I have extremely dark armpits. Do you suggest a chemical peel to fix the color, and and which chemical peel? (Photo)

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

It is completely normal to have slight hyperpigmentation of the underarms, and most people do have some degree of this. The first thing that should be ruled out is a condition called acanthosis nigricans.  A dermatologist can diagnose this, and it may implicate underlying diabetes or hormonal conditions. Provided you are otherwise healthy, a series of salicylic acid peels would likely be helpful at reducing the appearing of darkness. Laser hair reduction with a 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser may also be helpful at reducing the dark appearance.