Best home chemical peel for dark spots

If you want to reveal a flawless, fresh, and brighter complexion, using the best chemical peels for hyperpigmentation might be an effective solution. While multiple topical solutions are available that work deep on your skin if you want to eliminate pigmentation, these peels do the best job. Using chemical peels is not a recent technique, and it has been prevalent for decades now. For example, ancient Egyptians bathed in sour milk because it was packed with lactic acid that intensely cleanses your skin and removes any signs of hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation occurs due to excessive melanin production that leaves your skin with dark spots, blemishes, and acne scars. Chemical peels help diminish melasma, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Also, they are exfoliators and contain beneficial ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to enhance the skin’s natural glow. In this article, we have listed some of the best chemical peels for hyperpigmentation that will suit your skin perfectly. Keep reading!

In This Article

• Does A Chemical Peel Remove Hyperpigmentation?
• 10 Best Chemical Peels For Hyperpigmentation You Can Try At Home
• How To Choosing The Best Chemical Peel For Hyperpigmentation
• How To Use Chemical Peel For Hyperpigmentation?
• Why Trust StyleCraze?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Does A Chemical Peel Remove Hyperpigmentation?

Chemical peels work gradually, which means you need to use them consistently to see the desired results. Besides clearing hyperpigmentation, they are also effective in treating acne, fine lines, sun damage, and scarring. The potency of the chemical peels depends on the extent of the dark spots. If they are too deep, it’s recommended that you get the peels done by a professional.

10 Best Chemical Peels For Hyperpigmentation You Can Try At Home

1. Best For Sun Protection:Pro Skincare Divine Alpha Hydroxy Acid Skin Rejuvenation Therapy

This is an excellent choice if you want a chemical peel to add to your anti-aging skincare routine. The exfoliating formula contains glycolic acid, which remarkably dissolves the bond between dead skin cells and the skin’s surface. This results in unclogged pores, fewer breakouts, and fading of dark spots. The formula also contains alpha-hydroxy that increases collagen production and the cell turnover rate. This means you will notice toned, smooth, and glowing skin with consistent use.

• Repairs sun damage
• Fades hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and scars
• Unclogs pores
• Rejuvenates skin

Cons

• It may be harsh on extremely sensitive skin

Quick Tip: Glycolic acid may be a little harsh on sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, do not forget to do a patch test 24 hours before use

2. Best For Sensitive Skin:Perfect Image Lactic 50% Gel Peel

Let go of any skin-related anxiety once you start using this chemical peel. This peel is formulated with kojic acid, bearberry, and licorice extract that helps reduce the damage caused by excessive sun exposure. It also has 50% gel peel, increases cell turnover rate, and stimulates collagen production. Additionally, this product contains cucumber, which helps fight irritation and inflammation. Lactic acid peels are great because they infuse the skin with hydration and are safe to use on sensitive skin.

Pros

• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Anti-inflammatory
• Hydrating
• Provides an even complexion

Cons

• It may be too mild on oily or combination skin

Quick Tip: Apply a level 1 lactic peel before you apply this peel to get accustomed to the mildly unpleasurable sensation.

3. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Skin Beauty Salicylic Acid Skin Peel

Kick those breakouts and annoying blemishes to the curb with the Skin Beauty Salicylic Acid Skin Peel! This high-quality chemical peel is filled with potent ingredients like salicylic acid and propylene glycol, which keep breakouts at bay and cleanse your pores. It also contains hexylene glycol that makes the solution fast absorbing and easy to apply. Once you use this chemical peel consistently, it results in clear and acne-free skin. Additionally, the powerful solution increases cell regeneration and eliminates any dirt or oil that clogs your pores.

Pros

• Reduces excess sebum production
• Cleans out clogged pores
• Suitable for acne-prone oily and combination skin
• Speeds up skin cell regeneration

Cons

• It may contain natural alcohol

Quick Tip: Salicylic acid is drying on your skin. So, if you have dry skin, use this peel for spot treatment only.

