Are there any chemical peels that don't affect or lighten freckles? ( I'm not looking to get rid of them)

Question

I have fair skin, quite pale, with rosy cheeks and freckles scattered across my cheeks and nose, as well as on my forehead. Although I don't have anything close to acne, because my skin is so fair, any and all pimple scars are very prominent. I was hoping that perhaps a gentle chemical peel could maybe lighten those scars and uncover firmer, clearer skin, without necessarily altering my pigment or lightening my freckles. I am not very educated on this subject and I would really like some tips. Thank you!!

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

A light chemical peel will not help acne scars.  More effective scar treatments that would not remove freckles include microneedling, Clear+Brilliant laser or Fraxel laser.  Please consult a cosmetic dermatologist who can assess your skin and advise which treatment would be best for you.

Anna I. Wooten, MD, FACS · Answer

In our office, our aesthetician, Andrea, offers Skinceuticals micropeels. These cause a cellular exfoliation, which is great for an overall brightening of the complexion, but do not cause excessive peeling. They will likely not cause your freckles to disappear.

Are there any chemical peels that don't affect or lighten freckles? ( I'm not looking to get rid of them)

Answers (2)