How effective is chemical peel for melasma?

Melasma causes brown or grey-brown patches, often on the face, when pigment-producing cells become more active. A peel can reduce some surface pigment and make patches less visible, but it does not switch off the underlying tendency. Heat, sunlight, hormonal changes, and irritation may contribute to recurrence.

Peels can also inflame the skin and make melasma darker, particularly when the treatment is too aggressive. A clinician should confirm the diagnosis and consider your skin tone, current products, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, and history of pigment changes.

Discuss whether pigment-control treatment and a consistent broad-spectrum sunscreen routine should come before or alongside a peel. Follow preparation instructions, avoid unapproved exfoliation, and protect the face from sunlight and excess heat. Do not pick or rub areas that peel.

Melasma care often involves maintenance rather than a single procedure. Keep follow-up appointments so the clinician can judge the colour response and reduce or pause treatment if irritation appears.

Seek assessment if facial patches are rapidly changing, one-sided, itchy, painful, bleeding, or unlike your usual melasma. After a peel, report severe burning, blistering, swelling, infection-like discharge, or marked darkening to the treating clinician.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, what may be triggering your melasma, whether a peel fits your skin tone and current medicines, and how recurrence will be managed.