Recovery
Results
Treatment Time
Aftercare
Treatment science score 
The science of salicylic acid peels for melasma
- Peels can also potentiate the delivery of products into the skin
- This peel is best for acne prone skin
- Salicylic acid peels can exfoliate pigment & marginally improve melasma
- Salicylic acid peels have minimal downtime compared to Cosmelan peels
- Cosmelan peels are the most effective peels for melasma, albeit a protracted recovery
- Salicylic acid belongs to the beta hydroxy acid family
- This peel speeds up the turnover of skin cells to reduce melasma pigment
- Faster turnover means healthy skin with less pigment
Salicylic acid peels are classed as superficial peels. They are best used to improve skin quality & treat acne. They can be marginally effective in reducing pigmentation & melasma. A typical peeling program consists of 5 peels, conducted over 10-12 weeks.
What are salicylic acid peels?
Salicylic acid peels are exfoliating peels designed to treat pigment. Unlike TCA or Cosmelan peels, salicylic acid has little downtime. A series of 5 sessions are recommended for best results.
Peels are typically spaced 2-3 weeks apart.
What can this peel do for my skin?
- Reduce melasma pigment
- Lightens post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Reduce age spots
- Treats acne prone skin
How does this peel work?
Salicylic acid peels work in treatment of melasma via two pathways-
- Chemical exfoliation of melasma pigmentation. This aids in turnover of skin cells.
- As a primer for delivery of skin care products such as arbutin, azelaic acid, retinol, ascorbic & tranexamic acids.
What is the recovery process?
Salicylic peel has a recovery time of 1-2 days, depending on the concentration of the peel. Post peeling starts at 24 hours & lasts up to 3 days. During this time makeup can be used, however it does not sit well due to flaky skin. Redness resolves within a week post peel.
Peel type |
Recovery |
Number required |
Efficacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salicylic acid | 1-2 days | 5 | ** |
| Cosmelan | 7 days | 1 | *** |
| AHA peels | Nil | 5 | ** |
Is it the best peel for melasma?
Cosmelan & Dermamelan peels are the most effective peels for melasma with efficacy rates of up to 60%, however they are associated with a long recovery time of up to 9 days or more- especially for Dermamelan. Another clinic favourite is the Vi Precision Peel.
Less effective peels for melasma include glycolic, lactic, salicylic & retinoic acid peels. These groups of peels can improve melasma by 20- 50%. The optimal peel type depends on the depth of pigment, your skin type & allocated recovery time.
What results can I expect from a salicylic acid chemical peel?
This peel can reduce most types of pigment, however it does take 4-8 weeks before results are seen. You can expect-
- Reduction of pigment
- More even skin tone, lighter skin tone
- Reduction in fine wrinkles, reduction of photo damage
A series of 5 sessions are recommended for best outcomes.
When do we use glycolic peels for melasma?
As with other peeling agents, glycolic (& lactic) acid peels are best used during the maintenance phase of melasma treatment, namely after a series of Picosure Pro laser sessions. A salicylic acid peel is the preferred peel if you have melasma & acne prone skin, whilst a glycolic peel is used if you have more photo damage. Salicylic acid peels have a longer recovery compared to glycolic or lactic acid peels.
Peeling agents work by accelerating cellular turnover, in turn improving the luminosity & clarity of skin. They are useful to potentiate the delivery of skin care products such as retinoids, vitamins & pigment correctors.
How many sessions will I require to clear my melasma?
5 sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart. Salicylic acid peels work by gentle exfoliation of the skin’s surface, in turn clearing superficial pigmentation.
Results can be seen at the 4 week mark, maximal results are seen in 12 weeks. It works in approximately 20-50% of melasma cases & is best used as a maintenance peel.
What is the treatment like?
Salicylic acid peels are in office peels & typically take less than 10 minutes to perform. The steps involved are –
- Degreasing of the skin to remove excess oil.
- Application of the peeling agent.
- Activation of the peel with pseudo-frosting.
- Cooling of the skin.
- Post peel application of sunscreen.
On a pain scale of 1- 10, this peels rates as a 2/10 (very well tolerated).
How does Cosmelan peel compare with salicylic acid peels for melasma?
Cosmelan & Dermamelan peels are much more effective than BHA peels (salicylic acid) for melasma as they address the primary cause of melasma. The downside of Cosmelan / Dermamelan is the extended recovery time of these agents.
The Vi Precision peel is one of our favourite as it has less downtime compared to Cosmelan & is more cost effective.
