Spend a lot of time outdoors and sure, I'll tan but I'll also develop freckles, sun spots and brown patches.
The golden glow is lovely. The rest - not so much.
You see, we're not talking a sweet sprinkle of freckles a 'la Meghan Markle here, but genuine sun damage that's both ageing and unattractive.
Accordingly I was pretty damn excited when I heard about a brand new treatment that removes it and in a single treatment too.
That treatment is Cosmelan.
This single-treatment, pain-free depigmentation peel can vastly improve (possibly completely remove) all kinds of pigmentation (particularly hard-to- treat Melasma), brighten the complexion, and even boost collagen production. That's the stuff that keeps skin plump and youthful looking.
All in all Cosmelan is quite something.
Natalie Abouchar, registered nurse and founder of Privée Clinic, is a fan of the treatment which she says has resolved many of her clients’ pigmentation issues.
"The results are impressive and, unlike laser, the peel can be performed all year round and the full effect is achieved in just one treatment," she explains.
"It is also suitable for all skin types (other than those who have rosacea) and all ethnicities."
So how does it work?
Cosmelan involves a two-phase intensive treatment programme firstly involves the application of a highly potent de-pigmenting peel mask.
This is applied at the clinic by an experienced practitioner and is not washed off for up to six to 10 hours following application. The length of time is dependent on skin type with darker skins needing to wear the mask for longer than pale complected folk like me.
The second treatment phase is an at-home maintenance cream that should be applied twice daily to enhance the effects of the mask.
Cosmelan decreases the skin’s melanin production by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase. It reduces the blemishes caused by excess melanin production by gently fading the pigment and suppressing further pigment from resurfacing.
According to experts at the Australian Laser & Skin Clinics, one Cosmelan treatment will provide dramatic results but some may need two or even three treatments before being completely satisfied. The treatment is designed to ease pigmentation but it does have other benefits such as easing acne scars, rejuvenating skin and providing a clearer, brighter complexion.
Whatever way you look at it - it's a winner.
