Why don't I peel any more from chemical peels? The first 2 worked great! What's going on? My goal is to lighten my melasma.

Question

I got a Jessner's Peel in Oct & Nov. My ENTIRE face peeled like CRAZY both times. I got the Vi peel in Dec. I peeled around mouth but that's it. I got the Jessner's in March. I didn't peel at all. I know they say just because skin doesn't peel that doesn't mean there isn't improvement. However, I only had improvement with my first 2 peels when I peeled like crazy. The Vi peel made my skin look worse actually, and the last Jessner's didn't improve my melasma like the first 2 did.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would begin treatment with IPL Limelight, application of Melarase creams, and a set of light chemical peels to help address the melasma. The combination approach may further improve your melasma. Usually, patients tend to peel less so after multiple chemical peels. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest going to a melasma expert who does cosmetic treatments .  I get amazing results with combination therapies including clear + brilliant laser, microneedling, and vi or salicylic acid peels.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Why don't I peel any more from chemical peels? The first 2 worked great! What's going on? My goal is to lighten my melasma.

Answers (2)