Treatment Type |
Works |
Recovery |
Number of Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salicylic acid peels | Works in 30-40% of cases | Minimal recovery | 5 sessions required |
| Cosmelan Peels | Works in 55% of cases | 7 day recovery | 1 peel session |
| Dermamelan Peels | Works in 60% of melasma cases | 8+ day recovery | 1 peel session |
Our Gallery of Results
Retinoids are useful in some, but not all cases of melasma & pigmentation
.
👉Concept: though they are commonly prescribed in many combinations (eg. Triluma, Kligman’s, modified Kligman’s, stand alone ranging from retinol to retinoic acid), the rate limiting factor is skin irritation. Potentially this means less of what really matters- use of other more useful pigment correctors
.
☄️👌🏻Selective & gradual introduction of retinoids: Your clinician will discuss the timing of retinoids, in addition to the class & concentration, based upon your skin’s irritant threshold & background photodamage, taking into account co-prescription of other ‘skincare actives’
.
🎬Action: Brisbane patients, book a consultation with Alison @cutis_dermatology Sydney, few spots available next month, link in the bio.🙏🏼
.
The Melasma Clinic
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasma #dermatologistsydney #retinol #retinoids #retinolskincare #skincare #skincaretips #pigmentationtips #drdavinlim #davinlim #triluma
Retinoids are useful in some, but not all cases of melasma & pigmentation
.
👉Concept: though they are commonly prescribed in many combinations (eg. Triluma, Kligman’s, modified Kligman’s, stand alone ranging from retinol to retinoic acid), the rate limiting factor is skin irritation. Potentially this means less of what really matters- use of other more useful pigment correctors
.
☄️👌🏻Selective & gradual introduction of retinoids: Your clinician will discuss the timing of retinoids, in addition to the class & concentration, based upon your skin’s irritant threshold & background photodamage, taking into account co-prescription of other ‘skincare actives’
.
🎬Action: Brisbane patients, book a consultation with Alison @cutis_dermatology Sydney, few spots available next month, link in the bio.🙏🏼
.
The Melasma Clinic
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasma #dermatologistsydney #retinol #retinoids #retinolskincare #skincare #skincaretips #pigmentationtips #drdavinlim #davinlim #triluma
Your clinician will guide you through your specific protocol & pigment corrector. This only applies to potentially irritating agents, it is not a blanket guide for all topicals/pigment correctors
.
Still sensitive, even if short contact?
.
1️⃣Use half the amount (dilute in moisturizer)
.
2️⃣ moisturiser before & after
.
3️⃣Titrate use, ie. skip a day….or three
.
4️⃣Test spot for allergy (very rare, skin irritation more common). Use a tiny amount, apply to the inner arm, photograph 📸the reaction taking note of the time it takes to develop irritation. Show this to your treating clinician to interpret & they will guide you. Irritation is different from allergic reactions💯
.
👉🙏🏼Addition of topicals will be guided by your treating clinician, based upon your skin sensitivity, current topical use & treatment (peels vs lasers). Timing is important
.
The Melasma Clinic
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasma #dermatologistsydney
Your clinician will guide you through your specific protocol & pigment corrector. This only applies to potentially irritating agents, it is not a blanket guide for all topicals/pigment correctors
.
Still sensitive, even if short contact?
.
1️⃣Use half the amount (dilute in moisturizer)
.
2️⃣ moisturiser before & after
.
3️⃣Titrate use, ie. skip a day….or three
.
4️⃣Test spot for allergy (very rare, skin irritation more common). Use a tiny amount, apply to the inner arm, photograph 📸the reaction taking note of the time it takes to develop irritation. Show this to your treating clinician to interpret & they will guide you. Irritation is different from allergic reactions💯
.
👉🙏🏼Addition of topicals will be guided by your treating clinician, based upon your skin sensitivity, current topical use & treatment (peels vs lasers). Timing is important
.
The Melasma Clinic
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasma #dermatologistsydney
Dr Vee Mang is an Australian trained physician with extensive experience in skin, having worked in the field of dermatology. She’s a cosmetic physician who works with Dr Van Park & Dr Davin Lim in Woollahra, Sydney
.
👉Her interests: Pigmentation, neurotoxin, acne management, anti-aging
.
📖Bookings: Open for consultation, send your expression of interest at our website, melasmaclinic.com.au Yes, an expression of interest is required for the Sydney clinic.
.
The Melasma Clinic
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasma
Dr Vee Mang is an Australian trained physician with extensive experience in skin, having worked in the field of dermatology. She’s a cosmetic physician who works with Dr Van Park & Dr Davin Lim in Woollahra, Sydney
.
