Chemical peels for the management of melasma and hyperpigmentation

Abstract

Melasma is often a difficult disease to treat, and can be psychologically distressing to patients. Currently, the gold standard for the treatment of melasma is hydroquinone. While this treatment has been used for many years, it does not come without risks with overuse. Chemical peels have also become an option for the treatment of melasma, but their efficacy and safety in comparison to hydroquinone has not yet been established. This review aims to investigate the various types, efficacy, and safety of chemical peels used to treat melasma.