Pigmentation concerns, such as sunspots, acne marks, and uneven skin tone, are among the most common skin issues, and chemical peels are one of the treatment options used to improve the appearance of these conditions.
These in-clinic treatments gently exfoliate the skin, helping fade discolouration and even out your complexion. Under the guidance of experts like Dr Justin Boey, peels can be customised to your skin type and pigment concerns for safe and noticeable results.
This guide focuses specifically on how chemical peels help reduce pigmentation. You’ll find clear answers on how they work and what you can expect at every stage of treatment.
What Are Chemical Peels and How Do They Help with Pigmentation?
A chemical peel is a treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove its outer layers in a controlled manner. This process causes the damaged skin layers to exfoliate and eventually peel off, allowing new skin to form.
The process can also encourage natural repair responses in the skin, including collagen activity. By gently removing the outer pigmented skin layers, chemical peels encourage renewal and may reduce the appearance of discolouration, uneven skin tone, and spots.
Types of Pigmentation that Chemical Peels can Target
Not all pigmentation is the same, but many common types of pigmentation respond well to chemical peels, especially those near the surface of the skin.
- Sunspots / Age Spots
Flat, brown patches that show up on areas frequently exposed to the sun, like the face, hands, or chest. - Freckles
Small, scattered brown marks that tend to darken with sun exposure. - Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Dark marks left behind after acne, bites, or other minor skin injuries. Chemical peels for hyperpigmentation are commonly used to help fade these spots by gently exfoliating the discoloured surface layers. - Uneven Tone and Dullness
General discolouration that affects brightness and skin clarity. - Mild Melasma
In some cases, carefully monitored peel treatments may be used. However, melasma is sensitive and should be treated with caution.
When Chemical Peels May Not Be Enough
Peels work best on surface-level pigment. If pigmentation runs deeper, results may be limited, and other treatments may be more effective.
Examples of deeper pigment include:
- Hori’s Nevus – A bluish-brown pigment often seen in Asian skin that lies deeper in the dermis
- Stubborn Melasma – Some types of melasma don’t respond well to peeling and require combination treatments or laser options.
Types of Chemical Peels for Pigmentation
Not all peels work the same way. The type of peel used depends on how deep the pigmentation is and how your skin responds to treatment.
Superficial Peels (Minimal Downtime)
These gentle peels use ingredients like glycolic, lactic, mandelic, or salicylic acid. They work on the outermost layer of skin, removing dead skin cells, and encourage natural renewal. Superficial peels are typically used to treat mild pigmentation issues, uneven skin tone, light sun damage, and minor texture irregularities. Due to their mild nature, recovery time is short, usually involving minimal to no downtime.
Medium-Depth Peels (Stronger Pigment Lifting)
Medium-depth peels reach further into the skin to target more persistent pigmentation. Common chemicals include trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at concentrations between 30-50%, combinations such as Jessner’s solution with TCA, or layered applications of salicylic acid or pyruvic acid. Medium-depth peels are suitable for individuals with more persistent pigmentation and photoaging. Recovery often takes 7–14 days and can involve redness, peeling, or swelling.
Personalised Peel Plans
Your skin is unique, and so should your treatment be. Chemical peels are often customised based on your skin tone, pigment type, and sensitivity. This can include layering different acids, adjusting peel strength, or spacing sessions to balance safety and results.
Safety for Different Skin Types
Chemical peels can be helpful for pigmentation, but they must be chosen carefully, especially for melanin-rich skin. Individuals with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types III to V) are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), so additional caution is needed.
How Clinics Manage Risk
To reduce the risk of side effects, clinics often prepare the skin with brightening agents such as hydroquinone before starting peels. This helps calm melanin activity and creates a more even base for treatment.
Peel strength is introduced gradually, and deeper peels are generally avoided for darker skin tones. A cautious, personalised approach helps ensure results while protecting the skin barrier.
Overview of What to Expect
If it’s your first time getting a peel, knowing what happens before, during, and after can help you feel more prepared.
Before the Peel
In the days leading up to your treatment, avoid direct sun exposure, products with active ingredients such as retinoids, and harsh exfoliants. Share your full skin history and any medications with your provider so they can choose the safest peel for your skin.
During the Peel
The procedure usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes. You might feel a mild tingling, warmth, or stinging as the solution is applied. These sensations are temporary and vary depending on the peel’s strength.
After the Peel
After treatment, your skin may feel tight or dry and look slightly red. Peeling usually starts within one to three days and can last up to a week. Avoid picking or rubbing the skin, and follow the aftercare instructions given by your provider.
Possible Side Effects
Most people experience only mild side effects after a chemical peel, especially when the treatment is performed professionally and with proper preparation.
