If you are someone who is constantly battling hyperpigmentation or melasma the Renu21 Depigmentation Peel might be the answer for you. I started hearing about this peel during the stay at home order and was certified and trained on the treatment earlier this year. I first got curious and started looking for before and afters, reading about aesthetician experiences as well as medical provider experiences. Then the hunt to add this to the practice took some time.
Well ladies and gentleman, I HAVE FOUND IT! Plus, those of you that know me well, know that I had to try it for myself first before I added it to our menu of services. Here is some information on my first hand experience, which should help you understand what sort of commitment you are signing up for with this peel.
What is the Renu21 Depigmentation system?
It is a 4 part system with a unique combination of more than 51 depigmenting ingredients to stop the entire process of hyperpigmentation formation by removing the accumulation of melanin and blocking the formation of new spots. More than 1 million people have used this system. It was developed in Spain and is safe for all skin types, which is incredible. It contains a mixture of many powerful pigment fighting acids, including azelaic acid, kojic acid, phytic acid, ascorbic acid, and retinoic acid make this peel ideal for depigmenting your skin at a scientific level.
Here are the 4 Phases:
Phase I:
Intensive Depigmentation: This occurs in the office with me (Susan). We will degrease your clean skin and then apply the Phase 1 peanut butter type mask. This will be left on your skin anywhere from 8-12 HOURS!
Phase II:
Continuous Depigmentation: This is part of your at-home for 30 days. You will be provided in the office with your home kit to start using 48 hours post taking off the Phase 1 mask. You will apply Phase 2 cream and Melan Recovery 2 times d day & Melan SPF+130 in the morning.
Phase III:
Hyperpigmentation Regulation: For the next 2 months, you will apply Phase 2 cream AM and PM with Melan Recovery and in the AM Melan 130+SPF. Apply more Melan 130+ SPF if you anticipate mid-day sun exposure.
Phase IV:
Reappearance Control: This continues for 3 months, and you will use Melan 130+ SPF in AM and mid-day. Then Cosmelan 2 at night only.
What does the Depigmentation feel like?
I am going to be incredibly real with you. This is not for the faint of heart. The peel on for 10 hours was nothing. Then I washed it off and thought this is a walk in the park. MY, OH MY was I WRONG! I will include photos and description of my experience.
The BEFORE
Day 0: Immediately after rinsing off phase 1 mask. Felt 100% fine. No exercise.
Day 1: Woke up red and felt like a sunburn. Applied Melan recovery that day. No exercise.
Day 2: Woke up swollen, felt like I had hives brewing. Used Melan Recovery. No exercise. Was supposed to start Cosmelan 2 now, but held off because my skin texture felt like hives and felt I needed another day. My eyes were very itchy.
Day 3: Holy mother of itching and swelling. Woke up overnight because the itching was so bad and my eyes itched the most. Sunburn feeling was gone. Redness was improving. Took a benadryl to sleep at night.
Day 4: PEELING! Itching and redness improved and started Phase II today.
Day 5-30: Flaking, peeling and redness continued. Exercise and any alcohol made my face flush and burn. The flaking is non-stop. I read that the redness continue depends on resiliency of your skin. I use squalane oil to applied onto my skin to Sooth and reduce the redness.
Day 35: I took some after photos and thought to myself, “holy smokes this was worth the trouble.” I plan to continue Phase 3 until I am out of the product, then resume my old skincare regimen. I am a believer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Depigmentation work?
The principle of this treatment is to inhibit tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the formation of melanin, the substance in our skin responsible for producing pigment and reduces and blending of melanin patches on the face (melasma and chloasma).
Am I suitable for this treatment?
Unlike some other skin lightening treatment Dermamelan and Cosmelan are suitable for all skin types. If you suffer from pigmentation this could be a solution for you. Our Aesthetician will determine if you are a fit for the treatment.
Does it hurt?
No the treatments are totally pain free.
How long does it take?
Depending on skin type treatment length varies. Skin condition can improve within a week. In dark skin (fototype IV and V) marks vanish over eight to 10 days. In lighter skins it can take up to 21 days.
Is there any downtime/recovery time?
Dermamelan and Cosmelan are the safest lightening therapies available on the market with no significant side effects, only slight redness and flaking/skin peeling several days after the treatment.
What kind of results can I expect?
you will see The skin becomes bright, rejuvenated and abnormal pigmentation starts to fade, with results starting to show in just 10 to 14 days. The treatment can help reduce pigmentation marks by up to 95% and skin looks rejuvenated. Pigmentation patches fade and skin takes on an even, glowing appearance. Skin looks more refined and looks smooth and healthy.
Who is suitable for the treatment?
- Anyone who has melasma that has tried everything and has not responded to standard treatments.
Who is not suitable for the treatment?
- -You should not have the treatment if you will continue to have excessive sun exposure.
- -You are not suitable if you have very thin sensitive skin.
- -You have had any type of recent facial surgical procedure – you will have to wait up to 6 months until all the scars have healed.
- -You have to wait 14 days prior to and after Botox and or Dermal Fillers.
- -You are Pregnant or Breastfeeding.
- -You Have to wait 2 weeks after waxing your face or after use of depilatory creams
- -You Have to wait 4 weeks after Laser Hair Removal treatment.
- -You have to stop using Glycolic acid and Retin A one week before the peel.
