Hey all, I am a RN that has been doing Cosmelan Mask on patients in my office for several years. I have noticed many inconsistencies in this companies formula and I think I have a system that works. We charge $595 for the treatment and we are wary of the new formulas since they have decreased some of the vital elements in their mask to avoid the FDA and fines. If you want the most up to date information and the most effective mask kit, contact me and I will use the best masks based on lot number. Protect your investment! I am in Beverly Hills California FYI.
August1010@ca.rr.com

please e-mail me the md in santa monica's info that uses the old cosmelan
please. i live there and would love to get the right treatment. my address is JCIOLAS@aol.com

I am interested in information about the Santa Monica Dr using the old (powerful) formula. Please email his point of contact information.
Thank you!!

Yes the the old formula work much better , the new one doesn't work as well and its so dry .
Does some office still carry the old version?
I need the phone # or email address too. Thanks
NKA1960@yahoo.com

Hi Everyone,

I have any appointment for the old mask in OC at Dr. Pilest office. I will let you know of the outcome.

As for the numbers of the doctors who carry the old C1 and C2, All I did was call doctors and plastic surgeons in the area to find out if the have the old formula (yellow tint on c2). There is a Dr. Fritzgerald in LA (323)464-8046. Another Dr. Rubenstein is Studio City -
818-505-9300. I am sure you can find others in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica or around you area just by calling. Medspas do not carry the old formulas. Some dermatologists and plastic surgeons do not carry them old formula as well; however, the old timers still get the old cosmelan,
which tells me that it is still being made. I am told that RNs and estheticians are not provided the old formula because it is too strong.

I hope this helps everyone. Don't forget when you call the offices - the old C2 is brown with a yellow tint. The new C2 is brown but WITHOUT the yellow tint and goes on pasty. The new formula WILL NOT WORK. I have tried it in March. In addition, the most you can have the OLD mask on your face is 8 hours due to its potency. The NEW mask was on my for 13 hours.

I am sure that for anyone who wants to get a hold of the OLD cosmelan - you can by just calling around. I did.

Jay

Hi Everyone,

Well I went to Dr. Pilest for the Cosmelan mask. I did it on the 8th of May and I have to admit I loved it. So far I got good results. I'm going on the 3rd week still slightly pink, I have melasma on my forehead and cheek the one on my forehead got really light I want to say about 80% lighter and I have the one on my check about 50% lighter. I want to say Cosmelan is the only that work I've tried HQ 4% by Bearberry and I tried Meladerm and another one that I got I got from Skin Perfect that cost $80 and all these products did not do anything for me not even a slight difference.

I want to say so far I'm please I just hope it lasts!! Because cosmelan is temporary. But if it doesn't I will do it again.

Justina

LS - Please e-mail the name of your derm in sm who does the old Cosmelan.
Thank you so much!
Are you still pleased with your results?

Saltglow@aol.com

Justina,

How long did you have the mask on? Is the melasma on your cheek dark, dermal or epidermal? I am just curious why the improvement is 50%?

Jay,

The one on my cheek was dermal more surface to the skin it worked better on the epidermal one. But it's still getting ligther. As a matter of fact before when I would use coverup i would still have to put concealer on top of that and it would still be visible but now I don't have to put concealer.

But I am very happy with my results. I left it on for 10 hours. I went to the doctor you said you were going to Dr. Pilest's office in OC.

Justina,

May I ask when did you start lightening up? Dr. Pilest had me on the mask for only 4 hours and I am type 3 olive skin, so I am not sure why that is. I am on day 4 with no lightening except for peeling. When did you start seeing results?

Jay,

I was type 4. Left it on for 10 hours, mask was tan then turned Dark Brown. Turned red the following day, started peeling excessively the 2,3, and 4 day by day 6 my skin was beginning to lightened.

It's still getting lighter. But I recommend always wear sunblock even if your just driving in the car.

