involves the application of the Cosmelan mask for up to ten hours. This mask is yellow in colour, looks like thick foundation and has to be removed at home. The next day the skin is quite red and a little swollen, and a healing cream is applied. The following day, Cosmelan 2 cream is started which stops any further pigmentation. The Cosmelan 2 contains many pigment inhibitors, plus the anti-ageing retinoic acid cream and several other soothing ingredients. By applying Cosmelan 2 at this stage enables the skin to peel off, taking much pigmentation with it, and preventing further colour build-up.

Cosmelan 2 needs to be applied regularly for up to one year for reliable results. It is well worth the effort since the skin becomes younger, fresher and without pigmentation in 95% of cases. The sun should be avoided since it is the major stimulation of pigment and ageing factor of the skin.

The skin may remain red and flaky for about four days, so this must be remembered when planning treatment.

For those that so not wish to be red and flaky, Cosmelan 2 (the maintenance cream) can be applied after a more gentle mandelic acid peel. The peel is performed every three or four weeks and Cosmelan 2 is applied up to 3 times a day as a routine. In this case the results will appear slower than with the full-on Cosmelan 1 and 2, but nevertheless will be worthwhile.