Should You Use Chemical Peels to Treat Melasma Symptoms?

Melasma can be a very stubborn problem to effectively eliminate.  Not only do you have to worry about getting rid of current symptoms, but also preventing new areas from forming.  A common approach to treating melasma symptoms is chemical peels in combination with other solutions.  The big question that most people are asking is whether or not chemical peels are actually the best option.  While everyone suffers from melasma a little differently, there are compelling reasons to look into chemical peels as a possible solution.

How Effective Are Chemical Peels?

The first place to start your search for a solution to your melasma problems is by looking at the overall effectiveness of your options.  Superficial chemical peels have consistently yielded quality results for melasma suffers.  One thing to keep in mind is that the doctor performing your procedure will match the chemical peel solution to your particular melasma symptoms.  Not only will this remove varying layers of skin, but it also makes choosing the right doctor extremely important.

Chemical Peels Are Only Part of the Solution

One thing to keep in mind when considering chemical peels as a melasma symptom treatment option is that getting the best possible results will require some additional items.  For maximum effectiveness, your chemical peels should be combined with a quality prescription bleaching cream and wearing sunscreen on a regular basis.  It is important to remember that there is no cure for melasma.  This means that when you are searching for a solution, the goal is simply to eliminate the visible symptoms.

Other Alternatives

One of the most commonly used alternatives to chemical peels is laser treatments and light therapies.  Both of them have been shown to be effective at minimizing the symptoms of melasma.  The primary problem is that the results tend to be more unpredictable.  While both laser treatments and IPL therapies can provide amazing results, this isn’t the case for everyone.  Fortunately, they will not make your symptoms any worse; however it also won’t get any better.

Benefits of Choosing Chemical Peels to Combat Melasma

1. Consistency

All things being equal, the most significant benefit of choosing chemical peels instead of laser treatments or IPL treatments is that you know exactly what you’re going to get.  Assuming you are using a board certified practitioner who can identify the proper depth of the chemical peel, your results will be consistent.  This is incredibly important because consistent results will allow you to tailor your other treatments, such as bleaching creams, to enhance your overall results.  Without consistent results, you will constantly be tweaking and testing complementary products to suit the state of your skin at any given moment.

2. Faster Healing Time

Depending upon the debts that your chemical peel must reach in order to get the results you want, peels often require less downtime than an equivalent laser treatment.  This not only allows you to get back to your daily routine quicker, but also allows you to utilize your other treatments sooner.

Melasma can present in a variety of different ways.  In order to decide whether or not you should consider adding chemical peels to your regiment the best solution is to consult with your board certified practitioner.  They will be able to provide greater insight into what treatments will be most effective considering both your skin type and the current state of your melasma symptoms.