Chemical Peel: Q&A

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What Chemical Peel is Best to Even Skin Tone and Clear Acne on Dark Skin?

I am an African American male and want to even out my skin tone more specifically my face and neck which is noticeably darker than the rest of my body. I also have want to clear up the the acne and acne marks on my face, back, and shoulders. What chemical peel is most effective and safe for these things?

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acne African American male skin tone

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by 2453anon in Los Angeles

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Chemical peels help acne and pigmentation

A series of chemical peels in combination with skin care regimen and a medical program would likely be a great solution for both your acne and uneven skin tone. Great choices for chemical peels are Jessner's peels and salicylic acid or beta-hydroxy acid peels. Often these peels are combined with hydroquinone to enhance the skin lightening effect. Often peels are the best choice for acne on hard to reach areas such as the back. I would see a board certified dermatologist in order to get... more

Jessner's or light TCA peels do well for darker complexions

Jessner's solution or light TCA peels do well for discolorations and acne but usually need to be done 5-6 times at 2-3 week intervals for about $175-250 each and are so worth it for darker complexioned individuals.

David Hansen, MD

19 reviews

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

How to lighten uneven skin tones following acne in an AfroAmerican male

A combination of sunscreen, hydroquinone, and retinoid would be an adjuvant to any peeling regimen. Multiple agents are available to achieve superficial peeling. Among them TCA, glycolic acid and salicylic acid. All can achieve very good results in pigment disorders in people of color. The most important decision is to find a dermatologist who has experience in these peeling agents. Even a superficial peel when applied improperly can cause complications such as increased pigment. ... more

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Theraplex salicylic acid a good start

I would recommend a comprehensive skin care program that incorporates retinoids and perhaps bleaching agents, and of course, sunscreen everyday. Theraplex peels are very safe for darker skin. I also like the SilkPeel dermal infusion procedure using salicylic acid and hydroquinone or Lumixyl. There are many options, but one thing is for certain: see a board certified dermatologist to guide you through the choices.

Important to understand the limitations of these methods

The mild peels can help. Often the inflammation associated with acne causes post imflammatory hyperpigmentation and due to the depth of the pigmentation, improving this can be difficult without the risk of damaging natural skin color which is always a concern. It is helpful to have ongoing skin care directed at controlling acne to help limit new issues. A dermatologist interested in managing acne is a good place to start. They can also discuss with you approaches to help you skin where... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

9 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Salicylic acid peel is best for acne prone skin

Salicylic acid peels have proven to be best for acne-prone skin since they are better at penetrating deeply into the hair follicles, getting to the root of acne. They're also great for decreasing the darker spots on the face (medically known as post-inlammatory hyperpigmentation) that occur after acne lesions resolve. These dark spots are usually not permanent, but may take 6-12 months to fully fade. Salicylic acid peels work best as a series of 3-6 peels, each performed around 4 weeks... more

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