Transform Your Skin: Chemical Peels for Melasma

Updated on: 10th July, 2023

Melasma is a stubborn condition caused by hormonal changes, sun exposure, or genetics. It can be a source of insecurity and frustration for many people, and unfortunately, traditional treatments like topical creams and laser therapy don’t always provide the desired results.

That’s where chemical peels for melasma come in. These powerful treatments can effectively reduce the appearance of melasma by removing the damaged outer layer of skin and promoting the growth of healthy new skin cells. Let’s understand how chemical peels work.

Chemical peels are a popular  technique which involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the outermost layer of dead skin cells. 

Chemical peels are particularly effective in treating conditions such as melasma and hyperpigmentation, as they can help reduce discolouration and prevent the accumulation of melanin in the skin.

Chemical peels, like TCA peel for melasma, work by causing a controlled chemical burn to the skin, which helps remove the unwanted melanin responsible for the discolouration seen in melasma. The depth of the chemical peel and the specific type of chemical solution used will depend on the severity of the melasma and the individual’s skin type.

The acids in the chemical peel react with the dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, causing the skin to peel gently and removing blemishes on the skin’s surface. This controlled injury to the skin triggers the body’s natural healing response, which can lead to increased collagen production and healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

Chemical peels for melasma are effective as both a standalone and an adjunct to other topical therapies. Chemical peels can also help prevent melasma recurrence when combined with appropriate sun protection measures and other skincare treatments.

There are several types of chemical peels for melasma, which are classified according to their penetration depth and the kind of acid used in the solution. The three most common types of chemical peels are:

 It uses a mild acid, such as alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), to exfoliate only the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). It treats mild skin discolouration, rough texture, and fine lines.

Medium chemical peels are a more intensive option than superficial peels, as they penetrate the middle layers of the skin. These peels typically use a higher concentration of acids such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Following a medium peel, patients can expect some redness and may require a healing period of one to two weeks. This chemical peel can effectively treat moderate skin concerns such as discolouration, wrinkles, and acne scars.

Deep chemical peels for melasma are the most powerful type of peel, as they can penetrate deeply into the skin to treat severe skin conditions such as acne or sun damage. The most commonly used acids in a deep chemical peel are glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and phenol. Due to their high concentration of acids, deep chemical peels typically result in skin redness, and it may take up to two to three weeks for the skin to heal.

The perfect derma peel is a combination chemical peel that combines potent ingredients and effective acids, such as trichloroacetic acid, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, kojic acid, vitamin C, glutathione, and tranexamic acid. It is designed to provide impressive results after just one treatment. What sets this peel apart is that it contains glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that brightens and lightens the skin, slows the ageing process, and helps prevent wrinkles.

This perfect derma peel for melasma effectively reduces or even eliminates hyperpigmentation. The treatment works by combating free radical damage, which helps to remove discolouration caused by sun damage and even out the skin’s overall tone and complexion.

TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) peels are chemical peels used to treat various skin conditions, including melasma. TCA peels work by removing the outer layers of skin to reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath. The strength of the peel and the number of layers applied can vary depending on the severity of the melasma and the patient’s skin type.

While TCA is considered an effective treatment for melasma, it does carry a higher risk of side effects than other chemical peels. These side effects can include redness, swelling, crusting, and scabbing of the treated area. However, consulting an experienced dermatologist can help you to reduce these risks.