Skin Transformations: Say Goodbye to Hyperpigmentation with Chemical Peels

Published on: Oct 22, 2023 / Last Updated on: Oct 22, 2023 / SKINCARE
Skin Transformations: Say Goodbye to Hyperpigmentation with Chemical Peels

Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. The cause of these dark spots, blemishes, and scars are clusters of melanin. Melanin is a pigment our body naturally produces. We’re born with a certain amount of melanocytes, unique cells that create melanin pigments, but their quantity can become unbalanced throughout life. Sun exposure, skin wounds, and hormonal changes are the most common factors that can reduce melanin production. Once excessive production is triggered, it leads to hyperpigmentation. A study shows that hyperpigmentation affects approximately 5 million people in the United States.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

There are several common causes of hyperpigmentation:

  • Sun Exposure: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun triggers melanin production in the skin as a defense mechanism. Prolonged or excessive sun exposure can lead to sunspots, freckles, and other forms of hyperpigmentation.

  • Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during pregnancy or as a result of birth control pills, can lead to hyperpigmentation.

  • Aging: As we age, the skin can develop age spots or liver spots, areas of increased pigmentation often caused by cumulative sun exposure.

  • Skin Conditions: Skin conditions like melasma, lentigines, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can cause chronic or recurring hyperpigmented patches.

  • Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to certain skincare products or allergens can cause hyperpigmentation in the affected areas.

Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

There are several treatments available for hyperpigmentation, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. It's essential to consult with a practitioner who can recommend the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation. Here are some common treatments for hyperpigmentation:

  • Laser Therapy: Various laser and light-based treatments, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) and fractional laser therapy, can target and break down excess melanin in the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation.

  • Microdermabrasion: This exfoliating procedure involves removing the top layer of the skin, which can improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

  • Microneedling: This procedure involves the use of tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and helping to even out skin tone.

  • Chemical Peels: Practitioners can perform chemical peels using glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to exfoliate the skin and improve hyperpigmentation.

Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation

In 2018, Chemical peels stand out second among the most-performed minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in US. A chemical peel for hyperpigmentation helps diminish it and even out the complexion. By penetrating deep into the skin, chemicals break up clusters of melanin that are responsible for the appearance of dark spots. The top layers are stripped away during a chemical peel, allowing new, healthy tissue to form beneath. Removing excess melanin from the dermis lessens the visibility of dark patches. The fresh layer has a more uniform distribution of color and blends better with the surrounding tissue. It can take several sessions, though. The extent to which hyperpigmentation is reduced depends on the concentration of the peel and the severity of the condition. If you want more detail on chemical peels, read this article.

Types of Chemical Peels

woman getting lipolysis treatment

Chemical peels for hyperpigmentation come in a wide variety of types. They’re categorized according to their intensity. Let’s explore each one in more detail.

Light Chemical Peels For Hyperpigmentation

Light chemical peels don’t penetrate that deep into the skin, making them the safest choice out of all chemical peels for hyperpigmentation. There are a few different acids in this group. The primary division is into AHAs and BHAs – which you might’ve even seen in some of your skincare products in deficient concentrations. The most common are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid.

  • Glycolic Acid

    Glycolic acid peels target mild cases of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Since it is a light chemical peel, it doesn’t penetrate deep into the skin. It’s milder than other AHA peels. This makes it safer, as there’s less risk of side effects. It can be used at 20% to 50%, depending on the skin condition.

  • Lactic Acid

    Lactic acid peels are perfect for those with sensitive skin and those who haven’t done chemical peels before. It’s milder than glycolic acid and can be used in concentrations as low as 5-15%. Although it doesn’t penetrate the skin at a deeper level, this acid is effective in treating dark spots and evening out skin tone.

  • Salicylic Acid

    Salicylic acid peel is a BHA peel that treats acne hyperpigmentation leftover from acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s well suited to dark spots caused by inflammation (like those caused by acne). Salicylic acid has shown promising results for treating dark spots at a light to medium strength, 10–30% concentration. A study found that moderate to significant improvement was observed in 88% of the patients. Minimal to mild side effects occurred in 16%.

Medium Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation

The most commonly used medium chemical peels for hyperpigmentation are:

  • Trichloroacetic Acid

    TCA peels can be used in different concentrations depending on how dark the spots are. Medium to deep TCA peels are very effective in buffing away dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Light hyperpigmentation can be treated with 10–15% concentration, while more than surface-level spots might require a stronger 20–35% concentration. Since it penetrates more profoundly, it’s not well-suited for clients with darker skin tones.

Deep Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation

Deep chemical peels are very aggressive types of chemical peels, which carry the most side effects and risks but also show the best results. Despite that, these peels may not be the first choice for treating hyperpigmentation. Phenol, or carbolic acid, is the most aggressive deep chemical peel. It is incredibly effective at treating severe sun damage. However, it has severe side effects as well.

Best Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation

Generally, the best chemical peels for hyperpigmentation are light to medium-concentration ones, which include Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, and Trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

Each acid contains specific properties, making it more beneficial for some skin types. So, the best chemical peel is the one that works for your skin’s needs. But the type of acid isn’t the only thing to be considered, it’s effectiveness is influenced by the concentration of the peeling agent as well. Dark spots can be treated with a lighter peel, although deeper peels with more significant concentrations may produce a more noticeable improvement. Deep peels are suitable only for severe cases, as they carry severe risks and side effects and require more healing time and aftercare. Ultimately, which peel is suitable for your skin condition is decided by your practitioner during the consultation process.

Finding a Provider Near You

M Health and Beauty offers two variations of the chemical peel: VI Peel and Cosmelan Peel. More information about these treatments can be found on the chemical peel service page. Visit M Health and Beauty or call today to schedule an appointment.