Peel for Pigmentation: Your Guide to Chemical Peels for Even Skin Tone

Struggling with uneven skin tone, dark spots or stubborn pigmentation issues? At Perfect Skin Solutions we specialise in advanced dermatological treatments, including the latest chemical peels to treat hyperpigmentation and reveal the radiant skin underneath. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right peel for pigmentation.

What causes Skin Pigmentation and Hyperpigmentation?

Skin pigmentation is the colour of your skin, determined by melanin production. When melanin is overproduced-due to sun exposure, skin injury, acne scars or hormonal changes-it leads to hyperpigmentation. This can appear as age spots, sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or melasma, making your skin tone uneven and affecting your confidence.

How do chemical peels treat Pigmentation?

Chemical peel treatment involves applying a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin, removing pigmented, damaged skin cells and encouraging new, even-toned skin to emerge. Peels are classified by depth:

Superficial Peels (Light Chemical Peel)

Targets the top layer, ideal for mild hyperpigmentation, mild dark spots and improving skin texture with minimal downtime.

Medium Chemical Peels

Penetrates deeper, suitable for more pronounced pigmentation, acne scars and deeper wrinkles.

Deep Chemical Peels

Reaches the lower dermis, reserved for severe hyperpigmentation, deep scars, or precancerous growths. These require significant recovery time and are generally not recommended for darker skin types due to higher risk of complications.

Best Chemical Peels for Pigmentation

Glycolic Acid Peels

• An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin.
• Good for mild hyperpigmentation, sun damage and uneven skin tone.
• Suitable for most skin types, but those with very sensitive skin may prefer milder options.

Salicylic Acid Peels

• A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its anti-inflammatory and oil reducing properties.
• Great for acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and oily or sensitive skin.
• Clears clogged pores, reduces redness and improves skin texture.

Mandelic Acid Peels

• Another AHA, ideal for sensitive skin and darker skin tones.
• Less irritating than glycolic acid, so best for African, Asian and other darker skin types.
• Good for blemishes, mild pigmentation and acne prone skin.

Lactic Acid Peels

• Mild and hydrating, suitable for sensitive or dry skin.
• Improves skin texture and mild pigmentation.

TCA Peels (Trichloroacetic Acid)

• Available in varying strengths, from superficial to medium peels.
• Lower concentrations can treat mild pigmentation, while higher concentrations address sun damage and age spots, but with longer recovery and higher risk for darker skin.

Cosmelan Peel

• A professional chemical peel specifically designed to reduce melanin production and treat stubborn pigmentation and melasma.
• Contains multiple active ingredients (e.g., azelaic acid, kojic acid) to inhibit melanin and promote even toned skin.

Which Peel is right for your skin type?

Darker Skin Tones: Superficial peels with mandelic, lactic or low concentration glycolic acid are safest. Avoid medium or deep peels which can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring.

Sensitive Skin: Mandelic acid and lactic acid peels are gentle and less likely to cause irritation or redness.

Acne Prone Skin: Salicylic acid peels help clear acne, reduce oil and fade PIH.

Severe Hyperpigmentation or Deep Scars: May require a series of medium peels or a Cosmelan peel under professional supervision.

What to Expect: Procedure, Downtime and Aftercare

After treatment, expect mild redness, slight peeling or a sensation similar to sunburn. These effects typically resolve within a few days for superficial peels, but medium and deep peels require longer recovery.

Minimal downtime is common with light chemical peels, while deeper peels may need up to two weeks of healing. Sun protection is crucial post-peel to prevent further pigmentation and protect the new skin. Always use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen.

Avoid harsh skincare, exfoliation or sun exposure for several days after your peel.

Why Perfect Skin Solutions?

At Perfect Skin Solutions we treat all skin types and tones, including darker skin types and very sensitive skin. We have a full range of hyperpigmentation chemical peels from glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels to advanced Cosmelan and mandelic acid peels. Every treatment is customised for your pigmentation concerns so you get safe, effective and glowing results.

Book Now

Ready to get even skin underneath? Book a consultation to find out which peel is best for your pigmentation and get the even-toned skin you want.