4. Best For Skin Discoloration:QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel

This popular chemical peel is perfect if you want to achieve an even skin tone and texture. The professionally formulated peel contains pure chamomile and green tea extract, which are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and protect the skin. The 30% glycolic peel can fade dark spots, deep clean pores, and even out skin tone/texture while reducing fine lines. We recommend that you apply the peel evenly once you are done cleansing your face. Then, you must let it sit for 1-3 minutes before rinsing with cool water. This video offers a deeper insight into the functions and effects of the product discussed.

Pros

• Evens skin tone and texture
• Fades dark spots and acne scars
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-bacterial

Cons

• Some may find the consistency sticky and thick

Quick Tip: Use the QRxLabs Peptide Complex Serum after this peel to get a soothing sensation and better results.

5. Best Cruelty-Free:Medpeel Medical Grade Chemical Peels And Skin Care

If your skin concerns are usually clogged pores, uneven skin tone, dark spots, and fine lines, then this product is a great choice for you. The exfoliating formula contains glycolic acid that is derived from sugar cane and will safely remove dead skin cells without any negative reactions. The mild formula can be used daily, especially if you want to fade acne scars or dark patches. Since it is 70% Glycolic acid, you may experience some flaking on dry skin, but this is normal, and your skin will go back to normal after some time.

Pros

• Evens skin tone
• Gently removes dead skin cells
• Can be used daily
• Cruelty-free

Cons

• Must be avoided by people who have a tendency to form keloid scars

Quick Tip: After using this product, apply a thick layer of sunscreen before going outdoors since it may increase your sensitivity to the sun.

6. Best For Pore Cleansing:ASDM Beverly Hills 20% Salicylic Acid

This powerful exfoliate is perfect for skin that develops problematic acne like cystic or hormonal breakouts. The fragrance-free formula contains powerful ingredients like salicin from willow and poplar leaves, which deep clean your pores and prevent nasty breakouts. The chemical peel also contains BHA salicylic acid, which improves skin texture and exterminates blackheads, leaving you with clear and smooth skin. We recommend using this peel at night so that you get the best results in the morning. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to get a better idea about the product and its functions.

Pros

• Increases skin cell turnover
• Deep cleanses pores
• Prevents cystic acne
• Eliminates blackheads

Cons

• May cause an allergic reaction
• Must not be used if you are allergic to aspirin

7. Best Skin Elasticity:Cos De Baha S2 Salicylic Acid BHA 2% Liquid

Suppose you have problematic, acne-prone skin and are reluctant about using a hyperpigmentation peel. In that case, you may want to use this one as it is perfect for beginners. The exfoliating formula contains lavender extract, aloe extract, and 4% salicylic acid, which prevent breakouts and soothe the skin. It also contains camellia leaf extract and snail secretion filtrate, which help fade hyperpigmentation and even skin texture. We recommend using this peel on cleansed skin daily to strengthen skin elasticity and keep it healthy.

Pros

• Improves skin elasticity
• Prevents breakouts
• Tones and hydrates
• Soothes irritated skin

Cons

• It may be strong for dry skin types

8. Best For Dark Spots:Skin Obsession 85% Lactic Acid Peel

If you have sensitive skin, you may be reluctant to use any new product because you may break out or get a nasty rash. This chemical peel is specially formulated for sensitive skin types. It contains mild ingredients like lactic acid and distilled sterile water, which help improve skin tone and texture over time. The 85% lactic acid chemical peel is a flash peel that takes care of your skin concerns and helps fight premature aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles. We recommend using this peel once or twice a week for the best results.

Pros

• Evens out skin tone and texture
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• No downtime
• Fades dark spots and acne scars

Cons

• Maybe too mild for normal and dry skin types

9. Best For Combination Skin:Dermalure Salicylic Acid Peel 30%

This chemical peel is specially formulated for combination and oily skin types. It cleans out clogged pores while fading hyperpigmentation. It contains 30% salicylic acid, which powerfully penetrates deep within the skin and destroys acne-causing bacteria while eliminating blackheads or whiteheads. In addition, the product does a great job at evening skin tone and enhancing your skin’s natural glow.

Pros

• Evens skin tone
• Prevents breakouts
• Eliminates blackheads and whiteheads
• Enhances skin’s natural glow

Cons

• It may not be suitable for beginners

10. Best For Mature Skin:Jessner’s Peel True Radiance Chemical Peel

This chemical peel is perfect for mature skin because it tackles skin issues like fine lines, crows feet, liver spots, wrinkles, and sun damage. The peel formulation includes salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol which gently exfoliate the skin and fade the appearance of fine lines, sun damage, dark spots, and other signs of hyperpigmentation. It’s also a great prevention product if you suffer from adult acne and blackheads.

