Melasma is a common cause of facial pigmentation, but it’s also one of the hardest conditions to manage in aesthetic dermatology — especially in Indian skin. Even with many treatment options available, relapse is frequent. This reminds us that melasma isn’t just about excess pigment; it’s a long?term condition that tends to return.

We now understand melasma as a complex skin disorder. It involves overactive pigment cells, ongoing inflammation, changes in blood vessels, and a weakened skin barrier. This broader view matters. It helps explain why treatments can fail and why careful choices — particularly with chemical peels in pigment?prone skin — are essential.

Implications for Clinical Management

For years, melasma treatment focused mainly on exfoliation and removing visible pigment. In practice, this often backfired. Aggressive resurfacing can fuel inflammation, triggering post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and rebound melasma — a risk that’s especially high in darker skin types.

Today, management is more measured and thoughtful. The goal is to work with the skin rather than against it. Modern strategies focus on gently renewing the epidermis, calming pigment producing signals, reducing inflammation, and protecting the skin barrier. This shift has reshaped how chemical peels are designed and used in aesthetic dermatology.

Role of Advanced Chemical Peels in Melasma

When chosen carefully, chemical peels still play a key role in melasma care. The ideal peel doesn’t just resurface — it soothes. It should brighten gradually, limit pigment production, reduce irritation, and help the skin recover its barrier.

Formulations containing lactic acid, mandelic acid, and melanin inhibiting agents tend to do this well. They’re better tolerated and often more effective than older, high strength glycolic or TCA only peels, particularly in pigment prone skin.