Cosmelan Peel is a Mesoestetic-certified, medical-grade depigmentation treatment system — and it is fundamentally different from a conventional chemical peel in one critical way: it treats the root cause of pigmentation rather than just its surface appearance. A standard chemical peel (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, TCA) exfoliates the outer layers of the skin, removing dead and pigmented cells and stimulating surface renewal — this produces temporary brightening, but it does not address the melanocyte overactivity that generated the pigmentation in the first place. When UV exposure, hormonal stimulation or skin inflammation resumes, the pigmentation returns — often rapidly. Cosmelan Peel works through a dual mechanism that no standard peel offers: its multi-active formulation (including kojic acid, azelaic acid, phytic acid, retinoic acid, ascorbic acid and the proprietary Cosmesome complex) simultaneously clears existing melanin deposits from the epidermal skin cells through intensive exfoliation AND inhibits tyrosinase — the key enzyme in melanogenesis — suppressing the biological overproduction of new melanin at the cellular level. The Cosmelan 2 at-home maintenance cream continues this tyrosinase inhibition for 4–7 months after the in-clinic session, preventing melanin from accumulating again during the critical recovery period. This combination of surface correction and cellular regulation produces depigmentation results that are clinically superior, more lasting and more effective for stubborn melasma than any standard single-mechanism chemical peel.

Yes — the Cosmelan Peel protocol requires only one in-clinic application session. This is one of its most significant practical advantages over multi-session chemical peel courses. During the in-clinic session at Maynee, your dermatologist applies the Cosmelan 1 professional-grade mask — which you wear for 8–12 hours and remove at home using the prescribed protocol. This single in-clinic application triggers the comprehensive depigmentation process. The critical ongoing work then happens at home: the Cosmelan 2 cream, applied daily on a prescribed tapering schedule, continues tyrosinase inhibition for 4–7 months. This means you are continuing your treatment every day at home — the difference is that you do not need to return to the clinic repeatedly. Follow-up review appointments at Maynee are scheduled at weeks 4–6 and months 3 and 6 — not for re-treatment but for dermatologist assessment and adjustment of the maintenance protocol based on your skin's response. For patients with deeper or more resistant pigmentation, a second in-clinic session may be recommended at the 4–6 week review to augment results, but the majority of patients complete the full protocol with a single application session. This makes Cosmelan considerably more practical for working professionals who cannot take regular time off for repeated clinic treatments.

Cosmelan Peel has a visible, active recovery period of approximately 10–14 days — more noticeable than glycolic or salicylic acid peels, but far less extreme than medium-depth TCA or deep phenol peels. Understanding the recovery timeline in detail helps clients plan and manage their expectations: Days 1–3 post mask removal: redness, warmth, tightness and mild swelling — similar to moderate sunburn. Skin is sensitised and reactive. SPF and prescribed barrier moisturiser are applied every few hours. Days 4–7: visible, active peeling and skin shedding begins — this is the most noticeable phase. The outer pigmented epidermal layer sheds in visible flakes, particularly around areas of highest pigmentation. This can look dramatic and clients are advised to plan their social or professional calendar accordingly. Days 8–12: peeling progressively subsides. Skin becomes smoother and clearer as the freshly-renewed epidermal layer is revealed. Days 12–14: most visible peeling is complete. The skin is noticeably brighter, smoother and the early reduction in surface pigmentation becomes visible for the first time. Most clients can return to work 2–3 days post mask removal with prescribed skincare and minimal makeup (after 48 hours). For social events where appearance is important, planning around days 4–10 is advisable. The most important practical commitment during recovery — and throughout the full maintenance phase — is rigorous daily SPF 50+ application every 2 hours. This is non-negotiable and is the single biggest determinant of your final depigmentation outcome.

