Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used chemical peels for treating melasma. Dermatologists and other skin care professionals 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. At Green's office, there are many treatment options for melasma, ranging from laser treatments to topical skin care products, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.
The acids that make up chemical peels can also act to inhibit further melanin production, not only to remove melasma from the skin, but also to prevent the formation of new dark spots. After the chemical peel treatment process, it is extremely important that you take appropriate steps to protect yourself from the sun. Chemical peels similar to those used to treat other forms of hyperpigmentation may be recommended to treat affected areas. Tretinoin peels are useful in melasma, where between 5% and 10% tretinoin is applied as a slow-release peel and helps eliminate epidermal pigment, reduces photodamage and improves skin texture. It is a self-limiting peel and the end point is the glaze, which acts as a guide to the depth of the peel.
Pretreatment with hydroquionone followed by a continuous regimen of skin lightening cream is commonly used in conjunction with chemical peels to improve success.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. Different types of chemical peels are used to treat a variety of other conditions, such as acne, scars and fine lines, and wrinkles. Chemical peels are topical masks that contain acids that react with dead skin cells on the surface of the skin to exfoliate it. The different skin ethnicities of Fitzpatrick type IV-VI can react variously to the chemical agents used to peel melasma. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of melasma can help you make the best decision about whether to try a chemical peel and which type might work best. Evidence from literature shows that melasma clearance is better and faster when chemical peels are combined with topical therapy.
Tretinoin peels versus GA peels in the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned patients have been studied by Khunger et al.
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