Jessie’s Journey to Radiant Skin: How Cosmelan Erased Sun Damage and Melasma for Good!

Jessie is a yoga teacher in Christchurch

Meet Jessie, who is in her 40s and a keen surfer who loves the outdoors. However, her love for the sun and the ocean began to take a toll on her skin, leaving signs of sun damage behind. With this realization, Jessie took a proactive step to restore her skin’s radiance and sought help at Satini Cosmetic Clinic. Join us as we follow Jessie’s journey to rejuvenate her sun-damaged skin with the powerful Cosmelan Peel.

Jessie’s first appointment

Jessie met with Dr Nadja Haub, who carefully assessed her skin. Dr Nadja Haub found that Jessie has a beautiful dark-olive skin tone. But she has sun damage from surfing and spending much time outdoors in the harsh New Zealand sun. On top of that, Jessie also had a few brownish patches on her skin called melasma. This form of pigmentation is caused by hormonal changes such as pregnancy or oral contraceptives.

Based on her findings, Dr Nadja Haub recommended the Cosmelan Peel for Jessie’s skin. The Cosmelan Peel is a powerful solution for addressing hyperpigmentation and various skin discolourations. In Jessie’s case, it can provide the following benefits to her skin:

Improve sun damage and dark spots
Fade the melasma
Restore radiance and glow to the skin
Rejuvenate and refresh her appearance

After she consulted with Dr. Nadja Haub, Jessie agreed to try this treatment. Let’s follow Jessie through her Cosmelan peel treatment.

What is the cosmelan peel?

The Cosmelan Peel is a professional skin treatment that addresses various skin issues, primarily hyperpigmentation and melasma. It is a highly effective and widely recognized depigmentation procedure that can significantly reduce the appearance of dark spots, sun damage, and uneven skin tone.

Dr Nadja Haub says

The big advantage of the cosmelan peel is that it is so safe for all skin tones, from people with white and sometimes freckly skin to people with dark skin. Especially people of Asian origin or people with darker skin tones often struggle with uneven pigmentation. Unfortunately, Light based treatments such as laser or IPL are not a great option for these people as this can make the problem worse. In contrast to that, the cosmelan peel is safe on darker skin.

Meet Jessie Before Her Cosmelan Treatment

Jessie is a good candidate for the cosmelan peel. Her skin is olive, with a few dark spots due to sun damage. She also has mild melasma, which is a dark discolouration of the skin due to hormonal changes and sun exposure. A light-based treatment such as laser or IPL would not be a great treatment option for Jessie. This is because the risk for the laser to cause pigmentation problems is higher for people with darker skin tones.

Who is a good candidate for the cosmelan treatment?

Cosmelan treatment is a specialized and intensive skin pigmentation treatment that addresses issues such as melasma, hyperpigmentation, and other types of skin discolouration. It is typically recommended for individuals with these specific concerns:

Melasma: Cosmelan is particularly effective for treating melasma, a skin condition characterized by brown or grey-brown facial patches. Hormonal changes, sun exposure, or certain medications often trigger it.
Hyperpigmentation: If you have areas of the skin that are darker than the surrounding skin, cosmelan treatment can help even your skin tone.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This type of pigmentation occurs due to skin inflammation or injury, such as acne, burns, or other trauma. Cosmelan can aid in fading these dark spots.
Uneven Skin Tone: If you have an uneven complexion due to various factors like sun damage or age spots, cosmelan treatment can help improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Fitzpatrick Skin Types: Cosmelan is generally suitable for individuals with all skin tones, including fair and darker brown skin tones.

Jessie going home after her cosmelan mask

Watch how Dr Nadja Haub explains the Cosmelan Mask

What do I need to ask my doctor?

You may feel nervous before seeing your doctor to discuss something as sensitive as your appearance. This is entirely normal and happens to most people. Sometimes, it may help to write down any questions you would like to ask your doctor. To help you, here are a few suggestions of what you may be interested in.

Is Cosmelan the proper treatment for my skin concern? Are there other treatment options I should consider?
What are the potential benefits of Cosmelan for my skin?
What are the potential risks and side effects associated with Cosmelan treatment?
Are there any contraindications or medical conditions that might make me unsuitable for Cosmelan treatment?
How does Cosmelan work?
What is the expected timeline for seeing results from Cosmelan treatment?
What is the recommended aftercare routine following Cosmelan treatment?
Are there any potential complications I should watch out for during or after the treatment?
Are there any specific precautions I should take before, during, or after using Cosmelan? (e.g., sun exposure, skin care products, etc.)
Are there any potential interactions between Cosmelan and other medications or skincare products I currently use?
What should I do if I experience severe discomfort, irritation, or an adverse reaction while using Cosmelan?
Can you show me before-and-after photos of patients undergoing Cosmelan treatment for similar skin concerns?
What is the long-term outlook for maintaining the results achieved through Cosmelan treatment?