Pros

• Suitable for mature skin
• Evens skin texture
• Pore reduction
• Prevents adult acne

Cons

• Some may find the fragrance overwhelming

Now that you know the chemical peels for hyperpigmentation that can be used at home, it’s time to know about the important components that determine whether the product is suitable for you or not. You can check out the buying guide listed below to know more.

How To Choosing The Best Chemical Peel For Hyperpigmentation

• Glycolic acid peels

If you want a peel that is safe to use and has minimal side effects, then look for products that have glycolic acid because they target mild cases of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. They treat surface hyperpigmentation without going deep within the skin. These peels work fabulously on dry skin types.

• Salicylic acid peels

If your skin tends to build a tolerance to mild products and you need something a bit more potent, then look for peels that have 20-30% salicylic acid. They treat acne scars and blemishes and work best in combination with oily skin types. These peels also treat ant inflammation that is caused by acne.

• Lactic acid peels

These peels are perfect for beginners, especially if you have sensitive skin and are hesitant to use any new products. Lactic acid is milder than glycolic acid and can be used in concentrations like 5-10%. Lactic acid is known to treat dark spots and even skin tone.

How To Use Chemical Peel For Hyperpigmentation?

Step 1 – Perform a patch test on your forearm and leave the product for 30 seconds. Check for any negative reaction; if no reaction, then proceed to use it on your face.

Step 2 – Do not use any physical exfoliate on your skin before using a peel.

Step 3 – Wash and cleanse your face.

Step 4 – Apply a layer of petroleum jelly around sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, and nose for protection.

Step 5 – Apply a thin layer of the chemical peel on your face with the help of a cotton pad.

Step 6 – Follow up with a neutralizing solution.

Step 7 – Rinse the peel and neutralizer, and follow up with a moisturizer.

Hyperpigmentation occurs due to the production of excessive melanin. Chemical peels deeply exfoliate the skin and effectively treat dark spots, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation, including melasma. They remove the top layer of the skin and reduce the appearance of pigmentation by rejuvenating the skin cells. These products unclog the pores and are hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial. However, some may find them a bit sticky and thick. In addition, not all chemical peels suit every skin type. So, read the reviews above well before making a decision.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Kirtana Divakar, is a skin care enthusiast and helps choose the right products for different skin types. For this article, she extensively researched chemical peels that help check hyperpigmentation and shortlisted the best ones mentioned above. The peels, which are also endorsed by users through their valuable reviews, help exfoliate skin and fade hyperpigmentation besides checking melasma and dark spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do glycolic peels really help with hyperpigmentation?

Yes, they do. However, they are quite mild and will only help with surface level and mild cases of hyperpigmentation. If you have deep hyperpigmentation, we suggest visiting a professional to administer a potent dose.

Who can use the chemical peel for hyperpigmentation?

Any skin type, from ages 25 and above, can use chemical peels. However, if you are a beginner, it’s suggested that you start with a low percentage and see how your skin reacts to it. Then, once your skin builds tolerance, you can bump up the strength.

How many chemical peels does it take to get rid of hyperpigmentation?

It takes around four to six peels in intervals to get rid of hyperpigmentation. You can repeat the process for a month or two. Contact your dermatologist before beginning the process.

What is the difference between a chemical peel and microdermabrasion?

The basic difference between a chemical peel and microdermabrasion is that the former is a part of chemical exfoliation while the latter helps in manual exfoliation. Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of dead skin while chemical peels can dig in a little deeper to remove abnormal pigmentation and spots.

Can chemical peels cause hyperpigmentation?

If not used as per directions, chemical peels can cause hyperpigmentation. Some generic, unapproved chemical peels contain ingredients that may not suit sensitive skin, thus causing spots, redness, and discoloration. Choose high-quality chemical peels to avoid such issues.

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• Best Chemical Exfoliators For Radiant And Younger-Looking Skin

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• Author

Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru. She developed a deep passion... more