👉Her interests: Pigmentation, neurotoxin, acne management, anti-aging
.
📖Bookings: Open for consultation, send your expression of interest at our website, melasmaclinic.com.au Yes, an expression of interest is required for the Sydney clinic.
.
The Melasma Clinic
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #melasma
Dr Van Park is the co-founder of The Melasma Clinic. She’s a key opinion leader in the field of aesthetic injectables with her innovative & novel injection techniques with neuromodulators & soft tissue injectables
.
👉Rumor has it that Davin Lim fixed her melasma & hence why she founded this clinic.
.
📖Bookings: She’s closed her books, but occasional consults may arise
.
The Melasma Clinic
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #drvanpark #dvp #clinicdvp #cosmeticphysician
Dr Van Park is the co-founder of The Melasma Clinic. She’s a key opinion leader in the field of aesthetic injectables with her innovative & novel injection techniques with neuromodulators & soft tissue injectables
.
👉Rumor has it that Davin Lim fixed her melasma & hence why she founded this clinic.
.
📖Bookings: She’s closed her books, but occasional consults may arise
.
The Melasma Clinic
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#themelasmaclinic #drvanpark #dvp #clinicdvp #cosmeticphysician
Davin Lim is a technician & co-founder. He comes up with the diagnosis, management plan & settings, nothing more. He fixed Van’s melasma & the rest is history☄️
.
👉In store: working on AI for ‘virtual Davin’, namely programmed AI bot for Q and A, coupled with AI video & virtual voice. Bot Q & A will be released in the next few weeks, virtual video & voice within 6 months (hopefully)
.
📖Bookings: handful of appointments available in Sydney every month, expression of interest via melasmaclinic.com.au
.
🏡The Melasma Clinic
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#davinlim #drdavinlim #themelasmaclinic #dermatologistsydney #dermatologyclinicsydney
Davin Lim is a technician & co-founder. He comes up with the diagnosis, management plan & settings, nothing more. He fixed Van’s melasma & the rest is history☄️
.
👉In store: working on AI for ‘virtual Davin’, namely programmed AI bot for Q and A, coupled with AI video & virtual voice. Bot Q & A will be released in the next few weeks, virtual video & voice within 6 months (hopefully)
.
📖Bookings: handful of appointments available in Sydney every month, expression of interest via melasmaclinic.com.au
.
🏡The Melasma Clinic
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#davinlim #drdavinlim #themelasmaclinic #dermatologistsydney #dermatologyclinicsydney
Hori is a common cause of pigmentation in Asian females
.
🔫Treatments: straightforward, it is only a matter of persistence & correct end points. 4-8 sessions. We can get the job done with older tech, but hypo & hyper pigmentation rates are slightly higher compared to pico. 1064 for true dermal Hori, 755 for the recently described mixed Hori
.
👍🏻Outlook: good. They rarely recur, remission expected in most, unlike melasma. The caveat is that melasma + Hori are commonly seen together
.
🎬Action: Consult our clinicians @the_melasma_clinic in Brisbane or Sydney. For Sydney appointments please fill out an expression of interest form on our website, melasmaclinic.com.au Brisbane patients, book an appointment with Alison @cutis_dermatology 💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#hori #ethnicskin #pigmentationtreatment #skinlightening #drdavinlim #davinlim #dermatologistsydney #picoway #picosure
Hori is a common cause of pigmentation in Asian females
.
🔫Treatments: straightforward, it is only a matter of persistence & correct end points. 4-8 sessions. We can get the job done with older tech, but hypo & hyper pigmentation rates are slightly higher compared to pico. 1064 for true dermal Hori, 755 for the recently described mixed Hori
.
👍🏻Outlook: good. They rarely recur, remission expected in most, unlike melasma. The caveat is that melasma + Hori are commonly seen together
.
🎬Action: Consult our clinicians @the_melasma_clinic in Brisbane or Sydney. For Sydney appointments please fill out an expression of interest form on our website, melasmaclinic.com.au Brisbane patients, book an appointment with Alison @cutis_dermatology 💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#hori #ethnicskin #pigmentationtreatment #skinlightening #drdavinlim #davinlim #dermatologistsydney #picoway #picosure
IPL is awesome for non-melasma pigmentation but is often a cause of flare ups for melasma pigment. The reason is the excessive heat that is often associated with IPL. Exception to this rule is the use of exact filters in correct pulse widths with co-prescription of pigment inhibitors- medical therapy. It can be done, but the threshold for error is very thin💯
.
