Can microdermabrasion and glycolic acid peel make my skin look darker?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am very much worried about my skin color. I have taken two sittings of microdermabrasion and two sittings of glycolic acid peel. But, I am not able to see any change, and that too, my skin looks darker. Would it be a chemical peel side effect? Now I am using branded face wash and sunscreen in the morning and skin whitening cream during bedtime.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Microdermabrasion and chemical peel are the procedures to improve skin texture. They exfoliate the damaged superficial layer of skin, thereby lightening the hyperpigmentation on the skin. This removes the dead cells in the skin, facilitating the new layer of cells to grow. After the procedure, the key is to use sunscreen round the clock, every four hours. This is because the skin needs to be protected from UV rays when recovering. UV rays are not only from the sun but also from tube lights, TV screens, and computer monitors. Once applied, sunscreen protects the skin for four hours, hence should be applied every four hours for optimal protection.

Now talking about expectations from these cosmetic procedures. They help lighten the skin a bit, but the main purpose of these procedures is to improve the texture and remove the dark pigmentation. This will take a minimum of four to five sittings to improve skin texture, provided proper aftercare measures like protection from UV rays are followed.

I personally explain to my patients that it is not a skin-whitening treatment because the color of an individual is genetically programmed. I do not want you to get disheartened. I can totally sense your concern, dear, but this is a fact. You will get back your original color after the procedure, which may be one or two shades lighter than your pre-procedure skin color. The procedure cannot make your skin darker if you have used sunscreen properly, as your dermatologist advised. Eat healthily, exercise regularly, and keep your body hydrated to have healthy skin.

Thank you.