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
Picosure Pro as adjunctive therapy for melasma
.
🔫Lasers vs Peels: lasers provide better remodelling of skin, leading to longer remission times as compared to novel peels such as Cosmelan. Additionally lasers (pico) have no downtime nor skin irritation as compared to superficial peeling systems. They do however take several sessions (2-5) for optimal results
.
👉Tip: tailor melasma treatment according to the patient. Understand the potential as well as the limitations of peels, skin care, medical therapy, injectables & energy devices for melasma to formulate a plan based upon the individual
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Picosure Pro as adjunctive therapy for melasma
.
🔫Lasers vs Peels: lasers provide better remodelling of skin, leading to longer remission times as compared to novel peels such as Cosmelan. Additionally lasers (pico) have no downtime nor skin irritation as compared to superficial peeling systems. They do however take several sessions (2-5) for optimal results
.
👉Tip: tailor melasma treatment according to the patient. Understand the potential as well as the limitations of peels, skin care, medical therapy, injectables & energy devices for melasma to formulate a plan based upon the individual
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Novel peels are useful for some cases of melasma. At the clinic we employ these peels for individuals who travel to our clinic from far. Peels have the advantage over lasers, namely less sessions to deliver similar outcomes (in actual fact, lasers are better with a ‘hit’ rate of 80-85% as compared to peels with 60-70% success)
.
🍌Peels: We have the Dermamelan, Cosmelan, novel Melanopro & Vi Precision peels as well as Jesser, TCA, salicylic acid, AHA, & retinoic acid peels. We perform focal phenol peels, but not segmental phenol peels for melasma as the risks are too high for our mode of practice
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #dermamelan #cosmelan #cosmelanpeel #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist #melanopropeel
.
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Novel peels are useful for some cases of melasma. At the clinic we employ these peels for individuals who travel to our clinic from far. Peels have the advantage over lasers, namely less sessions to deliver similar outcomes (in actual fact, lasers are better with a ‘hit’ rate of 80-85% as compared to peels with 60-70% success)
.
🍌Peels: We have the Dermamelan, Cosmelan, novel Melanopro & Vi Precision peels as well as Jesser, TCA, salicylic acid, AHA, & retinoic acid peels. We perform focal phenol peels, but not segmental phenol peels for melasma as the risks are too high for our mode of practice
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #dermamelan #cosmelan #cosmelanpeel #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist #melanopropeel
.
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Picosure Pro can be useful in highly motivated & educated patients as adjunctive therapy for melasma pigmentation
.
👉Results can be seen in as little as 2 weeks, however a series of 3-5 sessions provides the best outcome
.
👉Success rate: 80-85%. Melasma can be significantly improved in most, but not all cases. Pico lasers are best combined with medical therapy for optimal outcomes
.
📅Remission: varies according to radiation exposure, hormonal influx, topical usage, maintenance treatments & adjunctive procedures💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #picosure #picolaser #picosurepro #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Picosure Pro can be useful in highly motivated & educated patients as adjunctive therapy for melasma pigmentation
.
👉Results can be seen in as little as 2 weeks, however a series of 3-5 sessions provides the best outcome
.
👉Success rate: 80-85%. Melasma can be significantly improved in most, but not all cases. Pico lasers are best combined with medical therapy for optimal outcomes
.
📅Remission: varies according to radiation exposure, hormonal influx, topical usage, maintenance treatments & adjunctive procedures💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #picosure #picolaser #picosurepro #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Melasma can be effectively treated in most cases with a combination of medical therapy as well as energy based devices & novel peels
.
👉This case: Lutronic Q switch nano short pulse (5ns) laser. 5 sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart
.
🔫Laser concepts: low fluence 1064 nm q switching reduces melanin transfer to cells, reduces melanin production, vaporises the stratum corneum allowing better penetration of topicals, shrinks down the dendritic arms of the melanocyte & has limited shattering of pigment particles. Flares are uncommon, results are seen in over 80% of cases
.
👍🏻Laser: Lutronic Hollywood Spectra: is the gold standard in QSL nano laser technology, it has an excellent beam profile with a short pulse duration with super accurate & steady state fluence.
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#lutronic #hollywoodspectra #dermaltoning #toninglaser #melasma #melasmaclinic #drdavinlim #melasmatreatment
Melasma can be effectively treated in most cases with a combination of medical therapy as well as energy based devices & novel peels
.
👉This case: Lutronic Q switch nano short pulse (5ns) laser. 5 sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart
.
🔫Laser concepts: low fluence 1064 nm q switching reduces melanin transfer to cells, reduces melanin production, vaporises the stratum corneum allowing better penetration of topicals, shrinks down the dendritic arms of the melanocyte & has limited shattering of pigment particles. Flares are uncommon, results are seen in over 80% of cases
.
👍🏻Laser: Lutronic Hollywood Spectra: is the gold standard in QSL nano laser technology, it has an excellent beam profile with a short pulse duration with super accurate & steady state fluence.