What’s Normal
- Redness or slight swelling
- Dryness and mild flaking
- Temporary darkening of pigment before it fades (known as “peppering”)
These are part of the skin’s renewal process and usually resolve within a week.
Less Common Risks
Complications may occur if peels are too strong or used without the right precautions. These include:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Hypopigmentation or uneven tone
- Scarring (rare, usually from deep peels or improper application)
Possible Side Effects After Treatment
Most people experience only mild side effects after a chemical peel, especially when the treatment is performed professionally and with proper preparation.
What’s Normal
- Redness or slight swelling
- Dryness and mild flaking
- Temporary darkening of pigment before it fades (known as “peppering”)
These are part of the skin’s renewal process and usually resolve within a week.
Less Common Risks
Complications may occur if peels are too strong or used without the right precautions. These include:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Hypopigmentation or uneven tone
- Scarring (rare, usually from deep peels or improper application)
How Many Sessions Are Needed for Pigmentation?
The number of sessions you’ll need depends on the type of peel and the depth of your pigmentation. Some individuals may notice changes earlier, while others require multiple sessions over time.
General Guidelines
- Superficial Peels
Most people start with 4 to 6 sessions, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. These build up gradual improvement without downtime. - Medium-Depth Peels
Because they work more deeply, 2 to 3 sessions spaced a few months apart are usually sufficient. Recovery is longer, so treatment intervals are extended.
What Affects the Number of Sessions
- The type and depth of pigmentation being treated
- How your skin responds and heals after each peel
- How well you follow post-care and protect your skin from the sun
Your provider will adjust the plan based on your progress and skin response.
Maintaining Your Results After a Peel
After a chemical peel, the skin is more sensitive and requires gentle care. During the recovery phase, use gentle, non-active skincare. Avoid ingredients like acids and retinoids until your skin has fully healed. Follow the provider’s advice on when to resume stronger skincare ingredients.
Long-Term Pigment Control
To support ongoing pigment management:
- Use SPF 50+ daily, even on cloudy days
- Incorporate pigment-regulating serums as advised by your provider.
- Consider maintenance peels every few months, if recommended.
- Avoid smoking and limit sun exposure to prevent pigmentation from returning.
When Chemical Peels May Not Be Suitable
Chemical peels may not be recommended for everyone. In some situations, the potential risks may outweigh the benefits.
You may need to avoid peels if you have:
- Active eczema, infections, or broken skin, as exfoliation may worsen these conditions
- Recently used isotretinoin (within the past 6 months), which can increase sensitivity and risk of scarring.
- Pregnancy, as many peels are avoided during this period for safety reasons
- A history of keloid scarring, as peels may raise the chance of abnormal scar formation
- Inconsistent sun protection habits which can heighten the risk of post-treatment pigmentation changes
A proper consultation will help determine if chemical peels are a safe and effective choice for your skin.
Chemical Peels vs. Lasers
Both chemical peels and laser treatments can improve pigmentation, but they work in different ways and suit different skin concerns.
Chemical Peels exfoliate the skin’s surface. They’re ideal for treating widespread, superficial pigmentation like sun damage or post-acne marks. Peels are often chosen when you want gradual improvement with lower risk, especially for sensitive or darker skin types.
Laser Treatments go deeper. They target pigment with precision and can be more effective for stubborn or dermal-level discolouration, such as deeper melasma or Hori’s nevus. Lasers typically require fewer sessions but come with more downtime and a higher cost.
In some cases, your provider may recommend combining both approaches for better results over time.
FAQs About Chemical Peels for Pigmentation
Will my skin peel after every session?
Not always. Superficial peels may cause only light flaking, while medium-depth peels usually lead to more noticeable peeling for a few days.
How soon can I see a difference?
You might notice a brighter tone after just a few sessions. More visible improvements in pigmentation often take several treatments to become visible.
Can I use lightening creams with peels?
Yes, but only under medical guidance. Your provider may recommend certain lightening agents before or after peels to enhance results and reduce the risk of post-treatment pigmentation.
Are peels okay for acne-prone skin?
Some peels, especially those with salicylic acid, can help with both acne and pigmentation. However, treatment should be tailored to your current skin condition.
How can I stop pigmentation from coming back?
Sun protection is the most important step. Use SPF 50+ daily, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and follow a pigment-control skincare routine as advised by your provider.
Planning Treatment for Pigmentation
If you’re considering chemical peels for pigmentation, the first step is a detailed skin assessment. Your provider will examine your skin tone, sensitivity, and the type of pigmentation involved.
Based on this, they’ll create a personalised treatment plan, including the type of peel, how often sessions are spaced, and how to care for your skin before and after treatment.
At Sozo Clinic, consultations focus on assessing your skin and discussing whether a chemical peel may be appropriate as part of your care plan.
