Chemical Peel for Asian Skin?

Hi Anjie, You are right to be concerned because asian skin is very sensitive and needs to be treated differently than caucasian skin. There are peels that are less likely to cause hyperpigmentation than others but all peels do have a certain amount of risk. It is often advised to pre-treat asian skin before a peel, and you will need to be very careful after the peel to stay out of the sun. I suggest that you don't rush into anything. Take your time and research the peel completely. Also... more

Asians generally can tolerate light chemical peels including Jessners, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic acid and TCA 10%. I would only recommend these peels for you. Deeper peels can create pigmentation problems in ethnic skin. Even with light chemical peels in Asians and Hispanics, I have uncommonly seen a splotchy darkening of the skin. You should be aware of the risk, but in all the cases I have observed, the pigmentation resolves with time. Good luck.

Certainly, those of Asian background can, and do, benefit from mid level chemical peels. Deeper resurfacing techniques are more tricky to do in the more darkly pigmented skin types.

In general, any resurfacing option (laser, peel, dermabrasion) will pose a higher risk of pigmentation changes (hyper and hypo pigmentation) in people with darker skin. Although it is possible to resurface Asian skin, you want to go to somebody experienced with this. A thorough preparation and after care will be important to minimize the risks.

Dear Anjie Skin color is classified clincally using the Fitzpatrick scale from I to VI: Type I: Always burns easily, never tans, extremely sun sensitive. Type II: Always burns easily, tans minimally, very sun sensitive. Type III: Sometimes burns, tans gradually to light brown, sun sensitive. Type IV: Burns minimally, always tans to moderate brown, minimally sun sensitive. Type V: Rarely burns, tans well, sun insensitive skin. Type VI: Never burns, deeply pigmented, sun insensitive skin... more