Watch Jessie during her Cosmelan mask application

Here are a few more things you need to know after you had the cosmelan mask:

Applying the cosmelan mask feels like a relaxing facial.
You need to leave the mask on for 6 to 8 hours. This means that you leave the clinic with your mask on.
Sometimes, the mask can become a bit dry. If this is the case, please apply a small amount of water with your hands on top of the mask.
You just need to wash the mask off with lukewarm water.

Watch Jessie 3 Days After Her Cosmelan Peel

Says 3 to 5 can be a bit tricky.

Expect

Redness, swelling and peeling. This can be pretty uncomfortable. Most people describe their level of discomfort as five to six out of ten (scale 0 to 10).

Do’s and Don’ts

Do look after yourself and allow yourself more rest than usual. Your skin is inflamed and needs time to heal.
Do apply melan recovery cream regularly to soothe your skin. You can use the melan recovery as often as you like.
Don’t touch your skin or try to remove peeling skin. If the skin peels a lot, apply more melan recovery.
Keep well hydrated.
Do change your pillow daily at night.
Don’t exercise or exhaust yourself.
Don’t apply ice packs only if the swelling gets very severe. This is because the inflammation is vital for best possible outcomes. Using ice suppresses the inflammation in your skin.
Try and distract yourself. This will take your mind off your discomfort and make it easier for you to cope.
Always apply sunscreen when you leave the house, even on cloudy days.

It is vital to stay in touch with your healthcare provider during this sensitive time. If you feel that anything is unexpected, contact your provider to ask them.

At this stage, you do not need to apply cosmelan 2 cream. Please only apply melan recovery and sunscreen if needed.

You can start applying the cosmelan 2 cream twice daily after 72 hours have passed. This is so that your skin can recover after the mask.

Jessie 2 days after cosmelan peel, redness and swelling of the lower face

4 Weeks After Jessie’s Cosmelan Peel

It is normal to notice mild inflammation, redness and peeling. Mainly after you apply the Cosmelan 2 cream, this is normal and will improve over time.

But the good news is that after four weeks, most people will notice that their pigmentation starts to fade and their overall skin texture and tone improves. You are on your road to success!

Before And After Photos after Jessie’s Cosmelan Peel

Commonly Asked Questions About The Cosmelan Peel

Why did Dr Nadja Haub not recommend laser treatment for Jessies’ skin?

Laser is a popular treatmentto restore skin texture and fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation.

Is the cosmelan peel safe?

Cosmelan is a safe treatment when administered by a trained and experienced professional. However, like any cosmetic procedure or treatment, there are potential risks and side effects that you should be aware of:

Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation: In rare cases, the treatment could lead to uneven skin pigmentation, either making the treated area darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation). This risk is usually minimized when a skilled practitioner performs the treatment.
Allergic Reactions: An allergic reaction to one of the ingredients in the Cosmelan mask is possible. It’s essential to inform your practitioner about any known allergies or sensitivities.
Sun Sensitivity: Cosmelan treatment makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Sun protection is essential after the treatment to prevent further pigmentation issues. Failure to protect your skin from the sun could lead to more pigmentation problems.

Why did Jessie not have laser?

Laser is a light-based treatment. It uses light of a single wavelength to induce minor burns on the skin. The skin then has to heal, and the new skin looks smoother, more radiant and refreshed. One disadvantage is, though, that, often, the light is absorbed by brown colour. As a result, any brown or darkish skin can overheat and become inflamed. Especially brown skin is prone to become hyperpigmented when it gets inflamed. This means any laser treatment risks causing pigmentation when performed on darker skin types. The risk is approximately 10 to 15%.

Do I need downtime after cosmelan?

Many individuals will experience downtime after a Cosmelan treatment. This downtime is usually for one or two days, depending on the intensity of the treatment and your skin’s sensitivity. Most of the time, people have to rest more than normal between days 3 and 5 after the mask. You may experience redness, peeling, and flaking during this time as your skin sheds the treated layers.

Does the cosmelan peel contain hydroquinone?

Cosmelan does not contain hydroquinone.

What ingredients does cosmelan 1 have?

The cosmelan 1 mask contains a unique mix of plant-based ingredients that target visible and uneven pigmentation. The mask was developed by scientists who tested different combinations of ingredients and found the best variety for pigmented skin types. Here is a list of all the ingredients of the cosmelan 1 mask.

Cosmelan 1 Mask:

Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,

What ingredients does Cosmelan 2 Cream have?

