Hyperpigmentation is a common skin problem, characterized by patches of darkening skin. It is usually caused by an excess of melanin, the brown pigment in the skin. Hyperpigmentation may be brought on by sun damage, hormonal changes or injury to the skin. This problem is usually little more than a cosmetic nuisance, but it can make you very self-conscious about your appearance. The good news is there are a variety of chemical peel treatments that can minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation and give you a smoother, more consistent complexion.

 About Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are outpatient cosmetic treatments used to address a wide range of skin concerns. These procedures begin with an application of a chemical solution tailored to the specific concerns of each patient. The peel is left on the skin for a prescribed amount of time, before it is neutralized and removed. Recovery time depends on the depth of the peel, with deeper peels taking up to two weeks of downtime. These peels also provide the most dramatic, long-lasting results.

 Recommended Peels for Hyperpigmentation

If you are seeking treatment for hyperpigmentation, there are a few chemical peels we might recommend at Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery:

Brighten Up Peel – This peel treatment is relatively light, making it a good choice for patients with sensitive skin or patients trying out a peel for the first time. A combination of vitamin A and peptides in the mix lightens hyperpigmentation and gives skin a healthy glow. Treatments are relatively quick and require no downtime afterward.

Melanin Lift – This peel treatment contains TCA and alpha hydroxy acids, as well as vitamin A, to provide effective exfoliation and create more dramatic results. This peel treatment works particularly well on aging skin, shaving years off the face while hiding hyperpigmentation and other aging signs. Lactic acid in the mix is the top skin brightener, although TCA and glycolic acid work to enhance penetration of the lactic acid and improve overall skin structure and tone.

Crystal Bright Peel – The medium peel is specifically formulated to target hyperpigmentation, as well as large pores and uneven skin tone. A combination of TCA and fruit acids works to reduce discoloration and soften the skin. The crystal bright peel takes up to one hour to complete and can be used on the chest and hands, as well as the face. 

Chemical peels are an effective way to reduce hyperpigmentation while achieving overall skin rejuvenation. However, skin care products you can use at home are another good option for extending results from these treatments and giving your skin a daily boost at the same time. At Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery, we recommend Retamax and Brightenex, two potent ZO products that effectively brighten the skin and minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

To learn more about your options in peel treatments or skin care products, contact Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery at 888-909-FACE.