Melasma Treatment

What Cosmelan is

Cosmelan is the most established medical depigmentation system in international aesthetic dermatology — a structured protocol from mesoestetic combining a strong in-clinic depigmenting mask (Cosmelan 1) with a 6-month home phase (Cosmelan 2 plus supporting products). It is specifically designed for melasma and other stubborn pigmentation that has not responded to standard skincare.

It is not a generic peel and not a single-visit treatment. The home phase is half the treatment.

Honest framing of melasma

Melasma is a chronic, relapsing condition. It has hormonal, vascular and UV-driven components, and it can return with sun exposure, pregnancy, hormonal contraception change, or interruption of maintenance. Cosmelan does not 'cure' melasma. What it can do — and does well, in motivated clients — is produce significant improvement and bring the condition under good long-term control with structured maintenance.

We are honest about this from day one. Promising a one-and-done fix is misleading; planning for sustained management is realistic and works.

How it works

The Cosmelan 1 mask combines several depigmenting actives that target tyrosinase — the key enzyme in melanin production — and modulate melanogenesis at multiple steps. The in-clinic mask delivers a strong initial reset; the Cosmelan 2 home cream and supporting products then maintain and deepen the effect over the following 6 months.

The treatment journey

Priming (2–4 weeks): We recommend skin priming with a tyrosinase inhibitor, retinoid and SPF where appropriate, to prepare the skin and reduce post-inflammatory pigmentation risk.

Mask day: The Cosmelan 1 mask is applied at the clinic and worn for 8–12 hours (timed to your skin type) before being washed off at home. The skin will be red and tight afterwards.

Days 1–7: Redness, tightness and peeling. Use Cosmelan 2 and supporting products exactly as briefed. SPF 50 every day.

Months 1–6: Continued use of Cosmelan 2 cream and supporting products on a structured schedule. We review at 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.

Beyond 6 months: Maintenance — typically a maintenance cream and ongoing rigorous SPF. Some clients combine with Obagi as a longer-term maintenance route.

Who suits Cosmelan

Cosmelan suits motivated clients with melasma or stubborn pigmentation, who can commit to:

• Six months of structured home care
• Daily SPF 50 — without exception
• 4–7 days of redness/peeling after the in-clinic mask
• Honest expectations about long-term maintenance

It is not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for clients who cannot reliably use the home phase. Without the home phase, the in-clinic mask is half a treatment — we will not do the mask alone.

Across skin types

Cosmelan is well-established in Fitzpatrick I–VI — and is often safer than aggressive lasers in darker skin, because it targets melanogenesis biochemically rather than thermally. Priming, the home phase and rigorous SPF matter even more in darker skin to avoid post-inflammatory pigmentation rebound.

SPF, honestly

Daily SPF 50 broad-spectrum (mineral or hybrid) is the single biggest factor in whether Cosmelan results hold. We treat it as an active part of the protocol, not a finishing touch. Lapsed SPF is the most common reason pigmentation returns. If SPF is not realistic in your daily life, Cosmelan is not the right treatment.