Can a Chemical Peels cause discoloration of the skin?

Year ago had a chemical peel around my mouth - worked well and was very deep.now have a white area around my mouth and a darker area on the rest of my face as I live in the sun (but do not particularly sun bathe as such). Also enlarged pores on nose.

Answers from doctors (3)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Sep 27, 2021

Deeper chemical peels - those sufficient to improve skin texture, i.e., remove wrinkles and sun damage - will also restore skin to its undamaged color, i.e., the color of sun-protected skin. The skin is not 'whitened' but restored to its undamaged color. Of course, if only one area of the face is treated, the untreated areas will retain their darker - sun-damaged - color causing a contrast between the treated and untreated areas.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

Deeper chemical peels - those sufficient to improve skin texture, i.e., remove wrinkles and sun damage - will also restore skin to its undamaged color, i.e., the color of sun-protected skin. The skin is not 'whitened' but restored to its undamaged color. Of course, if only one area of the face is treated, the untreated areas will retain their darker - sun-damaged - color causing a contrast between the treated and untreated areas.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Evolution MD

Published on Oct 17, 2017

Yes, a chemical peel can cause discoloration especially when you are exposed to the sun. My advice would be to just use sun block and go back to your doctor to see if he or she can do another session or give you any cream to help you with the discoloration.

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Answered by Evolution MD

Yes, a chemical peel can cause discoloration especially when you are exposed to the sun. My advice would be to just use sun block and go back to your doctor to see if he or she can do another session or give you any cream to help you with the discoloration.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Esta Kronberg, M.D.

Published on Dec 22, 2009

Yes, chemical peels can cause a change in the color of your skin. There are
several variables. It depends on the type peel (such as TCA, phenol and
glycolic peels) and the color of the patients skin.
It is best you go to a Dermatologist or Plastic surgeon with a lot of
experience with these chemicals. If it is a TCA or phenol peel insist that
the doctor do the peel for you. This is your face. You also want to hear
from the doctor what to expect and how long the healing time. Do your
research and be picky who performs these procedures on you.

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Answered by Esta Kronberg, M.D.

Yes, chemical peels can cause a change in the color of your skin. There are
several variables. It depends on the type peel (such as TCA, phenol and
glycolic peels) and the color of the patients skin.
It is best you go to a Dermatologist or Plastic surgeon with a lot of
experience with these chemicals. If it is a TCA or phenol peel insist that
the doctor do the peel for you. This is your face. You also want to hear
from the doctor what to expect and how long the healing time. Do your
research and be picky who performs these procedures on you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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