How to Treat Melasma With Chemical Peels
Melasma is a condition that causes darkened patches of skin, particularly on the nose, upper cheeks, chin, forehead and lips. These darkened patches can also occur on other body areas that are regularly exposed to the sun. Though anyone can get melasma, it is most common in pregnant women or those on hormone therapy. Chemical peels are often used to treat melasma. The chemicals burn away the top layers of skin, revealing more even-toned skin below.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
-
-
1
Know what to expect. A licensed professional, often a dermatologist, will apply chemicals to the affected area. The chemicals will react with your skin, effectively burning the top layers away. The process is generally painful and your skin will be irritated afterward.
-
2
Discuss the strength of your peels with your dermatologist. Chemical peels come in a variety of strengths, ranging from light to deep. Light peels are gentler, less painful and easier to recover from but they don't penetrate as deeply. Your dermatologist will be able to assess your particular case of melasma and determine the appropriate strength peels for you.
-
3
Be aware that you will likely need a series of chemical peels. Though you'll likely see improvement in your melasma after just one chemical peel, you may need several peels to achieve desired results. You must let your skin fully recuperate, generally for several months, between peels.
-
4
Prepare your skin for your chemical peel. Your dermatologist will likely give you prescription treatments to use on your skin in the weeks leading up to your peel. Oftentimes, Retin-A and bleaching creams are used to smooth the skin and alleviate a bit of the melasma, thereby allowing the peel to work more efficiently.
-
5
Follow your dermatologist's aftercare instructions. He is likely to give you an ointment to apply to your skin in the days following your peel. Do not deviate from your dermatologist's instructions. Your skin will be incredibly sensitive and it's imperative to treat it correctly.
-
6
Clear your schedule. Depending on the depth of your peel, it can take between two and 14 days to recuperate from a chemical peel. Since your skin will be red and irritated, you may not want to schedule any meetings or events during that time period.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Drink plenty of water. Since your skin is literally burned, you need to hydrate from the inside as well.
Do not peel flaking skin away. This can lead to scarring.
