The winter treatment you won’t regret (and that will allow you to bypass the waitlist!)

What is it?

Cosmelan is a professional depigmenting method that fully removes hyperpigmentation, preventing its re-appearance for a short- and long-term outcome.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces more melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour). This is triggered by an increase level of a particular hormone and results in increased melanin synthesis. Consequently, we see spots or patches of skin appearing darker than surrounding areas. Melanin synthesis is triggered by excessive sun exposure and the ageing process and does not discriminate between skin types.

Why Cosmelan?

Numerous treatment options have been consolidated in the last decades; however a distinction can be made between treatments that seek to eliminate the melanin deposits, and those that seek to regulate the melanin synthesis within the melanocyte.

In relation to the elimination of melanin, laser therapy and intense pulse lights (IPL) are popular and widely used solutions, however, have presented heterogeneous efficacy in some skin profiles and even pose a high risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, there are many topical treatment alternatives (chemical peels etc) containing acids to accelerate epidermal turnover, however each present a partial solution to what is a complex problem.

Why in Winter?

Any treatment that is used for sunspots and pigmentation makes your skin more sensitive to UV and creates a side effect that is like a sunburn. Therefore, it’s important to avoid sun exposure for your treatment to work effectively. The sun in winter has a lower UV index and this coupled with expected cloud coverage and a tendency to stay indoors, helps to protect vulnerable new cells.

Is there downtime?

“Clients should expect to peel for at least 6 days post-treatment, plus anywhere between 1 – 3 weeks of redness, face flushing and sensitivity (depending on the person),” says MISS FRANC. “For this, we provide our own, customised Cosmelan ‘packs’ including an essential 5-week post-treatment skincare regime and in-clinic LED treatments to help calm the skin.” Every patient is sent home with the supporting maintenance cream, Cosmelan 2, which is to be applied for up to 7 months (with a gradual decrease in dose) for the optimum outcome.

And how do I bypass the waitlist?!

Step 1 of the treatment is performed in-clinic whereby the prescribed amount is professionally applied as a thick layer on the entire face, with increased thickness over the hyperpigmentation zones. This is completed early in the morning so to allow the full 12-hour process time. “We apply at 8AM and then remove at 8PM,” starts Francine. “Therefore, our earlier, 8AM appointments are secured on request for Cosmelan patients ONLY. Please enquire at reception to reserve the time and for your full Cosmelan prep plan.”

MISS FRANC is booked until August 2022. Please secure your appointments in advance to avoid disappointment.