What are some safe and effective chemical peels for dark skin?

Question

Hello everyone, I had my first chemical peel in April of this year. It was the Cosmelan peel. My skinned looked great about 2/3 months after the peel but unfortunately the results didn’t last long. My skin texture is back to uneven, large pores, and hyperpigmentation all came back. Should I do another round of Cosmelan or try another peel? My complex is similar to Lupita Nyongo

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

David E. Kent, MD · Answer

Skin peels for patients with skin of color demands careful consideration of which peeling agent to select. Additional options for safe peeling agents for unwanted hyperpigmentation other than a Cosmelan peel would include a Melanage peel that is highly effective or a peel with salicylic acid. One should avoid peeling agents with trichloroacetic acid.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

the best is cosmelan it will last only 2-3 months and need to be done again. I do mine every 2-3 months with microneedling and skincare between.

this is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation/melasma/discoloration that needs cosmelan or enlighten peels at home which we can do virtually and send to your home along with aerify peels regularly, vivatia foam, restorsea 10x, faith essence serum, and cosmelan 2 cream.

Hyperpigmentation from any type needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify,  lasers like clear and brilliant and aerolase or laser genesis, radiofrequency like venus viva, and constant skin care and sun protection.  Bimonthly facials with silk peel dermalinfusion is essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin.  If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement.  I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.

Kellie Satterfield, MD · Answer

My favorite dark complexion peel is the Obagi Blue peel. It does wonders for hyperpigmentation! There is also a maintenance skin system that it pairs with that can be helpful - I would recommend looking into this!

What are some safe and effective chemical peels for dark skin?

Answers (4)

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