Beauty in Color: Beating Blemishes

Let’s face it. All blemishes cannot be camouflaged as a beauty mark. I’m pretty adamant about maintaining a regular beauty routine, but when Mother Nature takes its course, it seems as if there is nothing in this pretty world I can do to stop an ugly blemish.

There are many benefits, as well as caveats to having darker skin. And, one problem we women of color struggle with, specifically, is hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation (or inconsistent coloring of the skin) is the result of the pigment-producing melanin forming excess deposits of color in the skin. Exposure to the sun can exacerbate hyper pigmentation by causing these darkened areas to become even more pronounced.

But luckily, my esthetician, Jennifer Parich at the Longevity Med Spa in Chicago has introduced me to what I consider the most effective blemish battler that I’ve experienced, Cosmelan. This product is only administered at a physician’s office (visit cosmelanpack.com to find a physician near you), and is a depigmentation treatment that targets skin imperfections due to sun exposure, acne, aging, injuries to the skin and hormonal influences as a result of pregnancy. The non-hydroquinone based system successfully lightens skin discolorations and inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible producing the melanin that causes hyper pigmentation.

How is Cosmelan administered, you ask? First, the skin is cleansed, and then prepped for treatment with a mini-microdermabrasion session. Next, the face is treated to the lush Cosmelan mask, and is left on anywhere from four to eight hours, depending on skin type. The potent mask is then showered off after the specified time has elapsed.

The second phase of the system is maintained at home, and consists of the regular application of the Cosmelan maintenance cream.

Within the first week, blemishes begin to fade and within a month, skin is sure to be drastically improved. Though some redness and peeling (similar to sunburn) can occur, Cosmelan is a noninvasive way to pursue healthier looking skin. It is safe for all complexions, especially darker skin.

At a cost of about $400 (plus $150 of at-home treatments) per area the Cosmelan treatment may seem a steep purchase, but if you are looking for improved skin with no downtime, it may just be the way to rid skin, light or dark, of pesky imperfections. The most effective way to seek results with any treatment is to be disciplined, and consistent, and battle each blemish one day at a time.

Beauty in color is our monthly beauty column aimed at reviewing products, highlighting color trends, and focusing on the hair care and skin care needs of women of color. Please contact Daria V. Wright if you have story ideas or product suggestions.