What chemical exfoliant for melasma?

Glycolic acid

GA is the most widely used Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHA) for priming. Nearly 6%–12% GA is a good priming agent for peels in melasma and can be combined with tretinoin or HQ. It is started at least 2-6 weeks before peels and stopped a week before and reintroduced 2 days post procedure.

What chemical exfoliator for melasma?

Types of Chemical Peels used to treat Melasma

trichloroacetic acid. glycolic acid. salicylic acid. Jessner's solution.

Which chemical exfoliant is best for hyperpigmentation?

AHA Types: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and mandelic acid are all acids. AHAs are best for: Anyone with dry, oily, or normal skin who wants to fade dark spots, lighten hyperpigmentation, and smooth the appearance of fine wrinkles and bumpy texture should use AHAs.

Is exfoliating good for melasma?

Exfoliating is also great for preventing melasma as it helps to smooth skin, remove bumps, and minimize dark spots by gently sloughing off dead skin cells. You can use a physical exfoliant (like a facial scrub), or you can use a chemical exfoliant.

Do chemical peels help with melasma?

Chemical peels are extremely effective in treating melasma and removing discoloration on the skin. When applied to the affected area, chemical peels work not only to lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation but also to prevent the accumulation of melanin in the skin, which leads to the discoloration on the skin.

Do Chemical Peels Really Make A Difference?

What is the best chemical for melasma?

GA is the most widely used Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHA) for priming. Nearly 6%–12% GA is a good priming agent for peels in melasma and can be combined with tretinoin or HQ. It is started at least 2-6 weeks before peels and stopped a week before and reintroduced 2 days post procedure.

Is AHA and BHA good for melasma?

If you have oily skin and melasma, try a BHA Salicylic acid cleanser once a day in the morning. BHA helps clear pores and decrease inflammation. If you have dry skin and melasma, try a AHA Salicylic acid cleanser once a day in the morning. AHAs are humectants so they help hydrate skin.

Can glycolic acid worsen melasma?

Studies have demonstrated that the addition of glycolic acid can enhance the effectiveness of melasma treatments (Dayal).

Can salicylic acid remove melasma?

Salicylic acid

It treats melasma as an anti-inflammatory and also has an effective exfoliation function to promote new skin growth. 88% of participants in one study saw moderate to significant improvement after five salicylic acid chemical peels at concentrations of 20% and 30% (Grimes).

Does salicylic acid get rid of melasma?

Chemical peels use substances like glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, and salicylic acid to remove the superficial layer of the skin that contains excess pigment in melasma patients.

Is AHA or BHA better for hyperpigmentation?

AHAs, such as glycolic and lactic acid, may be effective in treating changes in skin color such as melasma, solar lentigines, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Experts believe that the quicker action of AHA makes it a better option for improving skin color than BHA-containing products.

Is retinol or AHA better for hyperpigmentation?

But does retinol work better without AHA or BHA exfoliants? In short, no. Research has actually shown that retinol combined with exfoliants (like AHAs) helps to fade hyperpigmentation in skin, and improves the results you get from both ingredients.

Does glycolic acid fade melasma?

Conclusion: A cream containing 10% glycolic acid and 2% hydroquinone (Neostrata AHA Age Spot and Skin Lightening Gel) improved melasma and fine facial wrinkling in Asian women. In combination with glycolic acid peels at 3-week intervals the lightening of melasma is subjectively much better.

What are the best ingredients to fade melasma?

Hydroquinone is an FDA-approved skin-lightening agent that works by inhibiting the skin's pigment-producing cells. Six of our experts named it as an extremely effective way to treat melasma flare-ups, especially via products that combine hydroquinone with other active ingredients like exfoliating acids.

What not to use on melasma?

Skin care products: A product that irritates your skin in general will likely make your melasma worse. Soaps: Some scented soaps are thought to cause or worse melasma. Tanning beds: The UV light produced by tanning beds damages your skin just as bad as the UV light from the sun, and sometimes worse.

What should you not do with melasma?

Can over exfoliating cause melasma?

Skin Routine

Exfoliating scrubs are among the most common, but these can actually make the problem worse. Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that can occur because of friction on the skin, so scrubbing can sometimes make it worse.

Can salicylic acid make melasma worse?

Engelman warns against using products with salicylic acid, as it can have a damaging effect on melasma-ridden skin. On top of that, your diet may also have an effect on melasma.

Can chemical peels make melasma worse?

Many skincare professionals swear by chemical peels and laser skin lightening to treat melasma. However, Dr Bunting warns, “very commonly melasma can be made worse by 'physical' treatments likes microdermabrasion, laser and chemical peels, especially in inexperienced hands” – so approach with caution.

What products make melasma worse?

Medications. Common medications can stir up melasma—and we're not talking about just birth control pills. “Some anti-seizure medicines, certain diuretics, the acne medicine spironolactone—all can trigger or worsen melasma,” says Dr. Geraghty.

Is niacinamide good for melasma?

Melasma is a chronic and persistent hyperpigmentation, representing a therapeutic challenge because of the high rate of relapses. This work showed that niacinamide 4% is an effective agent for the treatment of melasma, as assessed by objective methods and clinical evaluation.

How can I permanently remove melasma from my face?

Why is it so hard to get rid of melasma?

Because the condition is fueled primarily by sunlight and female hormones, there's no true way to cut off the stimulus for melasma. In other words, you may get encouraging results from a gentle chemical peel, but they're likely to be short-lived. Eventually, nature will regain the upper hand.

Does 2% salicylic acid get rid of hyperpigmentation?

Salicylic acid is proven to be effective for treating hyperpigmentation, including for patients with darker skin⁵. Salicylic acid and tretinoin are comparable for fighting acne⁶.