What to expect from a chemical peel for sun spots

Sun spots are areas of increased pigment associated with cumulative ultraviolet exposure. A chemical peel can loosen pigment in the outer skin and make treated areas look more even as they heal. The clinician may treat an individual spot or a wider area, depending on the number and distribution of marks. Not every brown mark is a sun spot, so diagnosis comes before cosmetic treatment, especially when a lesion is new, changing, bleeding, or crusted.

Tell the clinician about recent tanning, previous reactions, cold sores, medicines, and skincare that can irritate the area. Follow the preparation plan and do not add home acids before the appointment. Afterward, expect possible stinging, redness, tightness, darkening, or peeling. Wash gently, apply the recommended moisturiser, leave flakes alone, and shield the area from sunlight. The treated spot may need time to settle before its colour can be judged. Further treatment is considered only after the skin has recovered.

Report severe pain, blistering, marked swelling, spreading redness, pus, or delayed healing to the clinic. Seek urgent help if the peel enters the eye or causes vision changes. Arrange medical review for a spot that continues to change, bleeds without clear injury, forms a persistent crust, or fails to heal, even if a peel was planned.

Ask how the spot was identified, whether it needs examination before peeling, whether a spot treatment or wider peel is planned, and what colour change is realistic. Confirm the healing routine, sun protection, signs of infection, and when the area should be checked again.