Chemical Peel: Q&A
Ask a Question
Chemical Peel for Asian Skin?
I am Filipino. I am planning on getting a Chemical peel soon for my acne. Is it good for Asian skin? I've looked at before and after pictures, but they are all Caucasian, so I don't know if i should go through with it. I've never done them before. I'm worried about the pigmentation that people have said can happen to Asian skin afterwards. My acne isn't super bad. Its just the first layer of skin that needs to be removed. Any thoughts?
Tags:
5 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
anon
+2
Wait and do your research on peels
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
+2
Chemical peels and Asian skin
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.
+1
Chemical Peels and Asian skin
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.
You might also like...
Real Stories
Not worth it!! my face is worse! - Louisiana
I got the peel bcus this is what my esthetician recommended....after the skin peeled off...
+1
Be careful with skin resurfacing
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.
+1
Good questions about chemical peel
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
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.
Hi! I'm asian too and had a chemical peel done about 3-4 years ago because I wanted to get rid off my acne scars especially around my chin, upper lip, and side burn areas. The lady used Glycolic acid. My face was really smooth and shiny the day after after then I started to peel and my skin started to darken. I looked like I had a beard and mustache (the look after men shaves) for months. I went out and bought the clinque spot remover and finished 4-5 bottles to finally clear up. I will never do a chemical peel ever again even if the doctors say that they can lessen the %. I'm not going to risk it. It was the scariest thing ever!