Reviewed by Chad Gilliam, PA
Reading time: four minutes
Chemical peels can help fade the uneven pigmentation caused by melasma, but different acids and peel strengths affect the skin in different ways. Choosing the right peel depends on your skin tone, sensitivity, and how deeply the pigment sits within the skin.
How Chemical Peels Improve Melasma
A chemical peel uses a solution to exfoliate layers of damaged skin. As the treated cells shed, areas of excess pigment near the skin’s surface may gradually appear lighter and more even.
Peels may help:
- Fade brown or gray-brown patches
- Create a more even-looking skin tone
- Smooth rough or dull skin
- Improve the way certain skincare products absorb
Results depend partly on where the pigment is located. Melasma closer to the surface of the skin generally responds better than pigment that extends into deeper layers.
A peel can remove some of the visible pigment, but it cannot eliminate the factors that caused your melasma. Sunlight, visible light, heat, and hormonal changes may continue to stimulate melanin production after treatment.
Which Chemical Peel Is Best for Melasma?
Light peels are commonly used for melasma, while a carefully selected medium-depth peel may be appropriate for some patients. The right depth depends on the location of the pigment, skin tone, sensitivity, and risk of developing darker pigmentation after treatment.
Ingredients used in lighter peels may include:
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Blends of several exfoliating acids
The best choice depends on your skin tone, sensitivity, current skincare routine, and how your skin has responded to previous treatments. There is no single peel that is right for everyone with melasma.
Some patients benefit from a series of lighter peels rather than one stronger treatment. This allows the pigmentation to improve gradually while giving us an opportunity to monitor how the skin responds.
Can a Chemical Peel Make Melasma Worse?
It is possible, particularly if the peel is too strong or the skin becomes significantly irritated. Inflammation can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, causing treated areas to become darker instead of lighter.
This risk may be higher if you:
- Develop dark marks easily after acne or skin irritation
- Have recently tanned or had a sunburn
- Have active eczema, dermatitis, or another irritated skin condition
- Use several strong exfoliating products
- Receive treatments too close together
- Do not protect your skin from the sun afterward
People with medium to deep skin tones can still receive chemical peels, but treatment should be selected carefully. A conservative approach can reduce inflammation and the chance of unwanted pigment changes.
Combining Chemical Peels With Other Treatments
Chemical peels may be combined with other treatments to address melasma in different ways. A peel removes pigmented cells from treated layers of skin, while topical products and other procedures may help reduce pigment production or improve the appearance of deeper discoloration.
Depending on your skin, a treatment plan may include:
- Prescription or medical-grade brightening products
- Microneedling to support skin renewal and improve the delivery of certain topical treatments
- IPL for carefully selected cases of surface-level pigmentation
- Daily broad-spectrum and tinted sunscreen
At Madison Wellness & Aesthetic Center, our experienced aestheticians use VISIA Skin Analysis to look more closely at pigmentation, sun damage, and other features that may not be as noticeable on the skin’s surface. Along with evaluating your skin tone, sensitivity, and treatment history, this information helps them develop a personalized treatment plan
Find the Right Treatment for Your Skin
If melasma is affecting the way you feel about your skin, our aesthetic team can evaluate your pigmentation and recommend a treatment plan based on your skin tone, sensitivity, and goals.
To book a consultation at our medical spa in Madison, AL, call (256) 722-0555 or visit us at 844 Slaughter Rd., Suite A, Madison, AL.
FAQs
What causes melasma?
Melasma develops when pigment-producing cells become overactive. Sunlight, visible light, heat, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, hormonal birth control, certain medications, and genetics may all contribute.
Is it normal for melasma to get worse after a chemical peel?
Melasma may temporarily look darker as the treated skin dries and begins to shed. However, pigmentation that remains darker after the skin has healed may be a sign of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and should be evaluated by your provider.
What worsens hyperpigmentation?
Sun exposure, visible light, heat, hormonal changes, skin irritation, and picking at the skin can make hyperpigmentation more noticeable. Overusing exfoliating products or receiving aggressive treatments may also trigger additional pigment production.
Are chemical peels or microneedling better for melasma?
Neither treatment is best for everyone. Chemical peels are often used to remove pigment near the skin’s surface, while microneedling may support skin renewal and improve the delivery of certain topical products. Some patients may benefit from combining the treatments as part of a personalized melasma plan.
