A: First, you need to be on an effective anti-acne program to prevent new lesions. Next, be sure you Do NOT PICK. Picking increases the chance of the PIH. Next, be sure you use an oil free, chemical free sunscreen every day. Even minor sun exposure will darken the PIH, even more than it darkens your normal skin. Lastly, talk to your dermatologist about doing a series of "lunchtime" peels or Diamond Glow. These are safe on darker skin and they speed up the fading of the dark spots without lightening your natural skin color.
Q. I am 27 and have small freckles ALL over my chest and arms. I wear sunblock every day now but I've had them for a long time. My dermatologist recommended a peel but I want to be sure it will definitely look BETTER afterward, not have a chance of looking worse somehow. Also what would happen to the pigment of any moles on my arms if I do this?
A: Well, with medical procedures, there is NEVER a guarantee things improve, but chemical peels on the arms, neck and chest are very popular, especially now that the face is looking better from peels, laser, fillers, etc. There is always individual variation in response to any medical and cosmetic procedure. With peels, you get best results if you pre-treat the area with retinoids and bleaching agents. After, the use of antioxidants and growth factors also improve results. I just gave a presentation on body rejuvenation at the Cosmetic Boot Camp. One important point in healing is to use less aggressive acids on the body, and do lighter but more frequent peels for best/safest results. Peels are also safe over "moles", also known as nevi.
More Chemical Peels Related Questions
- Chemical Peel Treatment in New Orleans - I have very dark skin on the back of my neck. It is embarrassing, so I will not wear my hair up. My hair is very unruly, and for work, I need to put it up. I am looking for a solution to lighten the color. Can a chemical peel be done on the neck?
- Chemical Peel After Results New Orleans - I have acne and dark spots. I admit, I tend to pick. Can a peel help the dark spots and if so, which peel is best? There seems to be so many types, I get confused
- New Orleans Chemical Peels - Is it absolutely necessary to have a pre-peel program prior to a peel? I have a big event in 3 weeks and do not have time to prep. Would I be wasting my time?
- Chemical Peels in New Orleans - What are lunchtime peels?
- Chemical Peel New Orleans - I am an African American female with acne scars. I have had mild keloids on my chest when I picked some acne blemishes, but not keloids after ear and body piercing. Can I get Fractional CO2 resurfacing?
- Chemical Skin Peel New Orleans - I'm a African-American who is 20 years old who still gets really bad acne which turns into post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. What should I do? The dark spots embarrass me even more than the acne.
- Chemical Peel in New Orleans - I am planning on getting a chemical peel and would like to know what I can do to make sure I have a good result.
- Chemical Skin Peel Before and After New Orleans - I have deep ice pick scars and have tried laser and even old fashioned dermabrasion for improvement. I really have not seen any change. Is there some other, more effective option?
- Chemical Peel Treatment New Orleans - Can I get a peel and filler on the same day?
Back to Chemical Peels Home Page
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for approval of new drugs and devices and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
