The Spot Peel

Yes, The Spot Peel is considered a chemical peel.

Chemical peels use ingredients like Azelaic Acid and Hydroquinone to remove the outer layers of the skin through a controlled shedding process. This helps eliminate dark spots and uneven skin tone. How it works:

First, a chemical solution is applied to the face. These acids break down the bonds holding the dead skin cells together on the surface. The outer layer of skin is exfoliated and peels off. Stronger acid concentrations allow the peel to penetrate deeper into the skin layers reaching the epidermis and upper dermis.

As the outer layers shed, any existing dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation are removed along with the dead skin cells. This reveals the fresher, more evenly-toned skin underneath. The peels also stimulate cell turnover, prompting the growth of new skin cells and collagen. This further improves texture and evens out discoloration over time.

The treatment depth and number of required peels depend on the severity of dark spots and the individual's skin type. Proper sun protection is essential after a chemical peel.

The time it takes to see results varies, but here's a general timeline after you apply The Spot Peel:

Immediately after peel: The skin may look slightly redder and feel tighter or "sunburned" right after the peel, as this is a normal reaction to the exfoliation process.

3-5 days after: You'll experience increased peeling and shedding of the outer skin layers where the peel was applied. This sloughing-off process is when dark spots start to become less noticeable.

1-2 weeks after: As the peeling subsides and the fresh new skin is revealed, you'll likely notice an improvement in overall skin tone and lightening of dark spots/pigmentation. However, the full effects may not be apparent yet.

4-6 weeks after: Typically, you'll see the maximum results in fading dark spots from a single peel treatment. The skin renewal process takes about a month for the deep layers to be uncovered.

Results also depend on the type and strength of the peel. Superficial peels may show more subtle results in 1-2 weeks, while deeper peels can take 4-6 weeks for full effects on pigmentation.

For severe dark spots, a series of 3-6 chemical peels spaced 4-6 weeks apart is generally recommended to achieve optimal fading and a more even complexion long-term.

Our combinations of ingredients in our chemical peel, The Spot Peel, have proven highly effective in treating facial dark spots. We have two formulations. One contains Azelaic Acid, Tretinoin, Arbutin, Vitamin C, and Titanium Dioxide. The other contains Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, Arbutin, Vitamin C, and Titanium Dioxide. More details can be found here.

Consult a board-certified Musely dermatologist to see what custom combination is best for you.

Azelaic acid and tretinoin are both effective treatments for dark spots, but they work in different ways and have distinct properties. When used together in a peel, azelaic acid's ability to reduce hyperpigmentation can be enhanced by tretinoin's exfoliating action, which removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This allows azelaic acid to penetrate more effectively and target the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) more efficiently. Tretinoin's promotion of cell turnover also helps to quickly reveal the new, less pigmented skin underneath. The combination can lead to a more significant reduction in dark spots and improved skin texture compared to using each ingredient alone.

Musely's The Spot Peel and Dermalogica's PowerBright Dark Spot Peel are both designed to target hyperpigmentation and dark spots, but they use different formulations and approaches. Musely's Spot Peel uses ingredients like hydroquinone, tretinoin, and hydrocortisone where PowerBright contains a blend of AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), and brightening agents like niacinamide and hexylresorcinol.

Musely's The Spot Peel is ideal for those needing a potent, customized solution with professional oversight while Dermalogica's PowerBright Dark Spot Peel is great for users looking for a treatment for milder cases.