👉This patient: treated with old fashioned dermal toning with nano-lasers, Spectra by Lutronic, in addition to medical therapy
.
📆👉Timeline: 10 weeks. Pico lasers offer faster resolution, if performed correctly.
.
Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#drdavinlim #IPL #IPLtreatment #melasma #melasmacure #melasmasurvivor #melasmaskincare #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
IPL is awesome for non-melasma pigmentation but is often a cause of flare ups for melasma pigment. The reason is the excessive heat that is often associated with IPL. Exception to this rule is the use of exact filters in correct pulse widths with co-prescription of pigment inhibitors- medical therapy. It can be done, but the threshold for error is very thin💯
.
👉This patient: treated with old fashioned dermal toning with nano-lasers, Spectra by Lutronic, in addition to medical therapy
.
📆👉Timeline: 10 weeks. Pico lasers offer faster resolution, if performed correctly.
.
Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney🇦🇺
.
#drdavinlim #IPL #IPLtreatment #melasma #melasmacure #melasmasurvivor #melasmaskincare #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Dermamelan & Cosmelan peels have arrived 💯
.
👉Novel peels: are a good option for primarily epidermal melasma and superficial pigmentation, albeit a downtime of 6-12 days
.
👌🏻Employ peels based upon diagnostic features of pigment and allowed recovery of the patient
.
🏡The Melasma Clinic Sydney-Brisbane 🇦🇺
#melasma #cosmelan2 #cosmelanmask #cosmelanpeel
Dermamelan & Cosmelan peels have arrived 💯
.
👉Novel peels: are a good option for primarily epidermal melasma and superficial pigmentation, albeit a downtime of 6-12 days
.
👌🏻Employ peels based upon diagnostic features of pigment and allowed recovery of the patient
.
🏡The Melasma Clinic Sydney-Brisbane 🇦🇺
#melasma #cosmelan2 #cosmelanmask #cosmelanpeel
What is the fastest & safest solution for melasma?
Picosecond lasers employ ultrashort pulses of light to safely shatter unwanted pigment without heating the skin. They provide the fastest & most effective way of improving skin quality, including clearing of melasma pigment.
As compared to chemical peels, Picosecond lasers have no downtime & are 20-25% more effective as compared to Cosmelan or Dermamelan peels & far more effective than glycolic acid peels.
The Melasma Clinic difference
Our specialist clinic is overseen by dermatologists who provide a comprehensive & bespoke approach to skin care. We take into account the complexity and individuality of your skin. Our pigment solutions include preventing future recurrences of melasma. Our ethos is to improve & maintain your skin’s health & vitality as an ongoing commitment to our patients.
Dr Davin Lim
650K subscribersHow to treat PIGMENTATION
If I can identify the cause of pigmentation, chances are I can treat it. This can only be achieved with careful real time examination…
More of our mostFrequently asked questions
What is the cost of salicylic acid peeling for melasma?
What aftercare is required post peels?
What skin care ingredients do we combine with salicylic acid?
Can all skin types & ethnicities be treated with salicylic acid peels?
What is the difference between salicylic acid washes & peels?
What are the side effects of salicylic acid peels?
Who performs the procedure?
How does salicylic compare with glycolic acid peels for melasma?
Is it safe to perform DIY salicylic acid peels at home?
A SummaryDavin’s tip on salicylic acid peeling for melasma pigment
Dr Davin Lim | Dermatologist
Prior to pico lasers, chemical peels form the mainstay of melasma management. Since 2010, peels have been outdated, bar novel Cosmelan & Dermamelan peels. Lasers, in particular picosecond lasers, provide far better & safer results with less rebound & no recovery time.
Salicylic acid peels are still en vogue, however their primary indication is for treating acne prone skin. In the context of melasma pigmentation, they have no advantages over glycolic or lactic acid peels, as AHA peels are equally as efficacious without the downtime of higher concentration salicylic acid peels.
Though not conveyed in research papers, salicylic acid peels have a higher rate of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation as opposed to other peels, especially in darker skin types.
Salicylic acid is often an added ingredient found in pigmentation correctors. Derived naturally from willow bark, it functions as an exfoliant with anti-inflammatory properties. The concentration varies from 0.2 to 2.0% (as opposed to chemical peels with 20-30%). Most often salicylic acid is combined with ingredients such as arbutin, citric acid, ascorbic acid, licorice root extracts & bearberry extracts.
