Does Cosmelan Work on Melasma?

Melasma is a common disorder that is often difficult to treat.  It isn't unusual for a patient to become frustrated after trying  a variety of treatments in an attempt to  obtain satisfactory results.  Like most other complicated skin conditions, a combination of treatments paired with the proper skin regimen works best! Topical de-pigmenting agents  such as hydroquinone or other melanin inhibitors along with a topical tretinoic acid to increase skin cell turnover,  hastens the fading of uneven patches.  This commitment along with specific medical-grade chemical peels, appropriate  laser treatments and diligent protection , can enhance the likelihood of reducing or resolving melasma !#melasma  #chemicalpeels # unevenskincolor

Great question!  Melasma is a skin condition that is very hard to treat because the pigmentation lies deeper in the skin layers. It can be caused by excessive sun exposure, pregnancy, hormone treatment and certain medications.  Melasma also has a genetic component and can be a chronic condition.  Cosmelan peel penetrates deep into the skin to decrease the natural production of tyrosinase enzyme (enzyme responsible for controlling the production of melanin).  It is done in a two peel treatment and.the patient is given a maintenance cream to use for several months afterwards.  Our patients typically see a 50 to 70% improvement.

Melasma is a skin condition where the face takes on a brownish color. It is Hyperpigmentation: an unnatural-looking increase in pigmentation, brought on by sun exposure, certain prescription medications or pregnancy. In fact, Melasma is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 40.

Fortunately, Cosmelan depigmentation treatments are available to restore your face to its natural look. Based on the inhibition of tyrosine, which is the enzyme responsible for the melanin Hyperpigmentation, Cosmelan® is a formula available only from a plastic surgeon.

After about one week, you’ll start to notice a difference. The excessive skin pigmentation will start to decrease, and your face will return to its normal appearance. We offer Cosmelan depigmentation treatments at both our San Francisco and Marin offices.
 

Melasma can be very frustrating. Most patients welcome any type of help. They usually have gone through bleaching creams and other treatments.
We have had good results with the Cosmelan treatment program. The reduction in pigmentation, of course, varies from patient to patient. It should be used in conjunction with a skin care strategy.

Cosmelan has varying degrees of effect on every patient but most patients are very happy to get some kind of pigment blending, so even partial improvements are welcome.
Those who struggle with Melasma know just how frustrating finding a good treatment can be. The first step is getting your pigment producing cells to slow down. Cosmelan contains various pigment suppressors and with the introduction of Cosmelan MD, the option for hydroquinone is there.
Suppression is critical. You can peel every week and get some relief by exfoliation of surface pigmentation, but unless the melanocytes in your skin revert to a more normal level of activity, you'll see your Melasma spring up again and again.
Cosmelan is great at giving your skin a kick start by the power of the Cosmelan Peel which causes a considerable amount of surface pigment to peel away. The suppression ingredients will start the slowing down of pigment production deep in the skin.
The BIG "MUST" in your treatment is protecting your skin from UV exposure. Sunlight and excessive heat will put your pigment reducing cells back into overdrive and you'll end up where you started. It is IMPERATIVE that you use a high SPF sun screen every day, clouds or sun, in the car or on the beach. Sunblocks with UVA and UVB protection are really important.
You will need to use pigment suppression products on an ongoing basis as well. Most likely you will need a maintenance peel now and then to keep the Melasma at bay. Like acne, Melasma is not so much cured as controlled. Cosmelan has proven to be a very useful controlling program.

It is important to understand that no single treatment will work for everyone. We would love to be able to predict which of our patients will respond to Cosmelan and which to our other topical programs. Unfortunately we cannot. We have found that Cosmelan works well for about 50% - 70% of our patients. We do have higher response rates for our other topical programs, but Cosmelan is a good option for many Melasma patients.
As was stated by another practitioner, Melasma is a condition that is not cured, but rather managed. Those patients seeking a one time fix will be disappointed regardless of which treatment option they choose.

Melasma is a progressive process that exhibits excessive pigmentation of the facial skin. Hormones play a major factor in the development of melasma in fadult emales, but melasma can occur at all ages and in males and females.

Cosmelan has been introduced as a non-invasive chemical peel with potent ingredients that can temporary lighten hyperpigmentation.

The key to the successful treatment of hyperpigmentation and melasma is to understand its causes and realize that there is no permanent solution. An aggressive acute and longterm protocol must be initiated in order to provide a durable solution. Otherwise, a single pronged treatment with Cosmelan will not provide longterm satisfaction.

I have found additional success with the Melarase creams for longterm care of melasma. 

Cosmelan is a treatment made for treating Melasma. It's main ingredient is Hydroquinone, which is a lightening agent that suppress melanin production by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosine needed to make melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives human skin, hair and eyes their color.

Cosmelan is a fabulous treatment for melasma.  It is an in office procedure which is placed on the skin by the physician.  It takes two treatments scheduled three weeks apart.  The results are dramatic.  Strict sun avoidance and maintenance creams are necessary to complete the process.  For the best results please consult a board certified physician with a great deal of experience with melasma and cosmelan therapy.

Comelan for melasma is a great alternative and we see great results. I suggest purchasing and doing your treatments with a reputiable physician who works with all skin types