Depigmentation
Published: October 2020, Updated: August 2026
What causes dark spots on my face to appear?
Many of you come to Temple Skincare & Spa and ask us about getting rid of dark spots and patches on your skin. While it is completely harmless, there those who lose confidence over the irregular pigmentation. To understand how to treat hyperpigmentation, let’s look at what causes it:
- UV Damage
- Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Age Spots (or Liver Spots)
- Melasma/Chloasma
UV and Sun Damage
Overexposure to UVÂ causes sun damage because it over-stimulates the melanocytes, causing hyperpigmentation. This can then lead to a discolouration of the skin where dark spots or patches can be seen on the skin. This more commonly occurs in people over 40 years of age.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post Inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) happens on skin that has experienced an inflammatory wound that may have been caused by acne, or a response to an
inflammation in the area which causes increased pigment production.
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Age Spots (or Liver Spots)
This is fairly common with age and from exposure to the sun or pollution. Stressors such as UV light and air pollution accelerate the ageing of the skin cells, causing the production of melanin. Many say this form of hyperpigmentation is a tell-tale sign of age, but now you can treat it effectively.
Melasma/Chloasma
Melasma, also called chloasma, is often triggered by hormonal changes commonly seen after a pregnancy or the use of some medications. Common characteristics of this condition include a brown symmetrical pattern most commonly seen on the cheeks, spreading across through the temples and forehead.
Click here to learn more Depigmentation FAQs
Temple Skincare & Spa Client after completing her 12-week cosmelan® Depigmentation Programme. See more before and after shots here.
How do I get rid of dark spots on my face? Treat it with Temple’s cosmelan® Depigmentation Programme
- Phase I: Intensive Depigmentation
- Phase II: Continuous Depigmentation
- Phase III: Pigmentation Regulation
- Phase IV: Reappearance Control
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, or dark spots and patches on your skin, chances are you’ve already tried every trick in the book but remain frustrated in not seeing results.
Phase I: Intensive Depigmentation
The Depigmentation Treatment Mask is applied in the spa and is left on the skin for a period of time (usually between 8-12 hours) based on the results of our Skin Analysis. Our Depigmentation Treatment here at Temple comes with LED Light Therapy to hasten healing and to encourage brighter and glowing skin.
Phase II: Continuous Depigmentation
The at-home treatment is essential in seeing effective results. The mask is removed at home with warm water and followed by an application of the prescribed maintenance cream, guided by the instructions from your Temple Therapist. Aside from continuing the efficacy of the treatment by applying your at-home cream, this will also continue to enforce the brightening effects for a luminous complexion.
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Peeling of the treated skin begins in approximately 48-72 hours and lasts about three days. You will also be provided a day and ight cream in your home care kits. Depending on the guidance of your therapist, you will need to visit Temple again in 7-10 days . You will also receive your next LED treatment sessions with your visits.
Phase III: Pigmentation Regulation
Continuous application of the at-home treatments and supportive in-spa visits.
Phase IV: Reappearance Control
One the dark spots are patches are gone, consistent follow-up treatment and maintenance will keep skin clear and bright for even-toned skin.
Click here to learn more about what to expect during and after the cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment. Or, click here to book a Skin Consultation with Rene, Laura or Brooke.
Published: October 2020, Updated: August 2026
cosmelan® depigmentation treatment is the world’s leading method for Chloasma and Melasma. And, it’s now available at Temple Skincare & Spa!
Temple’s new treatment for dark patches depigmentation is a highly effective Chloasma and Melasma treatment used by many esteemed Medical and Spa Professionals worldwide. cosmelan® Depigmentation helps to reverse unwanted dark patches on the skin known hyperpigmentation and this treatment is especially effective on the most stubborn hyperpigmentation known as Melasma and Chloasma.
Hyperpigmentation concerns are a growing, global issue; they affect more than 90% of adults over the age of 50. It is caused by abnormal production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, and is a consequence of uncontrolled, localized overproduction of melanin by the melanocytes, causing irregular skin coloration and dark spots.
