The Truth About Pigmentation and the Peel That Works

Emalene Grove
Aug 5
3 min read

Before and after pictures of removal of deep pigmentation using cosmelan peel — Removal of deep pigmentation using Cosmelan Peel

Pigmentation is one of the most stubborn skin concerns we treat. It’s not just caused by sun damage. It can be triggered by breakouts, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and even heat or inflammation from your skincare routine.

If you’ve already tried brightening products, laser sessions, or over-the-counter peels that didn’t deliver, you’re not alone. Most pigmentation treatments only work on the surface. That’s not enough.

Cosmelan goes deeper.

What is Cosmelan?

Cosmelan is a professional depigmentation peel that reduces and regulates melanin production. It treats visible pigmentation and helps prevent it from coming back.

This is a multi-phase treatment backed by strong clinical results. Rather than relying on aggressive exfoliation, Cosmelan works at a cellular level to target the root cause of uneven skin tone.

It is particularly effective for:

Melasma

Post-inflammatory pigmentation (like acne marks)

Age spots and sun damage

Hormonal pigmentation

Stubborn or long-standing discolouration

Why Cosmelan Works When Other Treatments Don’t

Most treatments aim to fade dark spots by resurfacing the skin. Cosmelan targets melanin production at the source.

It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin formation. This means it not only fades existing patches, but also helps stop new ones from developing. That’s why it is often referred to as the gold standard for treating melasma and deep-set pigmentation.

What the Treatment Involves

Cosmelan is a two-phase process.

Phase One: In Clinic

You will have a thick mask applied in clinic. This stays on your skin for a set number of hours, depending on your skin type and the severity of pigmentation. You will then remove the mask at home, following our instructions.

Phase Two: At Home

For the next 4 weeks, you will follow a strict homecare plan. This helps maintain and enhance your results while protecting your skin barrier as it regenerates.

We provide:

Professional strength homecare products

Soothing recovery skincare

Full guidance on sun protection and usage

Your skin therapist will check in with you regularly to monitor your progress.

Downtime and What to Expect

You can expect some peeling, redness and tightness for the first 7 to 10 days. This is completely normal. Your skin is going through a controlled resurfacing and renewal process.

By week two, most clients notice a reduction in pigmentation and a more even tone. Results continue to improve over the following months, with best results seen between weeks 4 and 12.

Before and After of a You client post Cosmelan peel

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

Many clients only need one Cosmelan treatment. For more complex pigmentation such as melasma, we may recommend a second peel after 6 to 12 months.

We will also advise you on ongoing maintenance to protect your results.

Is Cosmelan Right for Your Pigmentation?

If you are struggling with pigmentation that refuses to shift, Cosmelan could be the solution. But this is not a casual facial. It requires commitment to aftercare, avoidance of sun exposure, and temporary social downtime during the peeling stage.

For the right client, it offers one of the most effective solutions available today.