Cosmelan® Peel

At Aesthetic Envy Medspa, we offer the Cosmelan® Peel, a highly effective treatment for hyperpigmentation conditions such as melasma. This advanced depigmentation treatment targets dark spots and uneven skin tone to give you a clearer, more radiant complexion.

Enhance your skin’s appearance by improving melasma, skin tone, texture, and more with a two-step depigmentation chemical peel system.

The Cosmelan® Peel is an exclusive facial treatment designed to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It effectively reduces melanin levels, lightens skin tone, and evens out discoloration caused by sun damage, age spots, melasma, freckles, and other blemishes. This revolutionary treatment involves a unique formulation containing powerful active ingredients that work together to inhibit melanin production, reduce inflammation, and promote skin rejuvenation.

• Azelaic Acid
• Kojic Acid
• Phytic Acid
• Retinol
• Vitamin C
• Hydroquinone
• Arbutin

These ingredients create a potent combination of skin-lightening, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The treatment begins with the application of a Cosmelan® facial mask by a licensed medical aesthetician at our Sacramento location. This mask is left on the face for a specified duration to allow the active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the skin. While commonly applied as a facial mask, the Cosmelan® Peel can also be used on other parts of the body to address pigmentation concerns.

The Cosmelan® Peel is a safe and effective solution for addressing various skin blemishes, offering multiple benefits:

The Cosmelan® Peel includes kojic acid, a powerful ingredient derived from beneficial fungi. Kojic acid works by inhibiting the formation of tyrosine, a key enzyme necessary for melanin production. Melanin is the natural pigment responsible for skin color, and its overproduction can lead to dark spots. By reducing melanin production, kojic acid helps lighten skin blemishes and pigmentation issues. Additionally, kojic acid is effective against post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which often results from acne and melasma (a type of discoloration caused by hormonal changes).

Cosmelan® Peels contain several ingredients that work synergistically to improve skin tone by lightening patches of discoloration and other blemishes. Key ingredients include:

• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that helps even out skin tone.
• Arbutin: A skin-brightening agent.
• Hydroquinone: A powerful skin-lightening agent.
• Azelaic Acid: Helps to even skin tone and reduce inflammation.
• Retinol: Promotes cell turnover and skin renewal.

These ingredients help achieve a more uniform and radiant complexion.

Melanin is produced through a process called melanogenesis, where the enzyme tyrosinase converts the amino acid tyrosine into pigment. The Cosmelan® Peel ingredients inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme, reducing melanin production and promoting a more even skin tone.

Collagen is a crucial protein that keeps skin firm and supple. The Cosmelan® Peel contains ingredients such as retinol (a vitamin A derivative) and phytic acid that stimulate collagen production. Increased collagen can lead to a more youthful-looking complexion by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Ideal candidates for the Cosmelan® Peel are those with brown spots, melasma, sunspots, acne scarring, or other forms of hyperpigmentation on the face, neck, and décolletage that they wish to reduce or remove. Patients who can maintain a regular skincare routine and have realistic expectations of their results are excellent candidates for this treatment.

Pigmentation concerns are a growing global issue, affecting more than 90% of adults over the age of 50. Regardless of skin color, these issues are significant due to their unattractive appearance and the negative psychological and emotional impact they can have, affecting the quality of life.

Skin hyperpigmentation results from the abnormal production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This condition occurs when melanocytes produce melanin in an uncontrolled, localized manner, leading to irregular skin coloration and dark spots.

The Cosmelan® Peel is highly effective for treating most cases of melasma and hyperpigmentation. It is also beneficial for addressing dark spots or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne. Here are the primary skin conditions that the Cosmelan® Peel is recommended for:

• Melasma
• Sunspots
• Sun damage
• Acne scarring
• Age spots
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
• Skin discoloration on the chest, neck, and back
• Blemishes
• Uneven skin tone
• Dark spots on the buttocks
• Dark patches on knees, elbows, and feet
• Discoloration from laser treatments

• Diminishes hyperpigmentation and dark spots
• Effectively treats melasma and chloasma
• Minimal discomfort
• Fast results
• Suitable for all skin types
• Few and minor side effects
• Applicable to various body areas, including the face, hands, abdomen, breasts/nipples, and legs

The Cosmelan® Peel is suitable for all skin types and tones, making it an ideal treatment for anyone seeking to even out their complexion. During your consultation, we will discuss the specific risks and benefits associated with this treatment in detail.

