No, you should not attempt to do a Cosmelan peel at home. Cosmelan is a professional-strength depigmentation treatment that must be applied by a qualified practitioner in a clinical setting. The initial mask application requires precise technique, timing and assessment of your skin's response, which only a trained professional can provide safely. The treatment involves a potent combination of active ingredients that can cause significant irritation, burns or complications if applied incorrectly or left on too long. While you will be given Cosmelan 2 maintenance cream to use at home as part of the aftercare protocol, this is very different from the initial in-clinic mask treatment and must only be used following your practitioner's specific instructions after the professional treatment has been performed. Attempting to purchase or apply professional-strength Cosmelan products at home without proper training, consultation and supervision puts your skin at serious risk of damage, severe irritation, hyperpigmentation rebound or scarring. If you are interested in Cosmelan treatment, book a consultation at a reputable clinic where a qualified practitioner can assess your suitability, perform the treatment safely and provide comprehensive aftercare guidance.

In Kingston upon Thames, the price of Cosmelan Peel typically ranges from around £1000 to £1000, but individual clinics may charge more or less. How much Cosmelan Peel costs in Kingston upon Thames will depend on the treatment area, severity of pigmentation, whether a course of sessions is needed and the practitioner’s experience. The price of Cosmelan Peel may also include consultation, aftercare products and follow-up care, so the total cost can vary by clinic. You can find the exact, up-to-date price for this treatment in the catalogue

You should avoid wearing makeup for at least 48 to 72 hours after Cosmelan peel treatment, and ideally longer if your skin is still very red, tight or peeling. Immediately after the treatment and during the initial peeling phase, your skin will be extremely sensitive, inflamed and vulnerable. Applying makeup during this time can cause irritation, introduce bacteria that could lead to infection, interfere with the healing process or exacerbate inflammation. Once the most intense redness and sensitivity have subsided, usually after 3 to 5 days, you may be able to use mineral-based or non-comedogenic makeup products, but only if your practitioner approves. Even then, application should be gentle, using clean brushes or applicators, and products should be free from potential irritants like fragrances or harsh preservatives. During the active peeling phase, which can last 7 to 14 days, makeup can be difficult to apply smoothly and may look patchy or cling to flaking skin. Most practitioners recommend waiting until the majority of visible peeling has subsided before resuming normal makeup use, typically around 1 to 2 weeks post-treatment. Always prioritise healing over cosmetic coverage, use only products approved by your practitioner, and be prepared to have downtime where you cannot wear makeup comfortably. Following your practitioner's specific aftercare instructions regarding makeup is essential for optimal healing and results.

Cosmelan 2 can cause some peeling, though typically less dramatic than the peeling from the initial Cosmelan mask treatment performed in the clinic. Cosmelan 2 is the maintenance cream you use at home after the professional treatment, and it contains active depigmenting ingredients that continue the treatment process. When you first begin using Cosmelan 2, usually starting a few days after the in-clinic treatment, you may experience additional peeling, flaking, dryness and sensitivity as the product continues to work on pigmentation and cellular turnover. The intensity of peeling from Cosmelan 2 depends on how frequently you apply it, how much you use, your individual skin sensitivity and where you are in the treatment protocol. Your practitioner will provide specific instructions on how often to apply Cosmelan 2, typically starting conservatively and gradually increasing frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Some people experience minimal peeling with Cosmelan 2, while others have more noticeable flaking, particularly if they increase application frequency too quickly. The peeling from Cosmelan 2 is generally more manageable than the initial treatment and can be controlled by adjusting application frequency. If you experience excessive irritation, redness or peeling from Cosmelan 2, reduce the frequency of application and consult your practitioner for guidance. The maintenance phase with Cosmelan 2 is crucial for achieving and maintaining optimal depigmentation results.

Cosmelan peel is widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments for melasma, hyperpigmentation and stubborn pigmentation issues, with strong clinical evidence and patient success stories supporting its effectiveness. The treatment works by targeting melanin production at multiple levels, combining powerful depigmenting agents that inhibit the enzyme responsible for melanin formation. Many people experience significant improvement in pigmentation, with more even skin tone, reduced dark patches and overall brighter complexion after completing the full treatment protocol. However, effectiveness varies depending on several factors including the type and severity of pigmentation being treated, with melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation typically responding well; your skin type and ethnicity, as darker skin tones require more careful management; adherence to the strict aftercare protocol, including sun protection and proper use of Cosmelan 2; lifestyle factors like sun exposure and hormonal influences; and realistic expectations about outcomes. Cosmelan works best for people who commit to the full treatment protocol, including the intensive at-home maintenance phase, and who diligently protect their skin from sun exposure. Results are not instant, typically developing over 2 to 6 months as pigmentation gradually fades. While highly effective for many, Cosmelan is not a miracle cure, and some stubborn cases may require multiple treatments or combination approaches. A thorough consultation with an experienced practitioner is essential to determine if Cosmelan is suitable for your specific pigmentation concern and skin type.

