Cosmelan
Cosmelan is a professional-grade depigmentation treatment for melasma, sun damage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Instead of only targeting surface discoloration, it inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme behind melanin production, breaking down existing pigment while preventing new pigment from forming. No lasers, no chemical peels.
What isCosmelan?
Pigment problems have different roots: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind by acne or trauma, which is more common in darker skin; melasma driven by hormones, the so-called mask of pregnancy that tends to recur; and the brown spots and freckles that sun and time accumulate. Cosmelan addresses all of them at the source, which is why it is often the answer when other treatments have failed.
The treatment itself is a single painless in-office visit. Your skin is cleansed and prepped, then the Cosmelan mask goes on evenly, a light brown mud masque you wear home and wash off five to twelve hours later depending on your skin type. From there a structured at-home regimen takes over: a maintenance cream that keeps lifting pigment and exfoliating, strict daily sun protection, and hydration to support the skin barrier.
Expect redness and tightness for the first few days, peeling and flaking from days three to seven, and visible brightening from the second week onward. Significant pigment reduction shows over four to six weeks and keeps improving for months. For stubborn post-inflammatory pigment we sometimes pair it with laser treatment for a faster reduction; that call is made at your consultation.
Who is Cosmelan for?
Cosmelan is for pigment that keeps coming back, especially when creams and other treatments have let you down.
Because Cosmelan regulates melanin production rather than blasting pigment with energy, it is suitable for most skin types and tones, including darker skin where lasers demand extra caution. Your provider confirms the fit at consultation.
You struggle with melasma or dark spots
Hormonal melasma, sun spots, and age spots are Cosmelan's core territory.
Acne left marks behind
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and dark acne scars respond well, and the treatment helps acne itself.
Your skin tone is uneven
The dual corrective and regulating action evens tone and improves clarity across the face.
You want a non-laser solution
No lasers and no chemical peels, which matters for darker tones and for pigment that worsens with heat.
Other treatments have failed
Cosmelan is often recommended precisely when creams, peels, or lasers have not delivered.
Where pigmentshows up
Cosmelan treats the facial pigment patterns that bother patients most. Select an area to see what it does there.
Cosmelan, cheek melasma, 80 days1 / 2
Before andafter.
Melasma across the cheek, before treatment and 80 days after a Cosmelan depigmentation protocol, and a second patient photographed in profile. Cosmelan is a mask followed by a structured at-home regimen, so these are the result of a protocol rather than a single appointment. Drag the handle to compare.
See all Cosmelan resultsIndividual results vary. Photographs are from the treatment gallery on the practice's previous website and are not a guarantee of your own outcome.
Understand your pigment first
Hyperpigmentation has causes, and the right treatment starts with naming yours. Here is a dermatologist's walkthrough of how pigment actually gets treated.
Your consultation does the same for your skin, in person.
Whatto expect.
Book a consultationCosmelan is priced as a program: the in-office treatment plus the at-home maintenance regimen. You receive a personalized quote at consultation.
The mask is applied in the office and worn home, then washed off five to twelve hours later depending on your skin type.
Redness and tightness for the first days, then peeling and flaking through about day seven. Moisturizer camouflages the flaking; most routines continue around it.
Early brightening in one to two weeks, significant pigment reduction over four to six weeks, and continued improvement for months. Long-lasting with sunscreen and the maintenance cream, though pigment can return without them.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cosmelan used for?
Stubborn hyperpigmentation: melasma, sun damage and age spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne marks, freckles, and general uneven tone.
How is Cosmelan different from a peel or laser?
Peels and lasers remove pigment that has already formed. Cosmelan also regulates the production of new pigment by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme that drives melanin, so it corrects and helps prevent at the same time.
Does Cosmelan hurt?
No, the treatment itself is painless. During recovery you can expect mild tingling, redness, and sensitivity as the skin renews.
How long is the downtime?
About five to seven days of peeling and redness. Dryness and light flaking can continue for a few weeks, and moisturizer keeps it comfortable and camouflaged.
Will my skin peel?
Yes, peeling is a normal and expected part of the process, typically starting around day three.
How long does Cosmelan take to work?
Visible brightening within about two weeks, significant pigment reduction over four to six weeks, and continued improvement over the following months.
Do I need more than one treatment?
Most patients achieve their results with a single in-office treatment followed by the at-home maintenance regimen.
Is Cosmelan safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Because it works chemically on melanin production rather than with laser energy, it is suitable for most skin types and tones with an experienced provider, including darker skin where post-inflammatory pigment is most common.
Can Cosmelan cure melasma permanently?
Melasma has no permanent cure; it is hormonally driven and tends to recur. Cosmelan significantly reduces it, and daily sunscreen plus the maintenance regimen are essential to keep it from returning.
Can I wear makeup afterward?
Avoid makeup for the first few days until healing begins, then resume as your skin settles.
How important is sunscreen after Cosmelan?
Critical. Daily sun protection is the single biggest factor in keeping pigment from coming back after treatment.
Where to next
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Start from the concernWorth reading
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Read the answerAsk about your skin.
Tell us what you would like to change and we will come back with the treatments that fit, honest expectations, and a time to talk it through.
Your details go straight to our Montgomery Road front desk and are never shared. A team member replies during office hours, usually the same day.
Ready when you are.
Book a consultation at our Montgomery Road office, or call and we will help you decide where to start.
Medically reviewed by Shalini Gupta, MD, Harvard-trained dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center. Last reviewed September 2026. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a personalized medical consultation.