Skin darkened with the Ordinary's AHA/BHA peel. The night before I forgot to not use tazorac cream. Will it go away? (Photo)

Question

So I used the Ordinary's AHA/BHA peel last night and I believe the night before I may have forgot not to put the cream on. Now my acne marks are darkened and I am unsure if they will peel off. I usually get professional chemical peels but when I don't go that month I use the Ordinary's 1-2 a week and make sure to not use tazorac the night before...this time my face has some spots that are darkened and I am wondering if it will go away and how long?

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

It's tempting to self-prescribe peels and other treatments, but as your case shows, sometimes the results are not what you hoped for or expected.

Peels, even the ones you can buy casually over the internet, are not always foolproof.

Why would anyone get dark spots from products? The answer is inflammation.

Inflammation is caused by irritation or heat or injury. It's not always something you can see going on as much of it goes on beneath the skin surface. That inflammation in turn can call out the pigment cells. This is termed post inflammatory pigmentation and it's a bit of a long haul to get it to recede.

Refrain from peels, make sure you use sunscreen EVERY day and don't pick.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you need good skincare!

this is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation/melasma/discoloration that needs cosmelan or enlighten peels at home which we can do virtually and send to your home along with aerify peels regularly, vivatia foam, restorsea 10x, faith essence serum, and cosmelan 2 cream.

Hyperpigmentation from any type needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify,  lasers like clear and brilliant and aerolase or laser genesis, radiofrequency like venus viva, and constant skin care and sun protection.  Bimonthly facials with silk peel dermalinfusion is essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin.  If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement.  I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.

Skin darkened with the Ordinary's AHA/BHA peel. The night before I forgot to not use tazorac cream. Will it go away? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Skin Lightening

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Skin darkened with the Ordinary's AHA/BHA peel. The night before I forgot to not use tazorac cream. Will it go away? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Lightening

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