Cosmelan® is more than just a treatment; it is a comprehensive method that involves a single session performed at beauty clinics, dermatological offices, or aesthetic medicine practices, followed by a home maintenance regimen.

In-Office Treatment:

• The professional applies the Cosmelan® 1 face mask, which is left on for 8 to 12 hours, depending on the phototype and sensitivity of the skin being treated.
• After the prescribed time, the mask is removed at home.

Home Follow-Up:

• 48 hours later, the follow-up phase begins at home with the application of Cosmelan® 2, Hydra-Vital Factor K cream, and moisturizing sun protection SPF50+.
• This follow-up phase continues for seven months to achieve optimal results and prevent the reappearance of spots.

The Cosmelan® method is a professional depigmenting treatment designed to eliminate or reduce dark spots of melanic origin on the skin while unifying skin tone and enhancing luminosity.

The Cosmelan® Peel not only improves the appearance of your skin but also effectively treats a variety of skin conditions, including:

Melasma:

• Melasma commonly causes brown or gray-brown patches on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip.
• These patches are usually larger than other types of hyperpigmentation, often the size of a nickel or larger.
• While the exact cause of melasma is unknown, it is thought to be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy or from taking birth control pills. Women, especially those with darker or tanner skin, are more prone to this condition.
• Certain medications, including some antibiotics and antifungal drugs, as well as UV light exposure, can increase the risk of melasma or worsen the condition.

The Cosmelan® Peel significantly reduces the appearance of melasma by inhibiting melanin production and lightening existing discoloration.

• Reduction of Skin Pigmentation: Ingredients like kojic acid inhibit the formation of tyrosine, which is essential for melanin production. Thus, they lighten skin blemishes and reduce pigmentation.
• Even Skin Tone: Vitamin C, arbutin, hydroquinone, azelaic acid, and retinol work together to improve skin tone by lightening patches of discoloration and other blemishes.
• Inhibition of Melanin Formation: The peel inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme, reducing melanin production and promoting a more even skin tone.
• Increased Collagen Production: Retinol and phytic acid stimulate collagen production, leading to a more youthful complexion by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is often mistaken for acne scarring, but it is actually a temporary skin discoloration that can be effectively treated. If left untreated, PIH will not fade away on its own.

PIH occurs when skin cells produce extra melanin in response to damage or irritation from acne, eczema, burns, bug bites, rashes, allergic reactions, psoriasis, and more. This results in brown, dark brown, tan, or bluish-gray spots or patches.

The Cosmelan® Peel addresses PIH by lightening existing discoloration, inhibiting melanin production, and increasing cell turnover. Natural exfoliants like azelaic acid help shed dead skin cells and stimulate new cell growth. Ingredients such as retinol and phytic acid reduce inflammation, promote collagen production, and minimize the appearance of acne scars.

Freckles are a form of sun damage, appearing as small spots that range from light brown to dark brown. They commonly occur on the face, shoulders, arms, and hands, resulting from overproduction of melanin due to sun exposure or genetics.

The Cosmelan® Peel lightens existing freckles and reduces their appearance with ingredients like kojic acid and vitamin C, which inhibit melanin production and promote a more even complexion.

Unlike other peels, the Cosmelan® Peel requires one in-clinic treatment followed by a second application of the intensive peel 21-30 days later. Before the treatment, a consultation will be conducted to assess your skin and determine the best course of action.

The first stage involves applying a Cosmelan® Peel mask, which is left on for 8-12 hours to reduce discoloration. The mask absorbs into the skin during this time. Unlike other peels, which are removed after a few minutes, the Cosmelan® Peel is less intense initially and is left on for a longer duration. This peel is not painful.