Cosmelan 2 Mask:

Anti-Pigmentation Ingredients:

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Kojic acid, Azelaic Acid,Glycyrrhiza glabra Root Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Ascorbic Acid , Niacinamide ,

Soothing and calming ingredients

Rumex occidentalis Extract, Aloe barbadensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Bisabolol

Moisturising Ingredients

Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Glycerin, Ceteareth-25, Urea, Glycerin , Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Stearyl Dimethicone

Natural Peels

Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid

Vitamins

Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol,

Thickening Agents

PEG-8 Beeswax, Ethoxydiglycol, Poloxamer 407, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Arabic Gum, Xantham Gum, Sclerotium Gum

Other Ingredients

Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Ethoxydiglycol, Disodium Ethylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate , Cetearyl Alcohol,Phytic acid, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate,Water, Titanium Dioxide, Alcohol, C30-45 Alkyl Methicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methyl Pyrrolidone,

What Ingredients does the solution before the mask have?

Before the doctor or nurse apply the cosmelan 1 mask, they will use a solution to the skin. This prepares the skin for the mask application and enhances the absorption of the ingredients in the mask.

Oil Removing Mask

Acetone, Alcohol, Aqua, Citric Acid, CI 42090.

How do I need to look after my skin after the cosmelan peel?

After the cosmelan peel, it is essential to stay patient. It may take a few weeks for you to see the full results. It is also common to have a mild degree of redness and irritation after the cosmelan mask. This will usually settle as your skin gets used to the skin care products.

After the cosmelan treatment, you have to apply a few skincare products to you skin.

These products are:

Melan Recovery: This product helps to smooth and calm your skin after the procedure.
Cosmelan 2 cream: You must continue using this cream, even though it can sometimes irritate the skin and cause redness. This is because the cosmelan 2 cream will prevent new pigment from forming and fade the pigment you already have.
Melan Mesoprotech SPF 130 Sun Screen: For all types of pigmentation, it is incredibly important that you use highly protective sunscreen daily, even during the winter months. Any type of pigmentation can quickly reoccur, even if you spend a few minutes in the sun with no protection.

Can my pigmentation reoccur after cosmelan?

Yes. Any pigmentation quickly reoccurs. The two main factors that make it come back are sun exposure and hormonal changes in women.

For example, melasma often reoccurs if you get pregnant or start an oral contraceptive. Other forms of depigmentation, such as dark spots or freckles, come back when you go into the sun without applying a highly protective SPF 50+ sunscreen.

Do I need to use cosmelan lifelong?

The answer is really, “Yes You Have To”. Especially when you have melasma. This form of pigmentation quickly reoccurs, which is crucial to prevent any new pigment from forming. Most people continue using the Cosmelan 2 cream two or three times per week, but there are other treatments available as well. On top of that, you have to wear SPF 50+ sunscreen every single day, even when it is cloudy or winter.

When your pigmentation reoccurs, you may have to intensify your treatment again and use the cosmelan 2 cream daily. Another option is seeing a doctor who can treat your melasma with prescription medication, such as the Kligman Solution or tranexamic acid.

Can you use cosmelan 2 cream during pregnancy?

You should not use any cosmelan 2 cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The cream contains many ingredients that were not proven to be safe. The main ingredient that has potentially harmful effects on a fetus is retinyl-palmitate, which is a fat-soluble Vitamin A. High-dose vitamin A, taken as a tablet, is well-known for causing birth defects when you take it during early pregnancy. When you apply Vitamin A to the skin, only tiny amounts will go into the bloodstream, but it is best to be safe and not use this potentially harmful ingredient on your skin.

Who can not have the cosmelan peel?

If you have active or cystic acne, the cosmelan peel is not a good treatment option as it can worsen your current outbreak.

It is also not a suitable treatment if you take roaccutane for acne or have taken roaccutane within the last six months. Whereas cosmelan is an appropriate treatment for all skin types, it is not recommended if you have very sensitive skin or are allergic to any of the ingredients. In this case, it may be best to perform a patch test first.

How much does the cosmelan treatment cost?

Prices in New Zealand vary depending on how many additional skincare products or facials are included in your treatment. At Satini Cosmetic Clinic, we provide one cosmelan home maintenance pack when you have the mask applied. On top of that, we offer a free mesoestetic deep cell renewal facial after four weeks to help your skin heal. After a cosmelan mask, we provide all additional skin care products for 15%

Prices start from 1800 NZD.

Can the pigmentation come back after the cosmelan peel?

Yes. Any form of pigmentation reoccurs quickly. For example, if you go out into the sun, even if it is only for a few minutes, your uneven pigmentation can start showing again. Because of that, you must continue using the cosmelan 2 creamon a regular basis, even though less frequently. For most people, it will be enough to apply a small amount of cosmelan 2 cream two or three times per week. If, despite that, your pigment starts to show again, you may have to use it more frequently and in larger amounts. Be prepared that this is lifelong.

You can read more about how to maintain your skin after cosmelan here.

Watch Jessie During Her Cosmelan Journey