- -You cannot have a glycolic peel one week before the treatment.
- -Avoid using self-tanners, scrubs or exfoliating agents 48 hours before treatment – you have to wait one week after a Microdermabrasion treatment.
- -You cannot have the treatment if you are allergic to mushrooms, as the peel contains kojic acid.
Consultation procedure
- -Prior to the treatment, you must first undergo a consultation where details about your medical history are obtained. This will confirm your suitability for the treatment.
- -A thorough Skin Analysis is carried out to find out what type of pigmentation you have. We will then go through the history of the pigmentation. This will allow us to establish a correct protocol for you.
- -The Therapist will go through the treatment procedure in detail, all side effects including how to deal with the temporary side effects and end results including home care & products.
What steps are involved in the treatment?
- -The skin is cleansed with an Ultra Mild Cleanser.
- A degreasing solution is applied to aid ingredient penetration.
- -The In clinic Mask is applied, it is left to dry for 15 minutes.
- -You are sent home with the Mask on – The Mask has to be left on the skin for 8-12 hours depending on your skin type. The Therapist will give you the exact time you will need to remove the Mask.
- -Normally we conduct these treatments in the Morning, so the Mask can be washed off by evening time.
- After the correct time period, you will need to wash the Mask off with cold water and use the homecare products which will be included in your treatment price.
- The following day after the peel, the Therapist will check your progress and ensure you have not experienced any adverse side effects.
- -We will check your progress and maintenance plan regularly.
How long does the treatment take?
- A typical treatment session is approximately 60 minutes.
How does the treatment feel?
- The application of the Mask is completely painless.
- However when the skin starts to peel, it’s normal to feel a mild burning sensation with some itching and sensitivity. This can last a few weeks.
What can I expect from the treatment?
- -Remember we cannot cure Melasma as it is mainly hormonal, we are simply treating and managing the skin condition.
- -There’s a possibility that after you peel the Melasma can return. The peel paralyses the melanin production for a long period of time. However, after the peel, the enzyme recovers its activity producing new melanin, particularly if there is sun exposure. Due to this the homecare cream must be used to maintain the results. The home care needs to be used for 9 months after treatment to inhibit melanin production.
- -Despite all of this we can confirm that Depigmentation Melasma peel seems to be the only effective treatment for Melasma and we have treated hundreds of clients with life changing results.
How many treatments are required?
- Normally one treatment with homecare maintenance cream is enough to achieve good results.
- However in cases of deep pigmentation the treatment may need to be repeated, although after the first treatment the pigmentation will be much lighter.
Are there any possible side effects/Downtime?
- -There is definitely one week’s worth of downtime with this peel where we would advise to take a week off work and not book any special occasions.
- -The Temporary side effects include drastic skin peeling, redness, sunburn like feeling, itching and soreness.
- -While the skin is peeling you must not pick or pull the dead skin and use the aftercare products to hydrate the skin.
- -Your skin will peel a lot in the first week – you can peel after the first week but it will not be as noticeable.
- -The peel has a high safety margin and can be safely used on dark skin types.
- -Adverse Reactions to the Peels are rare but can include peeling, redness, scabbing, infection, recurrence of cold sores and prolonged sensitivity to the sun.
Is there any Aftercare/Homecare?
- -It is essential to follow a homecare routine. All your homecare products which include a cleanser, maintenance cream, moisturiser and sun protection are included in the price of the peel.
- -Your Therapist will advise you exactly how to use these products and you need to fallow this protocol for the required time.
- -The peel paralyses the melanin production for a long period of time. However, after the peel, the enzyme recovers its activity producing new melanin, particularly if there is sun exposure. Due to this the homecare cream must be used to maintain the results.
- -You will need to ensure that you use the maintenance cream every day according to the therapist instructions. You will need to ensure that you keep your skin well moisturised with the Hydra Factor K cream and most importantly that you apply spf 50 Sun Protection cream every day.
- -You will be given an Aftercare Advice sheet which you will need to follow strictly.
Pre and Post Cosmelan Depigmentation Instructions Pre Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment:
- DO avoid any chemical peel or laser procedures 14 days prior to treatment with Cosmelan.
- Refrain from waxing or the use of other depilatory products for 7 days prior to treatment.
- Post Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment:
- Always avoid sun exposure as much as possible.
- Do NOT get another treatment or procedure (including peels, facials, or microdermabrasion)
- on the treated area for 30 days following.
- While maintaining on Cosmelan 2, discontinue its use for 5 days prior to waxing, and do not restart treatment until 3 days after waxing. Threading can be done normally.
Day 1
- Wash off mask at designated time given by provider with gentle soap and water.
- Apply Hydravital Factor K cream to treatment area overnight.
Day 2
- Apply Hydravital Factor K cream.
- Then apply sunscreen during the day.
Day 3-30
- Start Cosmelan 2, apply in morning and evening.
- Apply Hydravital Factor K cream 15 minutes after Cosmelan 2.
- Apply sunscreen last (in the morning).
- Schedule your 1 month follow up treatment to be done in office.
Month 2-6
- Apply Cosmelan 2 once a day in the evening.
- Apply Hydravital Factor K cream 15 minutes after Cosmelan 2.
- Apply sunscreen every morning.
- We want you to have an outstanding result. If you have any questions or unexpected concerns, please call the office for assistance