Justina

Cosmelan®

Review Summary
Cosmelan® is a de-pigmentation agent that is applied at a doctor’s office. It is meant to decrease melanin in the skin, and is used to lighten the overall appearance of the face. It is said to lead to a decrease in melanin synthesis, and thus to a decrease in darkened skin. People who seek out this agent are often looking for a way to decrease the appearance of blemishes, age spots and other skin irregularities.

This process is not necessarily designed for those who desire an anti-aging product. It is not said to have an effect on wrinkles, and may cause the skin to become dry and red for a period after the initial application. Nonetheless, we will take a closer look at Cosmelan® to determine what skin benefits it may provide.

Cosmelan® at a Glance
Cosmelan® comes in a “pack” that consists of Cosmelan® 1, Cosmelan® 2 Maintenance Cream and Mesoestetic. The initial treatment for Cosmelan® is always done in a clinic or doctor’s office. Though, the extended treatment process may be completed at home. First, the doctor will evaluate the skin and then cleanse it free of all dead cells and old debris.

At the office, Cosmelan® 1 cream is applied to the skin. According to the website, this is a mask that must remain on the skin for 4 to 8 hours. People may go home with the mask on and continue the skincare process on their own. After the appropriate amount of time, the mask is removed and the Mesoestetic cream is immediately applied.

The second phase of this program is the Maintenance Cream. This cream will be applied to the skin two to three times a day for the first two weeks, and then once a day from there on. Continual daily use is recommended for best results.

Cosmelan® in Focus
After the first treatment of Cosmelan®, people are told to expect red skin that appears like a sun burn. People with sensitive skin may also experience itching for around 48 hours. Most people are expected to feel a tightening and burning of the skin, which is said to be normal and part of the process, and lasts for 24 to 48 hours. The Mesoestetic cream may diminish the itchy and burning feelings.

In most cases, there is supposed to be a significant decrease in visibility of the skin blemishes within the first week. Though, it is said to take a full four to six weeks to realize the full results of this skin treatment process.

Lifestyle Benefits
This treatment process is said to work especially well for individuals with the following skin conditions: age spots, blemishes from excessive pigmentation, dark skin spots, acne scars, melasma and cholasma. Typically, a single treatment process will cost about $600 to $800.

As mentioned, this process may not address all the concerns related to anti-aging. Though, there are creams on the market that may effectively address the issues of wrinkles and folds in the skin. There are products that contain Collagen stimulators, which are meant to address wrinkles from a sub-dermal level without the need for injections. A cream that may successfully increase the amount of Collagen in the skin may lead to satisfying results that generate a youthful glow.

Positives
• May assist individuals with Melasma, acne scars and other blemishes
• Results are documented

Negatives
• Farily expensive
• May cause uncomfortable side effects for some people
• Not intended to address the issue of wrinkles

Final Thoughts
In the end, there have been documented results that show Cosmelan® may well address the skin conditions it is meant to treat. Individuals with acne scars and other blemishes may wish to research this treatment process further.

However, it is not said to effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and women with that goal may prefer to research other options. Again, there are now effective creams on the market that may also address the concerns of anti-aging, are not nearly as expensive and do not require visits to the dermatologist.

I had it on for only 4 hours per Dr. Pilest instructions. He says my pigment is light and will go over with C2 after the mask in a month or so. Well, I wouldn't have done C1 if I wanted to wait that long. There's $850 down the toilet. I am posting this in case anyone is told to leave C1 for only 4 hours. It is too short! I was slightly pink day 1 and peeled a little on day 4 and that is it. My face is the same. You know what the doctor told me today? He says he has done this mask for many years, and he did not have it on me for long because of irritation. I have type 3 skin, olive, not sensitive. I could have easily dealt with the peeling and redness. Now I am going to have it done again in another office, because of him. He wants me to wait a month. I don't have a month, since I have to go back to work in a week.

What a joke.

