Acid peels for hyperpigmentation

A peel creates controlled exfoliation. Results depend on whether pigment sits near the surface, what caused it, and how readily the person's skin develops discolouration after irritation.

Hyperpigmentation is a description rather than a single diagnosis. Dark patches may follow acne or injury, reflect sun exposure, or have a hormonal pattern such as melasma. Some lesions should not be peeled until a clinician has examined them.

A deeper peel is not automatically a better choice. Greater injury brings more inflammation and recovery, and reactive skin may answer that inflammation by producing additional pigment.

Have the dark area assessed before using a strong home peel or booking a procedure. Share any history of eczema, keloid scarring, cold sores, recent tanning and pigment changes after minor injuries. Also list retinoids, acne medicines and brightening products because some need adjustment around treatment.

Follow the clinician's preparation and aftercare plan. Use gentle cleansing, moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen, and do not pick peeling skin. Avoid waxing, scrubbing and unapproved active products while the barrier is recovering.

Contact the treating clinic promptly for worsening pain, pronounced swelling, blisters, open skin, pus, crusting or an expanding area of redness. Eye pain after exposure requires immediate thorough rinsing and urgent medical guidance.

Arrange examination of a dark patch that changes shape, develops an irregular edge, contains several colours, bleeds or does not heal. Cosmetic peeling should wait until the cause is clear.

Ask what diagnosis explains the pigment, which peel agent and depth are proposed, how your skin type changes the risk of post-inflammatory darkening, and which products to pause. Discuss alternatives if the pigment is deep or your skin is currently inflamed.