Cosmelan® Chemical Peel in Toronto, ON
Advanced Treatment for Stubborn Pigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone
If you’ve been staring at dark patches wondering why nothing’s worked, you’re not alone. Pigmentation is deeply personal, and no two cases are the same. What’s triggering your melasma, the type of hyperpigmentation you have, and how your skin will respond, all of that is unique to you. That’s why at Vertex Aesthetics in Toronto, we start by helping you understand what’s actually happening in your skin.
Whether it’s melasma from pregnancy that never left, years of sun damage that keeps getting darker, or stubborn post-acne marks, those visible patches affect how you feel in photos and how comfortable you are in your own skin. Cosmelan® is designed for deep-seated pigmentation that hasn’t responded to topical creams or other treatments. It works by inhibiting melanin production at the cellular level while promoting controlled exfoliation so damaged, darkened skin can shed and reveal clearer skin underneath.
Some pigmentation lightens quickly. Others require patience and commitment. We won’t know what your skin needs until we see you, assess the type and depth of your pigmentation, and understand your whole picture. Our goal is to help you become the expert in your own skin so you can make informed, confident decisions about your treatment.
- Understand what type of pigmentation you have and what's causing it
- Get a skin program designed specifically for your concerns
- Address stubborn melasma, post-acne marks, and sun damage that haven't responded to other treatments
- Target pigmentation at the cellular level, not just the surface
- See progressive improvement over weeks and months
- Learn how to maintain results and prevent pigmentation from returning
- Use a clinically proven, professional-grade treatment
Melasma that appeared during pregnancy, hormonal changes, or sun exposure, and won't fade
Stubborn post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind by acne or skin trauma
Sun spots, age spots, and solar lentigines that have darkened or multiplied over time
Uneven skin tone and patches that make your complexion look mottled or blotchy
Pigmentation that hasn't responded to topical lightening products, peels, or laser treatments
Visible signs of aging, such as texture changes and loss of radiance, are now addressed by the new Cosmesome Complex, which targets both pigmentation and skin quality.
Treating pigmentation effectively means understanding what type you have and what’s driving it. Surface treatments might provide temporary fading, but lasting results come from inhibiting melanin production at the cellular level and addressing the triggers that cause pigmentation to develop or worsen.
Here are common factors that contribute to different types of pigmentation:
- Hormonal Fluctuations
Pregnancy, birth control, hormone replacement therapy, and thyroid conditions can trigger melasma.
- UV Exposure
Sun damage activates melanocytes and darkens existing pigmentation, making protection essential.
- Inflammation
Acne, trauma, or irritation can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in certain skin types.
- Genetic Predisposition
Some individuals are more prone to developing pigmentation disorders based on their genetics and skin type.
- Heat Exposure
Saunas, hot yoga, and even cooking heat can worsen melasma and trigger pigment production.
- Medications
Certain prescriptions, including some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can cause pigmentation.
- Skin Type
Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma.
- Age and Sun History
Cumulative sun exposure over decades manifests as age spots and solar lentigines.
- Fill out our digital medical history form in advance
- Mandatory prep sessions are required; the number depends on your skin type, tone, lesion type, and tolerance.
- Stop retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and exfoliants 7-10 days before
- Avoid waxing, threading, or facial treatments for one week
- Stop skin-lightening products 3-5 days before
- Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks, use SPF 50+ daily
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
- Clear your schedule; expect significant downtime during peeling
- Discuss medications, sensitivities, or medical conditions during consultation
- Keep the Cosmelan® mask on for the duration recommended by your provider, typically 6–8 hours before removing it at home.
- Expect peeling, flaking, tightness, and redness starting around days 3–5; this is normal and part of the resurfacing process.
- Avoid all sun exposure and apply SPF 50+ consistently, even indoors or near windows.
- Use only your prescribed Cosmelan® homecare system; avoid all other active ingredients, exfoliants, and retinoids.
- Avoid heat (saunas, hot yoga, hot showers, cooking over steam) for 2 weeks.
- Do not pick or pull flaking skin; allow it to shed naturally to avoid irritation or pigmentation.
- Avoid makeup for 48–72 hours; if needed, use only mineral-based products.
- Attend your mandatory follow-up and repairing sessions, which support barrier recovery and help your skin regain strength after this intensive treatment.
At Vertex Aesthetics, we believe you should be the expert in your skin. That’s why we focus on helping you understand your pigmentation type, what’s causing it, and what realistic expectations look like before committing to an intensive treatment like Cosmelan®. Not everyone with dark spots needs this level of intervention, and you deserve honest guidance about whether Cosmelan® is right for you or if another approach makes more sense.
Our approach is built on education, realistic expectations, and ongoing support. Cosmelan® requires real commitment; significant downtime, strict aftercare, religious sun protection, and lifestyle modifications. We’ll be transparent about what’s involved so you can make an informed decision. We’re here to guide you through the entire process, not just treatment day, but the weeks and months of healing, maintenance, and prevention that follow.
We only use authentic Cosmelan® products and protocols, and our team is trained in advanced pigmentation assessment and treatment. You’re not just a booking on our schedule; you deserve to understand exactly what you’re committing to, what to realistically expect, and how to maintain your results long-term.
AT VERTEX AESTHETICS
BEFORE & AFTER
FAQs
Cosmelan® inhibits melanin production at the cellular level through a unique combination of depigmenting agents. Unlike superficial peels that provide temporary exfoliation or lasers that target existing pigment, Cosmelan® prevents new melanin from forming. It’s one of the most effective treatments for stubborn melasma and deep post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but it also requires the most commitment, significant downtime, strict aftercare, and lifestyle changes.
You won’t, until we see you. Candidacy depends on your pigmentation type and depth, skin type, medical history, and your ability to commit to strict aftercare. Not everyone with pigmentation needs Cosmelan®, and some aren’t suitable candidates due to sensitivity, medical conditions, or inability to avoid sun exposure. Book a consultation so we can assess your situation and recommend what actually makes sense.
Initial lightening begins within 2-4 weeks, but optimal results develop over 3-6 months as melanin production is inhibited and damaged pigment sheds. This isn’t instant—it’s gradual. Some see dramatic improvement quickly, while others with deeper pigmentation need more time. We’ll give you realistic expectations after your assessment.
It can if you don’t properly maintain results. Cosmelan® treats existing discoloration and prevents new melanin while you’re using the products, but it doesn’t cure the tendency to develop pigmentation. Long-term success requires daily religious sun protection (SPF 50+), maintenance products, lifestyle modifications, and, if needed, touch-up treatments. We’ll educate you on exactly what’s needed.
Stubborn pigmentation can feel frustrating and discouraging, especially if you’ve tried multiple treatments without lasting results. Whether you’re dealing with melasma that won’t fade, post-acne marks that have lingered for years, or sun damage that keeps getting darker, Cosmelan® addresses pigmentation at the cellular level, not just the surface.
But this treatment isn’t for everyone, and it requires real commitment. Let’s start with an honest conversation about your pigmentation, your lifestyle, and what you’re prepared to commit to. We’ll assess your skin, explain what Cosmelan® involves, and help you decide if it’s the right path forward, or if another approach makes more sense for you.