Cosmelan Peel is specifically recognised in dermatology literature as one of the safest and most effective medical-grade depigmentation treatments for Indian and South Asian skin tones (Fitzpatrick III–V). This is particularly significant because darker Indian skin is at elevated risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from many other depigmentation approaches — including lasers, IPL, medium-to-deep chemical peels and even some physical exfoliation procedures. Cosmelan avoids these risks for two key reasons: first, it uses no heat, laser energy or radiofrequency — which are the primary triggers of inflammatory PIH in darker skin; second, its formulation includes ingredients (ascorbic acid, phytic acid, azelaic acid) that have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the inflammatory trigger for PIH during the exfoliation process. The risk of PIH after Cosmelan Peel is minimised when: the dermatologist correctly calibrates the application time for your specific Fitzpatrick type; the skin is appropriately primed beforehand (if required); the complete aftercare protocol is followed; and — most critically — daily SPF 50+ is applied rigorously throughout the full maintenance phase. At Maynee, all of these parameters are managed by a certified dermatologist with specific expertise in Indian skin depigmentation protocols — ensuring the highest possible safety margin alongside maximum efficacy.

Cosmelan Peel results follow a progressive timeline across the full maintenance phase — not a single dramatic reveal. Here is a realistic, evidence-based result timeline for most patients: Weeks 2–4 (post mask removal): initial surface brightening visible as the outer pigmented layers have shed and fresher, more even skin is revealed. Dark spots and melasma patches appear visibly lighter. Skin tone appears more unified under natural light. Months 2–3: progressive fading continues as the Cosmelan 2 maintenance cream continues tyrosinase inhibition and the skin renews at an accelerated rate. Melasma patches continue to fade and uneven tone improves visibly. Months 4–6: maximum depigmentation results achieved — the most significant visible reduction in melasma area and severity, dark spot clearance and skin tone uniformity. Skin texture, luminosity and firmness are also notably improved from the multi-active formulation. Duration of results: with strict daily SPF 50+ compliance and the full Cosmelan 2 maintenance protocol, results are long-lasting — typically 1–2 years or more before significant recurrence for many patients. Melasma, however, is a chronic condition driven by genetics, hormones and UV exposure — it can recur if triggering factors (sun exposure, hormonal changes) resume. Maintenance sessions or periodic Cosmelan 2 top-up use, guided by your dermatologist, extend remission substantially. For post-acne PIH and sun-induced dark spots — which are not driven by hormonal mechanisms — results are often more permanent with ongoing SPF commitment.

Cosmelan Peel is not painful — but it does involve a recovery experience that clients should be fully prepared for. During the in-clinic application of the Cosmelan 1 mask, most clients experience mild tingling or a warm sensation as the active ingredients begin to penetrate the skin — this is brief and resolves within minutes. The mask is comfortable during the 8–12 hour wear period, though clients describe some tightening sensation. In the hours after mask removal, and throughout the first 3 days of recovery, clients experience redness, warmth and a mild-to-moderate stinging sensation similar to sunburn — this is the active healing and exfoliation response. Over-the-counter pain relief is not typically required, but the skin is sensitised and responds strongly to heat, friction and sun exposure during this period — so it is important to keep skin cool, covered and moisturised. During the peeling phase (days 4–10), the skin is dry, tight and sometimes itchy as the outer layer sheds — clients describe this as uncomfortable rather than painful. Keeping skin continuously moisturised with the prescribed product significantly reduces this sensation. By day 10–12, the active phase resolves and skin begins to feel comfortable and increasingly radiant. Clients who have experienced waxing, laser or medium-depth peels typically find the Cosmelan recovery experience well within their tolerance — and the results far superior to the temporary discomfort.

Cosmelan 1 and Cosmelan 2 are the two phases of the Mesoestetic Cosmelan depigmentation protocol — and both phases are equally essential to achieving the full clinical result. Cosmelan 1 is the professional-strength mask applied in-clinic by your dermatologist. It is worn for 8–12 hours and delivers the initial intensive depigmentation action — a concentrated burst of tyrosinase-inhibiting, melanin-clearing, exfoliation-accelerating activity from its multi-active formulation (kojic acid, azelaic acid, phytic acid, retinoic acid, ascorbic acid and the Cosmesome complex). This phase removes existing melanin deposits from the skin's surface layers and triggers the accelerated renewal process. Cosmelan 2 is the at-home maintenance cream that follows the in-clinic session. Applied daily on a prescribed tapering schedule over 4–7 months, it contains the same active ingredients at a daily-use concentration — maintaining continuous tyrosinase inhibition and preventing new melanin from accumulating as the skin renews. The at-home phase is where Cosmelan's clinical superiority over all standard peels is built: the sustained, uninterrupted melanocyte regulation during 4–7 months of daily maintenance is what delivers the long-term depigmentation stability that short-acting peels cannot produce. Clients who skip or shorten the Cosmelan 2 phase consistently achieve inferior results compared to those who complete the full prescribed protocol. The at-home commitment is not optional — it is the cornerstone of the treatment's long-term success.

