PCA Chemical Peel Effective for Dark Skin?

Question

Is a PCA chemical peel effective at evening out skin tone and texture, and eliminating hyperpigmentation for people of color (deep tan/caramel colored skin)?

Julia Spears, MD · Answer

Hello! Yes you can most definitely use the PCA peel and it will be effective. Just make sure your aesthetician or whoever is performing asks you all the simple questions about you and your skin to make the peel customizable for you and your skin. Most important thing is to make sure your skin is prepped with good ingredients and products before you start any chemical peels. The prep is very important and the key to getting great results with chemical peels!
Best of Luck!
Dr. Julia Spears MD

Anthony Farole, DMD · Answer

You would benefit and see results with a PCA Peel with Hydroquinone. Prior to any chemical peel it's advisable to stop use of any products that would inflame the skin i.e. AHA, Retinol. Post treatment to help even out the skin tone is also very key. By using a regimen to of the PCA C&E treatment, Pigment Reducing treatment, an SPF of 30 or higher are good products to start with as post-care. The PCA Peel done in recommended sessions would further improve your skin tone and texture as well as reducing the hyperpigmentation. PCA cosmeceuticals are also ideal for all Fitzpatrick skin types.

Kavita Mariwalla, MD · Answer

A TCA peel for someone with a darker complexion must be done by someone with training and experience. I would not recommend anyone but a physician. I have seen burns and worsening of pigment problems when this kind of peel is done by an aesthetician. In a skilled physician's hands, the correct strength of peel can be used to lift the pigment away and help even out texture. You may also consider an at-home brightening system that includes hydroquinone as a component.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Lighter TCA peels do great to even out skin color and texture problems in dark skinned patients. They are usually done every 2 weeks for 3-5 peels of 10-20% TCA at a cost of $250-500 each.

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

In darker complexions, I would only recommend very light TCA peels (no greater than 10%).  Other options that are generally safe for darker skin include Jessner and Salicylic acid peels.
Good luck.

PCA Chemical Peel Effective for Dark Skin?

Answers (6)

Answer: Light TCA peels do great to even out color and improve skin in dark skinned patients

Answer: Light TCA peels do great to even out color and improve skin in dark skinned patients

Answer: TCA chemical peel for dark skin

Answer: TCA chemical peel for dark skin

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Everything you need to know about PCA Skin Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

PCA Chemical Peel Effective for Dark Skin?

Answers (6)

Answer: Light TCA peels do great to even out color and improve skin in dark skinned patients

Answer: Light TCA peels do great to even out color and improve skin in dark skinned patients

Answer: TCA chemical peel for dark skin

Answer: TCA chemical peel for dark skin

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PCA Skin Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.