If you have been researching melasma treatment in Milton Keynes, you have probably come across two names from mesoestetic, the Spanish skincare laboratory: Cosmelan and Mesopeel. Both are professional treatments for the appearance of pigmentation, and we offer both at our clinic at 21 Wharfside, Fenny Stratford. They work in quite different ways, though, and suit different skin, diaries and budgets.
Here is how they compare.
What is melasma, and why is it so stubborn?
Melasma shows up as flat brown or greyish patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose and chin. The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) describes it as common in adults, more common in women and in people with skin that tans easily or deeper skin tones, and often linked to pregnancy and hormonal medicines such as the contraceptive pill. UV light, and possibly high-energy visible light, can trigger it or make it worse.
The BAD is also clear that melasma often returns, even after treatment. That is why we treat it as a long-term condition to manage, not a one-off fix.
Not all pigmentation is melasma. Sun spots and the marks left behind after breakouts (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) behave differently. Working out which type you have is the first job at your consultation.
What is Cosmelan?
Cosmelan is mesoestetic's professional depigmentation method. mesoestetic describes it as a topical programme lasting about six months, combining a single in-clinic session with a home-care routine that changes as your skin progresses.
At Glow By Yaz, it works like this:
- In clinic. I apply the Cosmelan 1 mask. You go home wearing it and remove it after the number of hours I set for your skin.
- At home. You use the Cosmelan 2 home-care cream, Melan Recovery and a high-protection SPF, with review appointments so I can adjust your routine.
The mask is the start, not the whole treatment. The months of home care that follow are what keep the programme going. You can read the full step-by-step process on our Cosmelan treatment in Milton Keynes page.
What is a Mesopeel?
Mesopeel is mesoestetic's range of professional chemical peels. Each peel is formulated for a different concern. For pigmentation, the one I use most often is Mesopeel Melanostop Tranex, which mesoestetic lists for superficial pigmentation, mild sun spots, freckles and dull or uneven skin tone. For small, defined areas of pigmentation, I may suggest a different Mesopeel peel.
The Mesopeels we use are superficial to light peels, usually booked as a course of six, about 10 to 14 days apart. I review your skin at every visit and adjust the peel if needed. You can find out more on our chemical peels (Mesopeels) page.
Cosmelan vs Mesopeel at a glance
| Cosmelan | Mesopeel (e.g. Melanostop Tranex) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Two-phase depigmentation method: in-clinic mask, then supervised home care | Professional chemical peel chosen for your skin concern |
| Appointments | One mask appointment, then about six months of home care and reviews | A course of six peels, about 10–14 days apart |
| Typical downtime | Redness and peeling can start from about day 3 and can last up to 3 months; it varies from person to person | Usually about 2 days of pinkness or light flaking |
| Often chosen for | Stubborn melasma and deeper or long-standing pigmentation | Uneven tone, milder pigmentation and maintenance |
| Price at Glow By Yaz | £675, £1,200 or £1,500 (three packages) | £75 per peel, or £400 for a course of six |
Prices as listed on Booksy, checked 21 October 2026. See Booksy for current prices.
How the downtime compares
This is often the deciding factor.
Cosmelan needs planning. Most people go straight home with the mask on, because it is a distinctive earthy colour. Redness and peeling can start from around day 3. It can last up to three months and cannot be predicted in advance, so I will help you pick a start date around holidays and big events.
Mesopeels are gentler on your diary. Downtime is usually about two days, with mild pinkness or flaking, most often around the mouth and nose. Avoid make-up, saunas, steam rooms and swimming for 48 hours after each peel.
With both, you must not pick at peeling skin, and you will need to stop retinol and exfoliating acids beforehand. For Cosmelan, that means 14 days before your peel. For Mesopeels, I will tell you when to stop at your consultation.
Which suits which concern?
These are general patterns. Your consultation decides.
- Long-standing or stubborn melasma that has not responded to everyday skincare: Cosmelan is often the option we discuss first.
- Milder pigmentation, uneven tone or dullness: a course of Mesopeels may be enough.
- Marks left behind after breakouts: either can be considered, but if you still have active spots we calm those first. See our acne treatment page.
- Maintenance after Cosmelan: Mesopeels can sometimes be used later on to help maintain your skin, if they suit you.
