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:
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:
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
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.
Medium Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation
The most commonly used medium chemical peels for hyperpigmentation are:
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.

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