Jay,

No offense, but I have been reading this post and other ones, and you're all over them stating issues with Cosmelan, and/or the doctor's presecription. Jumping from procedure to procedure (C2new- C2old- C1-) and not sticking to one routine, but rather constantly questioning results of others who have stuck to their prescription and doctor, unlike you. Just stop! Dont go to another doctor to get another mask. Save your money and stick to the C2old for at least one moth, and BE PATIENT!!! You are going to prolong the process, and continue to complicate your skin and situation.

I know how you feel, but I personally think you're becoming obsessive. I am not trying to be hurtful. I am helping you save your money and your skin and your SANITY.

Relax,Step away from the mirror!!!

Justina,

Sorry to bother you with too many questions. It took me over 2 months, since I did the first NEW cosmelan mask done in Feb to try it again with no luck.(new mask does not work) and old did not work for 4 hours. When your skin lightened on the 6th day, were you referring to the melasma or your overall skin tone? Mine had no change at all and my overall skin looked the same. I spoke to 2 other doctors who said that I did not have it on long enough to get results in the first place. I am between type 3 and 4, olive tone and tans easily.I got slightly pink or red and peeled for a day lightly and that was it,

Thanks for your help. I am glad that you had great results. I hope this time around will be good for me too. I did use the old C2 before on its own for close to 3 weeks w/o results in the past, and I was told to do the mask will give me results with the c2. Some women have been lucky enough to get results for the c2 alone. I was not one of them, unfortunately.

Thanks for your help!

To SS,

I try to post my results so everyone knows what to do in case they consider using the new or old C2 and time needed to get results, so they do not waste their money like I did. I actually have not done much on my skin except the these 2 procedures, since I got PIH. I also blog in another forum where women have spent thousands on their melasma with our without results, using the wrong product like the new C1 and C2, using fraxel for melasma, etc. I apologize if you are offended by my post. I am not offended by yours. I will keep your suggestion in mind though. I won't blog here anymore, so not to offend or get anyone upset.

Jay

Hi Jay,

Well it overall lightened everything my melasma spots and my entire face. I had freckles too they're practically gone!! I believe I have olive tone as well I'm mexican and I tan very easy never burn.

My face it very light now overall. Maybe your melasma was not as dark as mine that's why he didn't leave it on that long. My were very noticealbe. My melasma was more of a tan brown almost a color of a birthmark. But I think I would of left it on for about 6 hours instead of 4. But he's a doctor he's know what's best for your skin type.

I think you should give it some time like SS said. If in a month's time you don't see a difference then I would say it did not work. But be patient.

Justina

Jay,

By the way you can ask me anything it's not a bother. I just want to share my experience with everyone about Cosmelan. Although I know everyone is different some may get better results than others but it's always good to know from other people's experiences whether it's a positive or negative one.

Good luck.

Justina

I appreciate your response Justina. Thanks a lot. I decided to wait until next week for the mask per doctor's instructions. By Friday, if no lightening then I have to re do for 8 hours per the doctor.

FYI - Regarding the old C2

Justina - the doctor in O.C. runs out of C2 now and then due to high demand, so you may want to buy another as soon as you are running low. I know one in Studio City, LA and Beverly Hills.Does anyone know the doctor in Santa Monica (JS?) who has the old formula as well? I would like to share the names to the other ladies in another phorum, so they have options in their area. I can provide my email address if you like.

Thanks.

Jay

Jay,

Your going to do it over? With the same doctor? Is he charging you again?

The one OC he already ran out of the C2 or does he still have some?

Please share the other ones if you know the one santa monica, la and beverly hills those are closer for me.

Justina

Do you want to provide me your email address? I'll send you the list. I don't know the guy in Santa Monica though.

Yes - I was told to redo the mask next week Friday if no results because of the length of time it stayed on my face. I am actually type 1V and not 111 per the doctor, so 8 hours is the minimum.

I got my PIH because of an IPL treatment. The doctor could not ascertain if this is melasma brought on by IPL. Do you know of a doctor I can go to who specializes in melasma and uses a woodlamp? I would like to know if this is dermal or epidermal and if it is indeed melasma.