Before your session: Stop all retinoids (tretinoin, retinol), AHA products (glycolic, lactic, mandelic acid), BHA products (salicylic acid) and all physical exfoliants 5–7 days before. No waxing, threading or dermaplaning 48 hours before. Avoid prolonged or intense sun exposure for 2 full weeks prior — UV-stressed skin has a sensitised melanocyte state that makes it more reactive to the Cosmelan 1 application. Arrive without any makeup, sunscreen or skincare on the treatment area. Inform your dermatologist about all current medications (especially hormonal contraceptives, antibiotics, photosensitisers, diuretics or isotretinoin), supplements and any new skin changes. Do not proceed if you have an active herpes outbreak, open wounds or significant active skin inflammation.

After mask removal — first 72 hours: SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every 2 hours is the single most important factor for your results. No gym, sauna, steam room or heavy sweating for 72 hours. No makeup for 24–48 hours. Use ONLY your prescribed gentle cleanser and barrier moisturiser — no active ingredients of any kind. Do not apply Cosmelan 2 until your dermatologist's prescribed start date. Do not touch or press on treated skin.

Throughout the full maintenance phase: Never pick or mechanically remove peeling skin — this is the primary cause of PIH and poor outcomes after Cosmelan. Apply Cosmelan 2 exactly as prescribed — never increase frequency beyond the prescribed schedule. Maintain rigorous daily SPF 50+ throughout the 4–7 month maintenance phase — every single day, whether indoors or outdoors in Chennai. Resume additional active skincare ingredients (vitamin C, retinoids, AHAs) only when explicitly cleared by your dermatologist.

Yes — Cosmelan Peel is frequently combined with other dermatological treatments for patients with complex or multi-layered skin concerns. However, the sequencing and timing of any additional treatments must be managed with dermatologist expertise to ensure safety and avoid adverse interactions during the active Cosmelan maintenance phase. Common and clinically validated combination approaches include: Microneedling — for patients with both significant pigmentation and depressed acne scars or significant skin laxity, microneedling sessions can be scheduled after the Cosmelan peeling phase has resolved (typically after week 4–6) to address deeper structural skin concerns that Cosmelan's surface mechanism cannot reach. LED light therapy — anti-inflammatory LED sessions can support the healing and recovery process during the active recovery phase and enhance the overall skin quality outcomes alongside the Cosmelan maintenance programme. Physician-prescribed brightening agents — additional prescription topical agents (hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, niacinamide) may be incorporated into the maintenance protocol by your dermatologist to augment Cosmelan 2's pigmentation-controlling effect for particularly resistant or deep melasma. Any laser, IPL, chemical peel or other energy-based treatment must be appropriately spaced from the Cosmelan in-clinic session — typically a minimum of 4–6 weeks before or after. Your dermatologist at Maynee will design a safe, sequenced combination plan if your skin concerns require a multi-modal approach.

Cosmelan Peel cost at Maynee Chennai depends on several factors: the area being treated (face only, or face with neck, hands or décolletage), whether the complete Mesoestetic Cosmelan kit — including the Cosmelan 2 maintenance cream, Melan Recovery, prescribed moisturiser and SPF — is included in the package cost, the specific maintenance programme duration (4 months vs 6–7 months) appropriate for your pigmentation pattern, and whether any complementary skin priming treatments or follow-up consultations are included. Because every Cosmelan treatment at Maynee is fully personalised following a comprehensive dermatologist skin assessment — accounting for your skin type, pigmentation severity, area to be treated and individual treatment goals — we do not publish fixed pre-set prices that may not reflect your actual treatment requirements and include everything needed for a successful outcome. A complete, transparent cost breakdown with full itemisation and no hidden charges is provided after your skin assessment appointment. There is no obligation or pressure to proceed. Book a skin assessment to receive your personalised Cosmelan Peel plan and a comprehensive cost overview.