Melasma is common skin condition presenting with hyperpigmentation.

A new study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment evaluated the efficacy, tolerance, and complications of one session of combined chemical peels compared to traditional serial sessions of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling in treating melasma.

This was a split face study, wherein one session of combined chemical peels was carried out at the left side of the face, while six sessions of TCA 15% peel were conducted at the right side of the face every 10 days. The Modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score was calculated at baseline – before starting peeling sessions, after one month, at the fourth TCA peeling session and after three months – one month after the last TCA peeling session.

It was observed that both sides of the face showed gradual reduction in modified MASI score throughout sessions. By the end of the study, the TCA-treated side showed slightly lower mean modified MASI score than the combined chemical peels-treated side of the face; however, this difference was not statistically significant.

In inference, it was stated that asingle session of combined chemical peels is as effective as six sessions of TCA peel in treatment of melasma. Hence, combined chemical peels can be used as a convenient, tolerable and time saving safe procedure for treating melasma.

Source: Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2020 Jul 10;1-23.doi:10.1080/09546634.2020.1793888