Can chemical exfoliates permanently remove freckles (I have acne prone skin and large pores)?

Question

I have acne prone skins and have been really struggling to keep it under control. It was suggested I used a chemical exfoliate, to get rid of dark spots. However was unsure whether it would remove freckles as well. I have used one a few times, will it permanently remove my freckles. Furthermore, will any type of acid do the same thing, for example salicylic acid.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Dark spots and freckles may not be the same thing.  Neither, however, are treated by either a peel or and exfoliant. Freckles are caused by sun damage.  Frequently, hyperpigmentation occurs after healing of an area of acne.  This is why someone with acne generally looks as if they have more breakout than the actually do.  The initial acne lesion is red from the inflammation caused by the underlying infection in the gland.  Once this heals, the redness persists for a while and then may be replaced by an area of hyperpigmentation cause from stimulation of the surrounding pigment cells.  This does not go away for about a year.  Treatment of both freckles and the hyperpigmentation from the acne involves use of hydroquinone in a proper skin care system.  The exfoliation is necessary to treat acne by reducing the excess dead cells that are blocking the pores.  It does not, however, treat the pigmentation.  See a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who understands acne and its effect on the skin as a whole.

Can chemical exfoliates permanently remove freckles (I have acne prone skin and large pores)?

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Can chemical exfoliates permanently remove freckles (I have acne prone skin and large pores)?

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