Skin discoloration after chemical peel. Pink patch turned brown. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

I got my chemical peel 15 days back, within 5 days my skin was healed 95% but it has left pink patch on my right cheekbone, I spoke to my dermatologist regarding this, she said it is normal and it will subside in 12 weeks, now its been 16 days since my chemical peel that pink patch turned brown colour on my cheekbone, and my dermatologist is out of station. Is it normal to get brown patch after chemical peel? How long will it take to heal? And is it OK of I go out in the sun ?

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  It looks as though this spot was treated aggressively, and/or the skin was peeled off prematurely.  With your skin type, you must be very careful when doing any aggressive treatments, as your skin has a tendency to hyperpigment after any sort of inflammation or trauma.  With this said, be sure to stay away from the sun as best you can.  Wear SPF daily with a wide brimmed hat if you are going to be out.  This discoloration, or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, can take months to fade, however bleaching cream may help, however it is best to wait at least 6 weeks. Be sure you are being treated by an experienced practitioner.  Best of luck.

Jyoti Gupta, MD · Answer

A chemical peel removes outer layer of your skin to regenerate new skin. In your case, the peel has worked a little deeper creating deeper exfoliation and increased melanin/ pigment formation. The peeling is not too deep to create any permanent effect and will go away in 6-12 weeks with sun protection and skin lightening cream. Meet your treating doctor or a dermatologist for further course of treatment.

Lichun (Li) Huo, MD · Answer

Hi!  Thank you for your question and picture.  This brown patch appears to be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  It will fade with time....sometimes up to 12 weeks.  It may also peel away sooner.  In the meantime, sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Dr. Huo

Skin discoloration after chemical peel. Pink patch turned brown. Is this normal? (photo)

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Skin discoloration after chemical peel. Pink patch turned brown. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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