Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used chemical peels for treating melasma. Dermatologists and others often use salicylic acid peels in concentrations between 20% and 30% to remove epidermal pigment. Glycolic acid (GA) is the most commonly used alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) for priming. Nearly 6%-12% GA is a good primer for melasma peels and can be combined with Tretinoin or hydroquinone (HQ).
It is started at least 2 to 6 weeks before the peel and stopped one week before and re-introduced 2 days after the procedure. Chemical peels are skin rejuvenation treatments that involve the application of a chemical mask. This mask reacts with dead skin cells in the outer layer of the skin to gently exfoliate the area. This process triggers the body's natural healing process, promoting cell renewal for healthier skin.
Chemical peels are extremely effective in treating melasma and eliminating skin discoloration. When applied to the affected area, chemical peels work not only to decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation, but also to prevent melanin buildup in the skin, causing skin discoloration. For that reason, as long as strict sun avoidance is practiced, chemical peels can help prevent melasma from reappearing in the future. The process is safe and effective when performed in the office of an expert dermatologist. TCA peels are able to combat even the most stubborn skin problems.
Our strongest TCA peeling solution will result in intense peeling with three to seven day downtime. When you finish peeling, you'll see that the years have disappeared from your skin, along with lines, uneven discoloration, superficial scars, and more. The best chemical peel for melasma will be one that can effectively penetrate the upper layers of the skin to reveal the new skin underneath. The buildup of a light-level peel will allow you to see significant improvements in skin discoloration after several treatments. A deep peel with TCA can reveal a new person in a single treatment.
A melasma peel is a type of chemical peel that can be used to treat melasma. The chemical solution applied to the affected area causes the top layer of skin to peel off, removing unwanted melanin that causes dark spots. It's important to seek chemical peel treatments from a board-certified dermatologist to prevent serious side effects. If you are considering a melasma peel to treat dark spots on your skin, book a consultation at your local Forefront Dermatology office and let one of our skin care experts recommend a personalized treatment for your skin condition. A light chemical peel, such as lactic acid or glycolic acid, may be enough to clear epidermal melasma and make it less noticeable.
If the pigment is deeper in the skin and reaches the dermis, a mid-level peel, such as a moderately strong TCA peel, may be needed for it to have any effect. Even so, the level of improvement can be very limited. A skin exam with a special light called a Woods lamp is used to determine the depth of the pigmentation. That's one of the reasons why it's so important to seek professional medical treatment rather than simply trying chemical peels at home. While chemical peels work to prevent new melanin production, melasma can still come back if you are more exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays. Chemical peels are a well-known treatment modality and constitute the second line of treatment for melasma and may be useful in improving its epidermal component.
Evidence from the literature shows that melasma clearance is better and faster when chemical peels are combined with topical therapy. I only recommend skin care products that I would use myself (all products here pass this test), so you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality chemical peel for your skin. Glycolic acid peels work on the surface and from the inside, and the depth to which they peel can be controlled with how long it remains on the skin. However, for patients with darker skin, some chemical peels can cause scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The different skin ethnicities of Fitzpatrick type IV-VI can react variously to the chemical agents used to peel melasma. Green treats patients of all skin types and will guide you on the best skin care, sunscreen and types of chemical peels to improve discoloration and rejuvenate skin tone and texture. Michele Green is an expert in chemical peel treatment and effectively treats patients of all skin types, including dark skin tones, in her discreet and private New York City dermatology office. Personally, I love that Platinum Skin Care shares a lot of information about chemical peels on its website and YouTube channel.
Tretinoin peels versus GA peels in the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned patients have been studied by Khunger et al. Chemical peels are topical masks that contain acids that react with dead skin cells on the surface of the skin to exfoliate it. It is a self-limiting peel and the end point is the glaze, which acts as a guide to the depth of the peel. Chemical peels are extremely effective and demonstrate significant improvement in skin discoloration after the treatment process.
