Skin Darkening After Chemical Peel?

Question

i have had two chem peel session at 2 weeks intervals, i noticed my skin looked fairer in initial but started turning dark when i started going college. is it becuz of improper application of sunscreen or becuz of anti acne face wash that i use? i apply sunscreen while i am way back home and by that time i have already spent 5-10 minutes under sun. And i dont apply sc on cloudy days?is my application of sunscreen improper? what's the proper way? how about the facewash? which one should i use?

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is normal to have some pigment changes after a peel, peels tend to bring up underlying sun damage. Normally this will slough off or lighten as your skin heals. It is best to use a mild cleanser post peel vs. an acne face wash, this may be causing some additional inflammation which could be contributing to the dark color. Make sure that you are wearing sunscreen daily (regardless of the weather). I would also recommend speaking with your provider about spacing out your treatments to every 4 weeks vs. every 2 weeks so your skin has some additional time to heal.

	-Best wishes

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

From your description it isn't completely clear why you have skin darkening after your chemical peel.  Darkening can be a normal occurence shortly after a peel as the skin is peeling off.   It is important to use a bland, moisturizing face wash, rather than an acne wash, for a week after the procedure.  This coud contributed  Also avoid the sun and apply and moisturizer and sunscreen daily.  Sunscreen should be used daily regardless of whether a chemical peel is performed.

Skin Darkening After Chemical Peel?

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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

Skin Darkening After Chemical Peel?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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