Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition manifested as dark patches of skin, usually on the face, neck, and hands. It results from melanin overproduction, as the body’s reaction to extended sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation is not harmful, but it can affect the patient’s self-esteem.
While topical treatments, daily sunscreen use, and avoiding the sun provide some level of prevention and protection, many patients wish to see a more noticeable improvement in their skin condition. That’s where chemical peels come in.
This article explains how chemical peels for hyperpigmentation work and recommends different chemical peel types depending on the patient’s skin and aesthetic goals.
How Does a Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation Work?
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that uses a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin’s top layer (epidermis), improve cell turnover (shedding dead skin cells), remove excess melanin, and resurface brighter, even-toned skin. Medical providers usually use acids that vary in concentration and potency, tailoring the treatment to suit the patient’s skin type and severity of hyperpigmentation.
The Best Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation
Medical providers usually use light and medium chemical peels for pigmentation concerns, such as freckles, sunspots, age spots, and melasma.
Light Chemical Peels
Light chemical peels contain mild, low-concentration alpha-hydroxy (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) that peel superficial skin layers and regenerate the skin.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
AHAs typically used for hyperpigmentation include glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids. Glycolic acid is the most commonly used, and it is often mixed with other acids to accommodate light and dark skin types. Mandelic acid has the largest molecules and penetrates the skin slowly, so it suits patients with sensitive skin and conditions such as rosacea.
Beta-Hydroxy Acids
Salicylic acid is the beta-hydroxy acid typically used for pigmentary disorders. It is particularly beneficial for oily, acne-prone skin because it regulates sebum production and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also suitable for darker skin tones and patients experiencing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots following inflammatory injury, acne, etc.). Newer chemical peels combine salicylic acid with glycolic or mandelic acid.
Medium Chemical Peels
Medium chemical peels dissolve the epidermis and penetrate deeper skin layers, stimulating new skin growth and increased collagen production. They are recommended for more severe sun damage.
Medium peels typically contain trichloracetic acid (TCA) alone or combined with other ingredients, such as glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and Jessner’s solution (a mix of salicylic and lactic acids and resorcinol). Patients with darker skin tones are more at risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following the treatment, so they should use lower concentrations of TCA.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation?
Chemical peels are an effective treatment for patients with mild to moderate hyperpigmentation concerns, such as dark spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The treatment is not suitable for people with the following conditions:
- Pregnancy
- History of scarring
- History of cold sores
- Skin injuries
- Skin infections
- Taking acne medications
How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation
Adequate preparation for the chemical peel enhances the results and decreases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Medical providers often recommend priming the skin for several weeks before the procedure. Priming involves applying a depigmenting agent, such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, glycolic acid, and kojic acid. This ensures uniform penetration of the chemical solution on the day of the treatment and facilitates healing.
Patients may also need to take antiviral medication for seven days before the treatment, avoid tanning, and forgo cosmetic treatments, such as facials, laser resurfacing, and hair removal.
Note: Learn how chemical peels and laser resurfacing differ and which treatment is more effective for your skin concern.
What Can You Expect During a Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation?
After the medical provider has prepared the appropriate chemical peel for the patient’s skin type and pigmentation concern, they clean the treatment area and apply the chemical solution. In the case of medium peels, they may sedate the patient.
The chemical solution remains on the skin for several minutes. The provider uses water, a saline compress, or a neutralizing solution to remove the peel.
The treatment lasts 15-60 minutes. Patients typically feel slight stinging but no pain because the providers use gentle ingredients or sedating/numbing agents.
How Many Sessions of Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation Are Needed?
The number of sessions required depends on the severity of the patient’s hyperpigmentation and chemical peel type. Deeper peels are more invasive and require fewer visits but have longer recovery times. Patients taking light and medium peels need at least three to six visits spaced two to four weeks apart to improve skin tone.
Are There Any Side Effects of Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation?
Depending on the chemical peel type, acid concentrations, and the patient’s sensitivity, the following side effects may occur:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Burning
- Stinging
- Flaking and peeling skin
- Blisters
- Crusting
- Scarring
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Infection
Is it Safe to Do a Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation at Home?
At-home chemical peel kits allow patients to treat their discoloration concerns without leaving their homes. This option is convenient, budget-friendly, and effectively cleanses the skin, removing dirt and dead skin cells.
However, these home solutions contain low acid concentrations for safety reasons. They require more treatments to fade dark spots, and they can’t match the results provided in a medical professional’s office.
Finally, home kits carry more risk of injury because the patient doesn’t have the medical expertise to perform appropriate priming, treatment, and aftercare.
How Much Does a Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation Cost?
Chemical peel prices vary depending on the peel type and the medical professional’s expertise.
At Vibrant Skin Bar, light peel costs $99 and medium peel costs $125. It includes a consultation and a personalized chemical peel solution.
Conclusion
A chemical peel is a versatile cosmetic treatment that improves various skin issues caused by sun damage and aging. The treatment effectively alleviates hyperpigmentation, helping to fade dark spots and bring out a smooth, fresh, and even-toned complexion.