After 8-12 hours, the mask is gently removed with a damp cloth and lukewarm water. Your face may feel slightly sensitive and appear reddish.

Following the removal of the mask, you will continue your treatment at home. Two to three days after the mask is removed, you will start applying a Cosmelan® cream. This cream contains milder depigmenting ingredients to lighten dark spots and even out your complexion. During this stage, you may experience itching, irritation, and peeling as the cream removes dead skin cells.

Once continuous depigmentation is complete, you will begin the hyperpigmentation regulation phase. This involves applying a topical cream 1-3 times a day to control residual discoloration and protect your skin from the sun. You should begin to see results as you consistently apply the cream.

To ensure long-lasting results, you will need to control the reappearance of hyperpigmentation. This involves applying the special Cosmelan® cream at night for 3-6 months. By following this regimen, your skin should remain even-toned and healthy.

The Cosmelan® treatment, including both the peel and maintenance cream, contains ingredients designed to suppress the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color as well as age spots and hyperpigmentation.

The Cosmelan® peel penetrates deeply into the skin to decrease the natural production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that catalyzes melanin production. By inhibiting tyrosinase, Cosmelan® reduces melanin synthesis within melanocytes (the melanin-producing skin cells) and prevents it from reaching the superficial skin layers.

Both Cosmelan® 1 and Cosmelan® 2 stimulate cell turnover, helping to eliminate existing melanin accumulated in the visible skin layers. The active ingredients in Cosmelan® 1 include:

• Azelaic acid
• Kojic acid
• Phytic acid
• Ascorbic acid
• Arbutin
• Titanium dioxide

Cosmelan® 2’s active ingredients are:

• Titanium dioxide
• Kojic acid
• Phytic acid
• Ascorbic acid

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Your doctor may advise you to stop using topical retinoids, acid exfoliants (like glycolic acid), and other skin irritants for at least a week before your Cosmelan® peel to prevent excessive irritation.

In-Office Procedure

On the day of your treatment, your provider will cleanse your skin and apply the Cosmelan® 1 chemical peel mask. The mask is yellowish-brown and will be left on for 4-10 hours, depending on your skin type and sensitivity.

You may experience some warmth and mild tingling. If the mask begins to flake off towards the end of the treatment, this is normal. You will remove the mask at home using a gentle cleanser.

Post-Treatment Care

24 hours after the mask application, you will begin applying the Cosmelan® 2 cream once or twice a day, depending on your skin’s tolerance. To counterbalance any irritation from the products, you’ll also use Hydra-vital factor K, a moisturizing cream containing vitamin K.

It’s crucial to follow both steps of the treatment to achieve optimal results and fully benefit your skin.

How Often Can You Get a Cosmelan® Peel?

To achieve optimal results, multiple Cosmelan® peels may be necessary, typically spaced three months apart initially. After achieving the desired results, maintenance peels can be done annually to sustain effects. Consistent home care and sun protection are crucial to prolong results, potentially lasting years or even permanently.

• Procedure Description:
  • Begins with deep facial cleansing followed by precise application of the Cosmelan® Peel solution.
  • This solution comprises various acids and active ingredients that target melanin-producing cells, promoting skin lightening and evening of tone.
  • Sensations during application may include mild warmth or tingling lasting approximately 10-15 minutes.
  • A moisturizing mask follows to soothe the skin and minimize inflammation.

• Maintenance Sessions:
  • Recommended 2-3 sessions post-initial treatment to sustain results.
  • This includes re-application of the Cosmelan® Peel solution and gentle exfoliation to maintain skin health and radiance.

• Mechanism of Action:
  • Reduces melanin production, correcting uneven skin tone and diminishing dark spots.
  • Improves skin texture by reducing scars, wrinkles, redness, and other forms of discoloration.
  • Results in smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking skin without invasive procedures.

• Long-Term Benefits:
  • Achieve a more youthful and even complexion with regular maintenance sessions, avoiding the need for extensive surgeries or laser treatments.
  • Duration of effects varies based on the severity of skin condition but can typically last up to a year with proper care.