• 1. Types of Chemical Peels for Dark Spots
• 2. How does the Chemical Peel help with Dark Spot
• 3. Combining Chemical Peels with Other Treatments
• 4. DIY Chemical Peels: Why not?
• 5. Alternative Treatments for Dark Spots
• 5. FAQs

Types of Chemical Peels for Dark Spots

Chemical peels for hyperpigmentation come available in different forms and types, depending on their intensity and categorization. The three categories of chemical peel for dark spots are as follows: light (AHAs, BHAs), medium depth (TCA, Jessner’s solution) and deep (Phenol).

 Light peels are superficial and surface level because they don’t go deep into the skin. Because of this, this type of chemical peel treatment is considered the safest option out of all types of chemical peels and a good choice for those who have sensitive skin or are new to chemical peels.

 Also, even though light chemical peels don’t heavily penetrate the skin, they are still effective at decreasing the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. Light peels contain AHAs and BHAs in low concentrations, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid - which are all effective in combating hyperpigmentation.

 Medium chemical peels for dark spots contain trichloroacetic acid (also known as TCA), Jessner’s solution (which contains salicylic acid, resorcinol, lactic acid and ethanol) and a high concentration of glycolic acid. Because of the concentration of chemicals, the medium peel effectively goes deeper into the skin and buffs away dark spots, evens out skin tone and reduces the appearance of dark patches, age spots and acne scars. This type of peel is suitable for those with darker skin tones. Deep chemical peels for dark spots are very intense and come with higher risk, but are likely to provide more of the best results out of the three peel treatments. However, it’s best to try lighter peels first before opting for a deep peel.

Deep chemical peels contain high concentration of AHAs and BHAs, plus phenol – which treats severe sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

How does the Chemical Peel help with Dark Spot

A dark spot face peel treatment permeates deep into the skin, breaks up clusters of melanin (which causes the appearance of hyperpigmentation) and strips away the top layers of the skin (also known as the epidermis.) This process allows for new skin cells to form.

 For a light chemical peel, the doctor will apply the solution to your face by using a brush, cotton ball or sponge. During the process, you might experience mild stinging and the treated areas of the skin will begin to lighten up. Because this type of treatment is superficial, skin cells are removed from the top layer of the skin before application of the chemical solution. Afterwards, your skin might feel tight for a couple of hours.

 During the medium peel process, skin cells are removed from the top and middle layers of the skin. Then, the solution is applied and left on for a few minutes. You might experience a burning or stinging sensation on your face and red or brown skin for a few days, so be prepared for this. However, your skin should go back to normal after a few weeks. For the best results, it is recommended that you complete medium chemical peel treatments every six to twelve months.

 For a deep peel treatment, the potent solution is applied to the skin for 30 minutes or more. The process is much more intense because the chemical penetrates deeper layers of the skin, so you might have to be put under local anaesthetic and given a sedative to numb the pain.

 Plus, this type of treatment has a higher level of risk because the chemical used (phenol) can affect the kidneys and your heart, so your blood pressure will have to be monitored. Be prepared to experience some redness, peeling and discomfort for a few days and swelling up to two weeks, so be mindful of your schedule and have plenty of downtime. Also, in some cases, redness can last up to three months. However, the deep treatment’s results are normally long-lasting, so multiple sessions are not required.

 Regardless of the type of chemical peel treatment you choose, aftercare is essential. Make sure you wash your face with cool or cold water to soothe the post-peel sensations and use a thick moisturizer.

Combining Chemical Peels with Other Treatments

Can you combine chemical peels with other treatments? The answer is yes!

 Combining chemical peels with microneedling (a skin rejuvenation treatment that works by increasing natural collagen and elasticity) can help you to achieve the best results for your skin. It’s best to undergo a chemical peel treatment a few weeks before a microneedling session.

 Alternatively, you can combine chemical peels with laser treatments. Laser treatments work by destroying the outer layer of the skin. This boosts collagen production and improves skin tone and texture. To combine these two treatments, prepare your skin with a chemical peel first, then attend a laser treatment session a few weeks later.

DIY Chemical Peels: Why not?

If you like to do beauty on a budget, then you can try DIY chemical peels at home. One of the most popular areas is dark spots underarm. As long as you do this correctly, you can achieve good results, including reducing dark spots, the appearance of dull skin and hyperpigmentation.

 The pros of using at-home chemical peels include collagen stimulation, a decrease in the appearance of dark spots, an increase in brighter and radiant skin and full body application.

 However, there are some downsides of using at-home chemical peels. First of all, there’s the risk of using the wrong chemical peel for your skin, or using a chemical peel with a level of potency that is too high for your skin. If you don’t know your skin type and you pick the wrong at-home peel (e.g. a medium peel for sensitive skin), then the side effects could be disastrous, so proceed with caution. Over-the-counter peels combine many different chemicals, which address multiple skin concerns, but that’s not always the best idea and could cause your skin to break out and react badly, so it’s better to see a professional doctor or practitioner.

Alternative Treatments for Dark Spots

If you prefer to go for non-chemical peel options for hyperpigmentation or natural remedies and topical treatments, here are some of our recommendations:

• Exfoliate your skin: As part of your skincare routine, it’s important to exfoliate your skin (with products formulated with AHAs and BHAs) on a regular basis to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, remove blackheads and whiteheads and smooth the skin. We recommended exfoliating your face at least twice a week.
• Apply vitamin C serum on a daily basis: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that provides many benefits for the skin, such as combatting free radicals that break down collagen, improving uneven skin tone, reducing the appearance of dark spots and brightening the skin’s overall appearance.
• Consider using topical retinoids: retinoids reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is the type of hyperpigmentation caused by acne. However, you shouldn’t use this if you're pregnant. Also, because of increased sensitivity to the sun, you should use this at night.
• Face masks: Use natural face masks infused with ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E and aloe vera to combat dark spots.
• Sunscreen: To prevent the appearance of dark spots, it’s best to apply sunscreen daily, because sun damage stimulates the production of melanin – which causes hyperpigmentation.
• Dark Spot Treatment Duo: banish dark spots and get the glow by using our Dark Spot Treatment Duo. By using our Refresher and the Smoother (both of which contain glycolic acid) you can be sure to eliminate dead skin cells, exfoliate your complexion, regenerate skin tissue and smooth and brighten your skin.