Ethnic Skin and Chemical Peels

There are countless types of chemical peels that are commonly used by physicians.  The peels generally contain a specific acid (examples include glycolic acid, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid TCA) that acts to coagulate or destroy the superficial layers of skin. 

Once performed, the peels can effect specific changes in the skin, including reduction of pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and overal skin elasticity.

The type of peel depends on the strength of the acid used and the concentration of the applied acid.  For example, a 15% glycolic acid peel is much less potent than a 15% TCA peel. 

In patients with darker skin complexion, chemical peels can be very useful.  However, patients should be cautioned about the higher risk of skin pigmentation.  These patients should be prescribed pre and postprocedural pigmentation programs to control the incidence and severity of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Always perform these procedures with an experienced physician who is familiar with all types of chemical peels and the specific requirements of darker skin types.

It really depends on whether you have true scars or just discolorations. True scars are firm bumps or atrophic indentations. There has to be a texture change to be called a scar. Discolorations on the other hand are just that. Color changes of the skin. Discolorations can be treated with a series of light chemical peels and bleaching creams. The cost of the light peels are roughly $250-350 each and are done about every 2-3 weeks. Black patients do very well with this combination of light peels and prescription bleaching creams. Lasers are more risky and not advisable since the peels are more consistent and reproducible.

Good Luck,

David Hansen, MD

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