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Réhabital

Melasma Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc

Melasma shows up as symmetrical brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or jawline. Unlike isolated sun spots, it is a chronic, hormone- and light-sensitive pigmentation that needs a long-term strategy rather than a one-off treatment. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, we combine professional peels, targeted brightening care and a daily protection protocol to fade patches gradually and, above all, prevent rebound.

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Understanding This Condition

Melasma comes from overactive melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells. Three factors almost always combine: genetic predisposition, hormonal stimulation (pregnancy, contraception, perimenopause) and light exposure — not only UV, but also visible blue light and heat. That is why melasma worsens in summer, after a sunny trip, and sometimes even in front of screens or heat sources. Epidermal forms (superficial pigment) respond best; dermal forms respond more slowly; mixed forms are common. Overly aggressive treatment — the wrong laser, a strong peel, excessive exfoliation — triggers inflammation that stimulates melanocytes and worsens pigmentation. The rule is gradual, consistent care.

Common Symptoms

Symmetrical brown or greyish patches on cheeks, forehead or upper lip.
Irregular but generally well-defined borders.
Clear worsening after sun or heat exposure.
Onset or intensification during pregnancy or hormonal contraception.
No itching, pain or raised texture.
Frequent recurrence when care is stopped.

Common Causes

Hormonal stimulation

Pregnancy, oral contraceptives and perimenopause increase melanocyte sensitivity — hence the term "pregnancy mask".

Sun and visible light

UV, blue light and infrared all activate melanin production. One unprotected day can undo weeks of progress.

Heat

Cooking, saunas and intense outdoor exercise stimulate pigmentation through heat alone, independent of UV.

Skin inflammation

Aggressive treatment, over-scrubbing or irritant reactions leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation layered on top of melasma.

Genetics and skin type

Fitzpatrick types III to V are most affected, often with a family history.

Our Treatment Approach

We start with a skin analysis to determine pigment depth, skin type and triggers. The protocol rests on three pillars. First, protection: broad-spectrum tinted mineral sunscreen against visible light, applied every morning and reapplied through the day. Second, professional care: gentle, progressive Dermalogica peels combined with MCCM brightening cocktails targeting tyrosinase, spaced to avoid inflammation. Third, home care: long-term-tolerated brightening actives, hydration and barrier repair. We deliberately avoid aggressive protocols; melasma is controlled, not burned away.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

The initial consultation takes about 45 minutes: skin analysis, hormonal and sun history, personalised plan. Professional sessions are usually two to four weeks apart. First visible results appear after three to four sessions, with continued improvement over three to six months.

At-Home Self-Care Tips

  • Apply tinted mineral SPF 50 every morning, year-round.
  • Reapply every two to three hours outdoors.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade.
  • Avoid abrasive scrubs and irritating products.
  • Limit intense heat exposure (sauna, prolonged cooking).
  • Keep up home care even once the skin lightens.

Prognosis & Recovery Timeline

Melasma is managed rather than permanently cured. With a consistent protocol, a 50–70% reduction is realistic over three to six months. Maintaining it depends directly on sun protection and regular upkeep.

When to See Us at Réhabital

Book if patches are spreading, returned after pregnancy or resist over-the-counter products. Seek medical advice if a spot is single, asymmetric, raised or changing quickly.

Why Réhabital Clinic

Our aesthetic team in Côte Saint-Luc works with Dermalogica and MCCM lines and favours cautious progression — the only strategy that delivers lasting results in melasma.

Why Choose Réhabital?

Skin analysis and personalised plan
Gradual, safe peels
Professional brightening treatments
Visible-light protection protocol
Photographic progress tracking
Approach adapted to darker skin types

Frequently Asked Questions

Address

D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5

Hours

Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM

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First visit: 10% off

Receive 10% off your first visit to Réhabital clinic in Côte Saint-Luc, on the Island of Montréal. Physiotherapy is excluded. This offer applies to your first clinic visit, not a first visit in each specialty.

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