{"id":12789,"date":"2020-01-22T12:12:42","date_gmt":"2020-01-22T20:12:42","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=12789"},"modified":"2023-10-12T13:09:44","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T20:09:44","slug":"chemical-peels-for-hyperpigmentation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/chemical-peels-for-hyperpigmentation","title":{"rendered":"3 Pro-Strength Chemical Peels for Every Hyperpigmentation Problem"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lasers<\/a> tend to steal the limelight, but chemical peels<\/a> are another tried-and-true, dermatologist-approved method for fading pigmentation.<\/p>

“A chemical peel involves the application of different types of chemical solutions to the skin,” explains New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kautilya Shaurya<\/a>. “These acids interact with proteins to cause peeling and exfoliation.” Different types, combinations, and concentrations of acids result in the skin’s peeling at different depths; there are superficial, medium, and deep-level chemical peels. <\/p>

Interested in chemical peel?<\/small><\/div>Find Doctors Near You<\/a><\/div>

Not only are peels more cost-effective than laser treatments (typically a fraction of the price), but because they don’t utilize heat energy, they’re often considered a better line of treatment for pigmentation issues—like sunspots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation<\/a> (the dark marks pimples leave behind), and the notoriously stubborn melasma<\/a>.<\/p>

Here’s why: brown pigment, or melanin, is made by melanocytes, skin cells that are easily triggered by both internal and external forces, like hormones, UV light, and—you guessed it—heat. “The melanocyte is a very unstable cell [that] responds to sources of energy, especially heat [and] infrared, to make pigment,” explains Dr. Sameer Bashey<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon with practices in New York City and Los Angeles. Melanocytes register heat and react—they can’t tell if the heat is well-intentioned. So in some patients—particularly those with deep complexions and finicky skin conditions, like melasma—the heat from lasers can actually worsen the very condition they’re aiming to treat. <\/p>

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Treating Melasma<\/a><\/em><\/p>

“The beauty of the chemical peel is it suppresses the melanocyte without using heat energy [that could cause rebound pigmentation],” Dr. Bashey says. Overall, he maintains the firm albeit slightly controversial stance that “lasers are not good for pigment. You’re better off using creams and peels.”<\/p>

Dermatologists can often adjust chemical peels, or even whip up a custom formula, to treat specific skin types, tones, and concerns. Just make sure your provider is proficient in the art of peeling: “It takes a lot of skill to know how to peel somebody properly,” Dr. Bashey says. “Every person is a challenge, because the thickness of the skin is going to impact how the acid takes. The oiliness is going to impact it, your technique and timing are going to impact it—and there’s a higher chance of messing somebody up with a peel.” (Lasers also require expert handling, of course, but Dr. Bashey believes they’re somewhat more programmable than chemical peels.)<\/p>

Beyond personalized potions, there are a handful of name-brand peels that dermatologists rely on to safely cast off hyperpigmentation. Here, we break down all you need to know about three popular skin-brightening options available at the dermatologist’s office.<\/p>

1. Cosmelan peel<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>

Best for melasma and general hyperpigmentation, especially in dark skin <\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Meet the Insta peel of the moment: the Cosmelan, a thick, brown goop that’s superficial to mid-level in strength. The formula contains a blend of azelaic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, phytic acid, and ascorbic acid, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang in Tucson, Arizona. “Many of these components are lightening agents, so I consider it more of a lightening tool than a peel.” <\/p>

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Here is what the Cosmelan peel looks like immediately after application. It’s a thick, brown cream that’s applied to the face and left on for 8-10hrs. While that may seem like a lot, the results are quite lovely! I am a fan of this peel to treat stubborn hyperpigmentation, especially melasma. In addition to this initial application, we send you home with a booster for patients to reapply for a few weeks following the initial peel. . . Near the end of the video, you can see #beforeandafter pics of the Cosmelan treatment. Notice how the areas of pigmentation have lightened with the peel. The patient is not wearing any face makeup (just mascara & tinted lip balm) in the “after” pic. I love that she feels confident enough in her new skin that she doesn’t feel the need to wear foundation or concealer ✨ Posted with permission. . . . . #sunspots #hyperpigmentation #pigment #darkcircles #melasma #cosmelan #cosmelanpeel #peel #chemicalpeel<\/a><\/p>

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