Cosmelan
Cosmelan: the world's leading depigmenting method for melasma and stubborn dark spots.
Brand/product: Cosmelan® (developed by mesoestetic®) · Full protocol: ~6 months · High-factor sun protection is mandatory throughout the process and for 6 months afterward
Cosmelan® is a professional depigmenting treatment developed by mesoestetic®, designed for melasma and other stubborn spots that don't respond to conventional creams. Its formula combines kojic acid, azelaic acid, ascorbic acid, alpha-arbutin, retinol, and liquorice extract, to inhibit tyrosinase and slow melanin production.
It works in two phases: an intensive in-clinic phase and a home maintenance phase.
Who is this for?
- Epidermal or mixed melasma (forehead, cheeks, upper lip, or chin).
- Sun spots and lentigos.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (acne marks).
- Spots resistant to conventional depigmenting creams.
Especially effective on fair to medium skin phototypes (I-IV); on darker phototypes (V-VI) it is applied with adapted protocols.
Not recommended if: you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive; you are under 12 years old; there is active infection or recent sun-related erythema; you have taken isotretinoin in the last 6 months; or you have an allergy to its ingredients.
Results: In the first few days after removing the mask, the skin may become red and flaky (an expected reaction). Lightening becomes noticeable from week 3-4, consolidating between the second and third month, until completing the 6-month protocol. Daily sun protection is key to preventing spots from reappearing.
Step by step, your comfort first
Phase 1 · In clinic
Deep cleansing and application of the Cosmelan 1 mask, which acts for 8 to 12 hours depending on skin phototype (removed at home). It's normal to notice tightness, flaking, and redness in the first few days.
Phase 2 · At-home maintenance
About 7 days later, Cosmelan 2 cream is started: weeks 1-4, 2-3 times a day; weeks 5-12, twice a day; weeks 13-24, once a day. Full protocol: about 6 months, with mandatory daily high-factor sun protection.
Before you decide
Is the treatment painful?
No. You may feel tightness and some mild stinging while the mask works, but it isn't painful.
How long does the full process take?
The full protocol lasts about 6 months, although visible lightening is usually noticeable as early as week 3 and through the second-to-third month.
Can I go about my normal life while my skin is flaking?
Yes, although for the first 5-7 days your skin will be visibly red and flaking.
Do the spots disappear for good?
Cosmelan lightens and evens out skin tone very effectively, but melasma tends to reappear without strict, consistent sun protection.
Is it safe on darker skin phototypes?
Yes, with adapted protocols and closer follow-up due to the higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
From what age can Cosmelan be applied?
It's applied to adult skin, generally from age 18 onward.
Shall we take the step?
Book your appointment if you're ready, or message us and we'll assess it together.