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Read more about what causes dark patches on the skin.
There is a two-step in-clinic process and a homecare routine that must be followed strictly over a period of 12 weeks. This is followed by a homecare maintenance program over the duration of a minimum of 6 months, but preferably 12 months to lock in the results.
Above and below, Temple Clients at the end of 12-week treatment.Â
What to expect before starting the program:
- During a Visia Skin Scan, your MediSpa Therapist will provide a thorough skin diagnostic and confirm if you are a candidate for the cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment.
- You will be provided with a consultation form explaining all the ins and outs as to what you are required to do throughout the program.
- You should stop using all glycolic and retinol products at least 1 week before the scheduled Peel to avoid over sensitising the skin
- Although your skin will be thoroughly cleansed and prepped before your treatment, we recommend that you arrive for your appointment without make up to ensure the best penetration of the active ingredients.
Start your cosmelan® Depigmentation Programme Now with a Specialist Consult.
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What does the cosmelan® dark patches depigmentation treatment involve?
- Your therapist will cleanse the skin and prepare it with a PH regulator and degreasing solution before applying a thick, clay like mask which contains a blend of Kojic Acid, Phytic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Arbutin and Titanium Dioxide. These are all naturally derived acids which work together to reverse hyperpigmentation. You may experience medium to high leels of tingling on the skin, redness and swelling during and after the procedure, but
the stinging will reduce substantially before you leave the clinic. The Factor K cream will be your best friend to soothe and calm the skin over the next few weeks, as it relieves the red, itchy skin and supports the skin’s recovery. - The mask remains on the skin for 8 to 12 hours depending on your skin type and must be kept damp throughout, until removal with a gentle cleanser. All you have to do now is to apply the Homecare Cream with Factor K twice daily to maintain and to continue to improve the results achieved by the In-Clinic Treatment, also preventing the occurrence of new brown spots or hyperpigmentation. The homecare cream should be used for a minimum of 6 months,
but preferable for a duration of 12 months after the Peel. - Visit the spa 3 days later for a healing cleanse, LED Light and Recovery Sheet Mask to kickstart the healing phase.
- Your therapist will schedule 3 more recovery LED Lights for you and we highly recommend having the Energy C Facial, 4 weeks post peel to restore the hydrolipidic layer of the skin.
- Your therapist will give you clear instructions to follow, but it is best to plan your Depigmentation treatment in the morning to avoid excess sun exposure and for managing the task of keeping the product damp until removal, otherwise you will be up all night. It is best to schedule the Peel for a day when you can stay at home.
- Peeling, flaking, sensitivity, redness and swelling generally only lasts 5 days, but if your body heals slowly under normal circumstances then it could take up to 8 days for all the flaking to pass. The most important thing is NEVER to pull, tug or encourage peeling skin to shed. Let it slough off naturally, otherwise you may cause hyperpigmentation all over again.
What to expect during and after the Chloasma or Melasma Depigmentation Treatment
During the application, your skin will feel warm, which some find mildly uncomfortable but completely bearable and your therapist will provide a fan to help cool your skin. Day 1 the skin is tight, red, and slightly swollen. Day 2 your skin will be red, slightly itchy, and irritated, as can be expected. Day 3 the flaking will start and concludes approximately on day 5. The discomfort is minor compared to the results. You may use a BB or a CC cream from day 5 if you want to cover up the visible redness and remember to wear sunscreen every day to protect the new skin.
In most cases clients report up to 95% reduction of hyperpigmentation in the skin. A continued reduction in the skin’s pigment may be seen with daily application of the home care cream.
Click here to Learn More Depigmentation FAQs
Book a Specialist Consultation with Temple to say goodbye to dark patches now. Or call us at 9634 2411.
What are your Skin Goals this year? We’d love to help you achieve them. Learn more about Temple Skincare’s Medispa Services by clicking here. Â Looking for amazing skincare products instead? Shop now at Temple Online.