Published on March 29, 2023
Chemical peels are currently gaining popularity as an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation. So if you want to get rid of skin spots and discolorations, you’re probably thinking of getting a chemical peel.
But with so many options to choose from, what is the best chemical peel for hyperpigmentation?
It depends on the type and severity of your skin’s hyperpigmentation. For mild discolorations, a light chemical peel usually suffices. But severe ones that penetrate into the deepest layers of your skin may also require a deep chemical peel.
So to figure out the best type of chemical peel for your skin problem, you first need to determine what type of hyperpigmentation you’re dealing with.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
There are lots of factors that can cause your skin to have uneven colors. That’s why hyperpigmentation comes in different types. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Melasma
Melasma is characterized by freckle-like spots and brownish or bluish-gray patches that appear on the face. It’s usually caused by changes in hormonal levels or exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Because of this, it’s more common in women and usually appears during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills. You can also get melasma if you’re constantly out in the sun or are using tanning beds.
If you have medium to dark skin, you are more likely to suffer from melasma. It commonly appears on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. In some cases, it may also develop in the neck and arms.
Depending on its underlying cause, your melasma can go away on its own. But in some cases, you may need more aggressive treatments to even out your skin color.
2. Age spots
As the name suggests, age spots often occur in older people. They are flat dark patches that typically appear on the part of the skin that gets more sun exposure.
Also known as liver spots or sunspots, they often vary in size. They can be as small as a freckle or as large as a quarter coin. In some cases, they can also group together, making them bigger and more noticeable. Their colors can also range from light to dark brown.
Age spots are caused by an overproduction of melanin – a natural skin pigment. When your body produces too much melanin, they tend to clump together, creating dark patches that can grow over time.
People with lighter skin or those who were constantly exposed to the sun are more prone to getting age spots.
Since age spot pigments are located at the base of the topmost layer of the skin (epidermis), they are pretty easy to get rid of.
3. Post-inflammatory trauma
Also known as hypermelanosis, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation happens after inflammation. This includes injuries like burns or skin conditions like dermatitis or acne breakouts.
When your skin is injured or damaged, it tends to regenerate itself and produce extra melanin in the process. This leaves the healed skin darker than the surrounding area.
Hypermelanosis is more common in people with darker skin. In fact, it’s one of the common reasons for hyperpigmentation in dark-skinned individuals. It’s usually temporary, but it can still take years for the dark patches to fade.
Depending on your skin damage or injury, the severity of your hypermelanosis can reach the deepest parts of your skin.
How Chemical Peels Can Help with Hyperpigmentation
A chemical peel is a procedure that uses a chemical formulation to exfoliate or peel away the top layers of the skin. This exposes the newer, younger skin underneath.
Since hyperpigmentation usually only affects the top layers of the skin, removing those layers also gets rid of the discoloration. This is why chemical peels are often recommended for hyperpigmentation.
Depending on the severity of your hyperpigmentation, there are three different types of chemical peels you can choose from:
- Light (superficial) – This removes the superficial or topmost layer of the skin.
- Medium – Medium chemical peels penetrate the outermost up to the upper part of your middle skin layer.
- Deep – It reaches and peels away the deepest layers of your skin producing dramatic results.
Each type uses different kinds of chemical solutions. They also have different downtimes that can range from a few hours to a few weeks.
The Best Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation
1. AHA/BHA Peel
Best chemical peel for sun spots and mild cases of melasma
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) peels are considered light chemical peels since they only remove the skin’s topmost layer. This makes them ideal for skin surface concerns like sunspots and mild cases of melasma.
Since they only peel away the skin’s surface, they require no downtime. They also provide very subtle results. Though you may need multiple sessions to achieve your desired results.
2. TCA Peel
Best chemical peel for moderate cases of melasma, acne scars, and other post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
A known exfoliant, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a popular ingredient in skincare products. In chemical peels, TCA is used for medium peels. It removes the upper middle and outer layers of your skin and is often used to treat moderate cases of:
- acne scarring
- melasma
- solar lentigo
- lichen planus pigmentosus
- macular amyloidosis
Though non-invasive, TCA peels generally require about a week of recovery time. You may also feel a stinging or burning sensation that usually subsides after a few hours.
3. Phenol Peels
Best chemical peel for severe hyperpigmentation
If your skin discoloration is so severe that the pigmentation reaches the deepest layers of your skin, you’ll benefit from phenol peels.
Also known as carbolic acid or phenolic acid, phenol is a very powerful form of acid. When applied to the skin, it peels it away up to the deepest layer. It also tends to prevent the skin from developing any form of pigmentation.
Among all the types of chemical peels, phenol peels require the longest downtime. It can take up to 2-3 weeks for the redness and peeling effect to clear up.
Since it involves the application of a strong acid, phenol peels can only be administered by a certified professional.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio has been writing about health and beauty topics for years. As an experienced writer, she makes sure to only use information from reputable sources and peer-reviewed studies. Her writing has also appeared on various US-based sites.