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#lutronic #hollywoodspectra #dermaltoning #toninglaser #melasma #melasmaclinic #drdavinlim #melasmatreatment
This is generally what happens, hence why it takes a few weeks before best outcomes are achieved following pico laser (providing the diagnosis & settings are accurate)
.
👉Exceptions: if pigment production is not halted, e.g. melasma or PIH, this may result in more (paradoxical) pigment production. For dermal pigment, the rate limiting factor is pigment removal via the immune system, or if the particles are broken down to much smaller pieces that reflect light
.
👉Concept: in some cases, pigment worsens before improving. This momentary increase in pigment lasts 2-4 weeks. Our clinicians will discuss this with you if we employ these settings💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
This is generally what happens, hence why it takes a few weeks before best outcomes are achieved following pico laser (providing the diagnosis & settings are accurate)
.
👉Exceptions: if pigment production is not halted, e.g. melasma or PIH, this may result in more (paradoxical) pigment production. For dermal pigment, the rate limiting factor is pigment removal via the immune system, or if the particles are broken down to much smaller pieces that reflect light
.
👉Concept: in some cases, pigment worsens before improving. This momentary increase in pigment lasts 2-4 weeks. Our clinicians will discuss this with you if we employ these settings💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma as they address cellular aging, increasing turnover of cells, & reduce pigment production (extremely weak action compared to other pigment correctors) 💯
.
👉In some cases our clinicians may titrate retinoids into your melasma routine, along with other pigment correcting ingredients
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#retinol #tretinoin #retinylaldehyde #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma as they address cellular aging, increasing turnover of cells, & reduce pigment production (extremely weak action compared to other pigment correctors) 💯
.
👉In some cases our clinicians may titrate retinoids into your melasma routine, along with other pigment correcting ingredients
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#retinol #tretinoin #retinylaldehyde #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma pigmentation. Best applied at night due to photosensitivity
.
👉Vitamin C: can be used as an antioxidant or as a pigment corrector. Personally I prefer patients to apply in the am, under sunscreen
.
👉Azelaic acid: can be applied twice daily
.
👉Glycolic acid: can be potentially photosensitising (in theory, however practically not too much of an issue)
.
👉Pigment correctors: generally applied in the PM, with exceptions such as #thiamidol, azelaic acid, HQ that can be applied twice daily depending on other skincare actives
.
👉Sunscreen: at least twice daily, AM & midday application
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #skincaretips #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma pigmentation. Best applied at night due to photosensitivity
.
👉Vitamin C: can be used as an antioxidant or as a pigment corrector. Personally I prefer patients to apply in the am, under sunscreen
.
👉Azelaic acid: can be applied twice daily
.
👉Glycolic acid: can be potentially photosensitising (in theory, however practically not too much of an issue)
.
👉Pigment correctors: generally applied in the PM, with exceptions such as #thiamidol, azelaic acid, HQ that can be applied twice daily depending on other skincare actives
.
👉Sunscreen: at least twice daily, AM & midday application
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #skincaretips #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Vitamin C is useful in most cases of melasma, however formulations matter. Low pH formulations offer better bioavailability with the downside of higher rates of skin irritation
.
👉How to use: Apply under sunscreen as an antioxidant, or at night as a pigment corrector, or, in some cases twice daily. We prefer a combination vitamin C & ferulic acid plus #tocopherol or vitamin E in a stabilized low pH formulation. The most well known tiple combination is patented at a fixed percentage of 15% L-ascorbic acid with a distinctive metallic smell that stains whites. Several drops go a long way
.
👍🏻Tips: Spend the most amount of time & money on photoprotection. Over 90% of melasma patients do not get this correct, but rather spend efforts on skin care products & procedures. You will get the biggest traction out of understanding how to photoprotect your pigment as well as identifying triggers (beyond the usual ‘it’s hormonal’, think IR heat, additional sources of radiation, frictional components, including cosmetic (self induced) skin irritation). Skin care is always adjunctive to UV & visible light protection💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #vitaminC #ascorbicacid #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #ceferulicacid #vitamincskincare
Vitamin C is useful in most cases of melasma, however formulations matter. Low pH formulations offer better bioavailability with the downside of higher rates of skin irritation
.
👉How to use: Apply under sunscreen as an antioxidant, or at night as a pigment corrector, or, in some cases twice daily. We prefer a combination vitamin C & ferulic acid plus #tocopherol or vitamin E in a stabilized low pH formulation. The most well known tiple combination is patented at a fixed percentage of 15% L-ascorbic acid with a distinctive metallic smell that stains whites. Several drops go a long way
.
👍🏻Tips: Spend the most amount of time & money on photoprotection. Over 90% of melasma patients do not get this correct, but rather spend efforts on skin care products & procedures. You will get the biggest traction out of understanding how to photoprotect your pigment as well as identifying triggers (beyond the usual ‘it’s hormonal’, think IR heat, additional sources of radiation, frictional components, including cosmetic (self induced) skin irritation). Skin care is always adjunctive to UV & visible light protection💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #vitaminC #ascorbicacid #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #ceferulicacid #vitamincskincare
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.
