Chemical Peel for Melasma

Melasma causes brown or grey-brown patches, often on the face, and can be influenced by sunlight, visible light, hormones and irritation. A peel removes part of the outer skin layer to alter surface pigment and texture. It does not remove the underlying tendency for melasma to return. Glycolic acid may be discussed, but a clinician should choose the formulation and depth after considering skin tone, sensitivity and current treatments. Stronger treatment is not automatically better when inflammation can stimulate more pigment.

Before treatment, disclose pregnancy or breastfeeding, recent tanning, active rash, cold sores, retinoids and products that sting. Follow any preparation plan exactly and avoid adding exfoliants on your own. After a peel, cleanse gently, moisturize and use consistent broad-spectrum sun protection with physical protection such as shade or a hat. Avoid rubbing, picking and heat if they aggravate your skin. Keep follow-up appointments so the plan can be adjusted if patches darken or the skin becomes inflamed.

Contact a clinician promptly for severe burning, increasing pain, significant swelling, blisters, spreading redness, pus or fever. Arrange review for persistent darkening, sharply outlined pale areas or a rash that does not settle as expected.

Ask whether your melasma is active, which peel and depth are being considered, and how it fits with topical treatment. Ask what to pause, how to protect against light, and what the plan is if pigment becomes darker.