Jay

Hi Jay,

My email address is justn_1@msn.com. He's not charging to do the mask again is he?

Wow I don't know any doctor who uses a woodlamp. Maybe you can ask them if they know of anyone.

I'm assuming mine is melasma because I've never had any ipl's or lasers done on my face I just started getting it.

I did go to a spa they said the one on my forehead looks epidermal and the one on my cheek looks dermal. For some reason the Cosmelan worked better on the on my forehead than my cheek. There are very light compared to before. We are are own worst critics. But from my what my friends say it is a lot lighter.

I hope you get better results with the second time around.

Justina

To anyone in this phorum, do you have the MD who carries the old cosmelan in Santa Monica? I have 2 more docs. in LA I can give you as well, which I can post here. Often, these few docs. who have it ran out of stock and they are back ordered. It's good to have more contacts.

Jay

HI JS,

We have not heard from you? How is the treatment going so far? Are you still getting any improvement? Also, can you kindly tell me how to get a hold of your doctor in Santa Monica? This is the best location for me to get the mask.

Thanks.

AM

HI EVERYONE,

I FOUND A WAY TO LOCATE THE DOCTORS WHO CARRY THE OLD COSMELAN. I AM CURRENTLY IN SEARCH OF THE ONE IN SANTA MONICA THAT JS WENT TO, SINCE WE HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HER. GO TO THE MESOESTETIC WEBSITE TO SEARCH BY STATE AND CITY. IT WILL LIST OF THE DOCTORS.

AM

js

could you provide me with information to get the old formula? I live in connecticut and nobody seems to know much about Cosmelan and my melasma is pretty intense. I'm wondering if I could purchase from this dr. and have it sent to me. Please Help- canterburyfruitbat@yahoo.com

We are trying to get the old formula but the company does not make it anymore. We are looking into getting something similar from Brazil or from Spain.

We are also thinking of using the new formulation in conjunction with the Fraxel. Maybe the combination of treatments will work?

If anyone knows where we can get more old formulation, please let us know. We have a few left over, but they will be gone soon.

I just went to Dr. in OC today and am wearing the #1 right now. It's mostly brownish, not too dark, with some yellowish stuff that separates a bit after wearing a while. The Dr. said to wear the mask for 10 hours!! My discoloration is pretty bad -- result of IPL, Fraxel, and repeated sun exposure due to my outdoor hobby. I am hoping I got the right formulation and that it will work. I can't believe a single company puts out products that aren't consistent!

Crossing fingers and toes...

We contacted MesoEsthetics. They say that they had to change the formulation because they were having too many problems (complications and side effects) and the FDA made them change the formulation. They say the new formulation works well, “it just takes longer to work” (I am not sure what that means). We are going to get a kit and try it. We are also thinking about doing combination treatments with Fraxel. Three Fraxel treatments followed by a Cosmelan treatment. We are going to price it so that it is affordable and people can do maintenance treatments once or twice per year. Of course, sun avoidance and TriLuma will be important parts of our Melasma Treatment Package. Any thoughts or comments?

Update on my Cosmelan treatment: I left the Cosmelan #1 on for over 9 hours. At about hours 4-5 it had been stinging a little, but by hour 9 I didn't feel anything but tired, so I went ahead and washed it off, put on the K creme, and crawled into bed (it was midnight). This morning my face is red and a bit warm and skin feels tight, but not bad yet. I am actually considering starting the Cosmelan #2 sometime today, especially if this is the "new" formulation that will take longer to work. Thoughts?

