Chemical peels are a great way to improve the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars. By using a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of old skin, the new skin that replaces it is usually softer and has a less wrinkled appearance. Light and medium peels can help eliminate dark spots, while deeper peels with higher concentrations can be used to treat more severe discoloration. Chemical peels are also effective in treating all types of dark spots, as well as fine lines, sun damage and scars.
However, chemical peels are not automatically the right treatment for everyone, especially those with darker or more sensitive skin tones. It's important to find the best chemical peel treatment for your skin type and discoloration level. Lighter peels with a weaker concentration can be used at home for more superficial treatment, while a dermatologist can apply deeper peels to treat dark spots that are more severe and deep. Derived from milk, lactic acid is the gentlest type of chemical peel and is generally recommended for sensitive skin.
A chemical peel works by removing the top layers of skin, allowing new, healthy skin to form instead. The benefit of chemical peels is that they are a non-surgical way to achieve a new, beautiful look. It's also important to ensure that you regularly apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, as chemical peels increase sensitivity to the sun. Low-concentration salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid peels are the most suitable surface peels for home use.
Even weak over-the-counter peels can effectively treat dark spots, and higher-concentration peels are only needed for deep dark spots.