Cosmelan peel works through a two-phase process targeting pigmentation at multiple levels. The treatment begins with an in-clinic application of the Cosmelan 1 mask, a thick, dark paste containing a powerful combination of depigmenting agents including azelaic acid, kojic acid, phytic acid, ascorbic acid and other active ingredients. This mask is applied generously to clean skin and left on for a prescribed period, typically 8 to 12 hours depending on your skin type and the practitioner's assessment. During this time, the active ingredients penetrate the skin and begin inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, while also promoting exfoliation of pigmented cells. You remove the mask at home following specific timing instructions, then begin an intensive homecare regimen using Cosmelan 2 maintenance cream and accompanying products. The second phase involves continued use of Cosmelan 2 at home, which maintains the depigmenting action, controls melanin production and supports skin regeneration. The treatment causes controlled exfoliation, shedding pigmented skin cells and revealing fresher, more even-toned skin underneath. Over weeks and months, pigmentation gradually fades as new, less pigmented cells replace old ones and melanin production is regulated. The protocol requires strict sun protection, as UV exposure can trigger pigmentation rebound. Cosmelan works differently from superficial peels by targeting the root cause of pigmentation rather than just surface discolouration, which is why results can be more significant and longer-lasting for appropriate candidates.

Peeling after Cosmelan typically begins around day 3 to 5 after the in-clinic treatment and continues for approximately 7 to 14 days, though the timeline and intensity vary considerably between individuals. The peeling process usually follows a pattern: for the first 2 to 3 days after removing the mask, your skin will be very red, tight and sensitive but not yet peeling; around days 3 to 5, you will notice flaking beginning, often starting around the mouth, nose and forehead; days 5 to 10 typically involve the most dramatic peeling, with skin coming off in sheets or flakes, particularly in areas of thicker skin; by days 10 to 14, peeling usually subsides significantly, with some residual flaking possible for up to 3 weeks. The amount and duration of peeling depend on several factors including your skin type and thickness, the strength and duration of the mask application, your individual skin's response, and whether you continue using Cosmelan 2, which can cause additional mild peeling. Some people experience very dramatic, visible peeling in large sheets, while others have more subtle flaking. The peeling phase can be uncomfortable, itchy and socially challenging, as the skin looks quite obvious during this time. It is crucial not to pick, peel or forcibly remove flaking skin, as this can cause scarring, infection or pigmentation issues. Keep skin moisturised, follow your aftercare protocol precisely and be patient while allowing the process to complete naturally. Plan for at least 1 to 2 weeks of significant downtime when scheduling Cosmelan treatment.

Most people require only one Cosmelan peel treatment, as it is designed to be an intensive, single-treatment protocol followed by a long-term maintenance phase rather than a series of repeated peels. The single in-clinic mask application is followed by months of home maintenance using Cosmelan 2 and strict sun protection, which continues the depigmenting process and maintains results. However, in some cases, additional treatments may be considered: people with very stubborn, deep or extensive pigmentation, particularly severe melasma, may benefit from a second Cosmelan treatment after 6 to 12 months if the first treatment achieved significant but incomplete improvement; those who experience pigmentation rebound due to sun exposure, hormonal changes or inadequate maintenance may need a repeat treatment; and some practitioners may recommend a lighter maintenance peel or different treatment after the initial Cosmelan to enhance or prolong results. The decision to repeat Cosmelan treatment depends on your response to the first treatment, the type and severity of your pigmentation, adherence to the maintenance protocol, lifestyle factors and your practitioner's assessment. It is important to complete the full maintenance phase, which can last several months, and allow adequate time to see final results before considering additional treatments. Many people achieve satisfactory, long-lasting results with a single Cosmelan treatment when combined with proper maintenance and sun protection. Your practitioner will evaluate your progress and advise whether additional treatments are necessary or beneficial for your specific situation.

Before Cosmelan peel, people typically have concerns such as melasma showing as brown or grey patches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose or upper lip; post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, injuries or previous treatments; sun damage and age spots creating uneven skin tone; stubborn dark patches that have not responded to other treatments; or general hyperpigmentation making the complexion appear dull and uneven. These pigmentation issues often cause significant distress and can be resistant to topical treatments alone. After completing Cosmelan peel treatment and the maintenance phase, typically over 3 to 6 months, most people experience significant improvement in their pigmentation concerns. Dark patches and melasma typically fade substantially, though complete clearance varies; overall skin tone becomes more even and uniform; the complexion appears brighter, more radiant and healthier; sun damage and age spots are visibly reduced; and skin texture often improves as a secondary benefit. The degree of improvement varies considerably depending on the type and severity of pigmentation, skin type, adherence to the aftercare protocol and lifestyle factors. Some people achieve dramatic, transformative results with near-complete clearance of pigmentation, while others experience significant but not total improvement. During the treatment process, your skin will go through challenging phases including intense redness, peeling and temporary darkening of pigmentation before improvement becomes visible. Initial results may be seen after 2 to 4 weeks, with continued improvement over several months as the maintenance phase progresses. It is crucial to maintain strict sun protection indefinitely after Cosmelan, as pigmentation can return with UV exposure. Your practitioner should provide realistic before and after photos from their own work, showing results at various timepoints and on different skin types, to help set appropriate expectations. Cosmelan can be life-changing for people with stubborn pigmentation, but requires commitment to the full protocol and ongoing maintenance for optimal, lasting results.