As for Fraxel, and TriLuma: I've had Fraxel twice and, while it's good for smoothing skin, I think it has made my discolorations worse because of my inability to stay out of the sun completely. If I could just be a night owl, I'm sure my skin would be lovely. My hope is with Cosmelan my discolorations will improve, without making the skin more sensitive to sun. Yes, I put on an SPF 45 each day, wear hats whenever it's not too windy to blow them off, I never sunbathe, but I do activities outdoors and even driving gives sun exposure, so something like TriLuma that, I hear, requires one to stay out of the sun, won't work for a patient like me. So my plan is to use Cosmelan basically forever, along with NIA and .05 tretinoin (sp?), but I also plan to do a Fraxel repair (for aging skin) sometime in the next year, which might require I do another Cosmelan #1 if I have problems with discolorations. I wouldn't do the other Fraxel again because the increased sun sensitivity isn't worth it to me. But the repair, which could be done only once every several years on a younger patient like me (in hopes of preventing a face-lift), seems worth it. Thoughts?

Update on my Cosmelan. I still haven't put on the #2 yet, because I've been red and peeling for two days now, so what's the point? All I use is the K creme, a little bit of NIA once, and sunscreen 2-3 times per day, 45 or 55 spf. And of course I'm avoiding the sun -- and most human contact, LOL. If the peeling resolves more by tonight, I may try a little of the Cosmelan #2 tonight.

In my earlier post I referred to not doing "Fraxel" again -- I meant I would not do the 1st generation ("re: store") again. I *would* (and probably will in the next year) do the "re: pair" version, as that seems worth it based on what my dermo in CO has told me and what I've read.

I'll continue to post my Cosmelan story as it evolves...crossing fingers, toes, etc.

Hi,

I am completely new to this dermamelan. I was suggested by my doc to use dermamelan for my acne marks(pits).
What I read here is, it is used more for pigmentation rathen than acne marks.
Has anyone used it for acne marks?? Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks so much

JS and all,
I would love to hear where I can get the old formula. I am in Southern California often and will be there in July. I have used Cosmelan 2 for the past 4 years. First to fade my spots, then to maintain. I have had it in yellow, turning light brown after time(I thought it was going bad, but was told this was normal) , and light brown, turning yellow....I am really not sure which jars were old formula and which new...however, the last jar which did very little for my skin was light brown and turned yellow. If someone can answer definitively whether or not the old formula is one color or another, I would appreciate it.
I noticed about a year or 2 ago, that the formula had changed and posted questions to users. I kept using it, and it doesn't get much better but works somewhat conservatively. Previously, it had worked really well for me . I have been to the Irvine doctor's office for my refills (this worked)and also in Canada, when travelling. Also, one jar in Anaheim (didn't work).
Just adding to all the information.
Any answers as to what the 'old' formula looks like or where to buy it would be appreciated!
MM

Hi there is it possible to have the contact details of the doctor in Santa Monica. Thank you
my email is convent@netvigator.com

After the Cosmelan Mask, do you use Hydroquinone in addition to Cosmelan 2? How long do you use Cosmelan 2? When do you start using Hydroquinone and Retin A again? Thanks.

Question for anyone?? After using Cosmelan, when can you usu Hydraquoine?? I spoke with Cosmelan and they are telling me that you cannot use HQ until 3-6 after the use of all cosmelan products. What is everyone doing during that 3-6 month duration period.

I live in San Diego. Is there a doctor who uses the old Cosmelan who I can contact for a severe case of melasma on my upper lip. Any one with African-American skin tone had any success with cosmelan?

Hi everyone!

I started my Cosmelan treatment today with the application of C1 at the doctors office. Had to leave it on for 8-9 hours. The mask was a brownish color and my face looked like I'd had a mild sunburn when I washed it off. I'm to begin applying C2 3x a day for 2 weeks, 2x a day the 3rd week and 1x a day the 4th week.
Has anyone been told to eliminate exercising for at least 2 weeks due to sweating, of course, and C2 medicine coming off. I exercise in the morning and wouldn't apply C2 until after my exercising. I was also told not to apply any makeup for 2 weeks.

Thanks,

Lilia

I did the Cosmelan 1 mask today. New formula. I was told to leave it on extra long because it is not as strong (invasive) as the old formula. I am a skin type 3 - 4 and left it on 12 hours. Just washed it off. Face is a little pink. Warm water made it sting like a sunburn. I suppose tomorrow will be worse and then I'll start to peel. Has anyone reading this gotten any results with the new formula? It's been out for a while so I suppose if it did not give any results at all, physicians would stop doing it due to having unhappy patients. Some of my melasma is "old" and some "new". Does anyone know if it works better on recent or older patches of melasma? Thanks.

