How can I fix dark thighs after chemical peel 3 months ago? (Photos)

Question

I had a chemical peel about three months ago between my thighs. My thighs got very very dark and it would not go away or clear up. Please help me trying to see how i can fix this issue pictures attach.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Based on your description and timeline, it sounds like you're experiencing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — a common response after chemical peels, especially in individuals with medium to darker skin tones or in areas prone to friction and heat, like the inner thighs.

Here are effective options to help fade the darkness:
1. Topical Lightening Agents
These help inhibit melanin production and fade dark patches:

Hydroquinone 4% (short-term use under guidance)

Kojic acid, azelaic acid, or arbutin (gentler, long-term use)

Vitamin C serums for antioxidant and brightening benefits

Tretinoin or other topical retinoids to enhance cell turnover (use with caution and sun protection)

2. Consistent Sun Protection
Even if the area isn’t directly exposed to the sun:

Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) can prevent further darkening from incidental UV exposure.

3. Physical Protection and Friction Control
Wear loose, breathable clothing to reduce friction.

Apply barrier creams (like zinc oxide or petroleum jelly) if your thighs rub together, especially during exercise.

4. In-Office Treatments (if home treatments plateau)
Gentle chemical peels using azelaic or mandelic acid, under medical supervision

Low-fluence laser treatments or intense pulsed light (IPL) with devices safe for darker skin tones

Microneedling can be considered for resistant cases

5. Time and Consistency
Hyperpigmentation often takes several weeks to months to fade. Consistency with your regimen is key, and abrupt product switching can worsen irritation or delay progress.

If there’s any scaling, itching, or signs of irritation, that should be evaluated to rule out additional issues like contact dermatitis or fungal involvement. But from your description, the most likely culprit is lingering PIH, which is treatable with a tailored and steady approach.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

How can I fix dark thighs after chemical peel 3 months ago? (Photos)

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How can I fix dark thighs after chemical peel 3 months ago? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Skin Lightening

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