What should you know about micro peeling melasma?

Melasma causes uneven brown or grey-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or jaw. A micro peel applies a controlled chemical solution to the outer skin layers so dull surface cells shed and pigment appears less prominent. It does not remove the underlying tendency to make pigment. Sunlight, visible light, heat, hormones and skin irritation may cause colour to return or become more noticeable.

The peel type and strength should be chosen for your skin tone, sensitivity, current products and melasma pattern. A diagnosis matters because other causes of dark patches may need different treatment. Peeling too aggressively can trigger inflammation and post-inflammatory darkening, particularly in deeper skin tones.

Before treatment, tell the clinician about pregnancy, breastfeeding, eczema, cold sores, recent tanning, retinoids, bleaching products and previous reactions. Do not peel sunburned, broken or actively inflamed skin. Follow the preparation plan exactly. Afterward, use a gentle cleanser, bland moisturiser and broad-spectrum sun protection; avoid picking flakes, heat exposure, scrubs and unapproved brightening mixtures while the skin recovers. A clinician may combine or compare a chemical peel with topical care, microneedling, skin brightening treatment or laser toning, depending on the diagnosis and response.

Contact the provider for worsening pain, swelling, persistent burning, weeping, pus, fever or redness spreading beyond the treated area. Seek prompt assessment for blisters, facial swelling, eye involvement or rapidly developing dark or pale patches. Do not apply another exfoliant to correct an uneven result without medical advice.

Ask whether the patches are definitely melasma, which peel ingredient and strength are planned, and how your skin tone affects the risk of colour change. What should I stop before treatment? What protection is needed afterward? When should improvement be reviewed, and what symptoms require a call?