LBC:

I don't think it's really critical how recently you developed the melasma, but whether it's epidermal or dermal. If you have dermal melasma, I'm sorry to say that you probably won't have good results, because the topical bleaching agents can't penetrate that far.

As for the old Cosmelan vs. new Cosmelan debate...someone posted an explanation on another forum from Dr. Krulig himself that Mesoestetic was forced to change its formula because its laboratory was only authorized to manufacture "cosmetic" products and not "pharmaceutical" products. So, unless you're lucky enough to find an office that has a backstock of the old original formula, I personally wouldn't bother to shell out the money for Cosmelan.

Melasma is a tough-one; the classic Tx is the Jessners peel, but this doesn't get dermal melasma. The only laser from my experience that can help w/ dermal melasma are the q-switched lasers like the Medlite 4,6 (or revlite).

It is end of day 2. My face is red and the skin started to to feel tight around noon. Tonight it's tighter and getting itchy. I'm anticipating the peeling to start. Tomorrow I'm suposed to start the Cosmelan 2 twice a day. I wonder if putting it on over peeling skin is harmful? I'm going to follow the directions and put it on regardless. I hope the melasma is epidermal. I'm more hopeful for the new formula Cosmelan to treat the epidermal type.

End of day 3. I put on the Cosmelan 2 morning and night. Face still red and tight. It's itchy. Only the tiniest bit of peeling so far around the nose. I feel as if it is going to peel more. No change in the melasma so far.

Does anybody have a name of a doctor that does the old cosmelan? I live in northern california but we have no doctors that do that out here. I wouldn't min eflying into southern california to see a doctor.

Thanks!!
LP

"Old Cosmelan" in Santa Monica....

Dr. Mark Youssef at "Younique Medical Spa"
1227 Lincoln Blvd. #201
Santa Monica, ca 90401

Call them at 310 434-0099 (Kelly the office manager is extremely sweet)

Tell them Jovanna sent you!!!

I just called the doctor in Santa Monica and he does do the old cosmelan. I will be giving him a try. Thanks Jovanna for the info. FYI do not call Dr.Pilest. The person that answered the phone was realy rude and sounded very unprofessional. They are located in Irvine.

Thanks!
LP

End of day 5. No longer red. Very itchy. Lots of peeling now all over my face. I continue to use Cosmelan 2 two times per day. Unfortunately, no change yet in the melasma. I read that I may not see any lightening until between day 7 and 30. Will keep posting my progress...

DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHEN DID THEY START DISTRIBUTING THE NEW COSMELAN? BECAUSE I WILL BE GOING TO A DOCTOR'S OFFICE IN ONE WEEK AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE BEEN USING COSMELAN FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS. i HOPING THEY USE THE OLD COSMELAN.
THANKS !!

Hi All,

I just went back to my dermo last week for a touch up with the new Cosmelan 1. Wore it for over 9 hours this time (last time, I washed it off at 8 hours). Still don't notice anymore difference but I'm going to finish my whole jar of Cosmelan 2 anyway since it's almost all gone.

I noticed though that now my whole face, from the eyes down have broken out in tiny little bumps! Has anyone experienced this side effect? Anyone know how to get rid of it? My skin used to be smooth, now it's bumpy all over, what a nightmare. If you've experienced this, please let me know if you know of any solution to get rid of these bumps. Thanks.

Hi all,

I am from UK and find this site very usefull. I have tried the new cosmelan and it has not done much for me. I am looking for the old cosmelan formula and I emailed the SAn diego doctor who's name is yussuf.. I got no reply. I really want to get my hands on the old formula for cosmelan C2. Can any1 help me plz. Highly appreciated
thanks
fonzi