- Medium and deeper skin tones: both treatments are used across a wide range of skin tones. Deeper skin can be more prone to pigmentation after irritation, so I take a cautious, prepared approach and will tell you honestly if I think a treatment is not right for you.
For a wider comparison, including BioRePeel, see our pigmentation and melasma treatment in Milton Keynes page.
What each option costs at Glow By Yaz
Cosmelan comes in three packages:
- Signature Package, £675: consultation and in-clinic peel. You buy Cosmelan 2 as and when you need it.
- Advanced Package, £1,200: adds six months of Cosmelan 2.
- Ultimate 6 Month Treatment, £1,500: adds a depigmentation prep pack, provided four weeks before your peel.
Mesopeels are £75 per peel, or £400 for a course of six. Half the course price is paid at your first visit and half at your sixth.
Every new treatment starts with a £20 skin consultation, in clinic or by video. If you go ahead, the £20 comes off your treatment. Prices can change, so please check Booksy for current prices.
Sun protection is not optional
Whatever you choose, daily sun protection is a big part of how pigmentation behaves. The BAD recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or above with a high UVA rating, a wide-brimmed hat and avoiding sunbeds. It also notes that sunscreens containing iron oxides add protection against visible light. The NHS recommends at least SPF 30 with at least 4-star UVA protection. Apply it every morning, even on grey Milton Keynes days.
Who should not have these treatments
Both treatments are for adults aged 18 and over, after a consultation and a medical form. They are not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or on infected or broken skin. Please mention every medicine you take, including contraception. Any mark that is changing in size, shape or colour, bleeding or itching should be checked by your GP before any cosmetic treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cosmelan stronger than a Mesopeel?
They work differently rather than being stronger or weaker versions of the same thing. Cosmelan is a six-month programme built around one intensive in-clinic mask and home care. Mesopeels are lighter peels repeated over a course. Which is more appropriate depends on your type of pigmentation, your skin and how much downtime you can manage.
Can I have Mesopeels instead of Cosmelan for melasma?
Sometimes. Melanostop Tranex is formulated for uneven tone and the appearance of pigmentation, and some people with milder melasma choose a course of Mesopeels. For long-standing or stubborn melasma, I will usually talk you through Cosmelan as well, so you can compare.
Will my melasma come back?
It can. The British Association of Dermatologists notes that melasma often returns, particularly with sun exposure or hormonal changes. Individual results vary, and daily SPF and ongoing home care are part of every plan.
How much downtime should I plan for?
With Cosmelan, redness and peeling can start from around day 3 and can last up to three months, which varies from person to person. With a Mesopeel, downtime is usually about two days.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes. Every new treatment starts with a £20 consultation, in clinic or by video. I look at the type of pigmentation you have, ask about your health, medicines and sun habits, and explain the options, timings and costs. If you go ahead, the £20 comes off your treatment.
Where is the clinic?
Glow By Yaz is at 21 Wharfside, Fenny Stratford, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2AZ, with free on-site parking. It is about a 7 to 10 minute walk from Fenny Stratford station. The clinic is up a flight of stairs, so let us know if you need help with access.
Book your consultation on Booksy
Not sure whether Cosmelan or a Mesopeel suits your skin? Book a £20 skin consultation and we will work it out together. We are an official mesoestetic partner clinic, rated 5.0 from 66 Google reviews.
Book on Booksy or message us on WhatsApp, or call 07309 413371.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary.
Sources
- mesoestetic UK, cosmelan® line: https://www.mesoestetic.co.uk/lines/cosmelan
- mesoestetic UK, cosmelan® depigmenting professional treatment (phases): https://www.mesoestetic.co.uk/cosmelan-treatment.html
- mesoestetic UK, mesopeel® professional line: https://www.mesoestetic.co.uk/professional/lines/mesopeel
- mesoestetic UK, mesopeel® melanostop tranex: https://www.mesoestetic.co.uk/professional/mesopeel-melanostop-tranex.html
- British Association of Dermatologists, Melasma patient information leaflet (June 2024): https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/melasma
- British Skin Foundation, Melasma: https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/conditions/melasma
- NHS, Sunscreen and sun safety: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
- Glow By Yaz on Booksy (services and prices, checked 21 October 2026): https://booksy.com/en-gb/134128_glowbyyaz_skin-care_913766_bletchley