What kinds of dark spots respond to a peel?
Surface pigment responds best, which includes many sun-related spots and fading marks left after acne. Patchy melasma is less predictable and tends to return, so it needs a more cautious plan and usually a doctor's input.
Deep pigment sits below the level a light peel can reach. Raised, rough or irregular spots are a different matter and should be seen by a doctor.
How much fading is realistic?
Most people should expect lighter spots and a more even tone over several sessions, instead of clean skin after one visit. Light peels are often spaced about four weeks apart, and changes tend to show gradually as skin renews.
Some spots fade well and others barely move. Stopping to reassess after a few sessions is reasonable if a spot has not changed.
Why do dark spots come back?
Sun exposure is the most common reason, because ultraviolet and visible light tell pigment cells to make more color. Hormones, picking at skin and new breakouts can also create or refresh dark marks after a course of peels has ended.
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and a hat help protect results. Skin is also more sensitive to sun in the weeks after a peel, so that care matters most then.
When should a doctor look at a spot first?
See a doctor before any peel if a spot is new, growing, changing color, itching, bleeding or has an uneven border, because some skin cancers can look like ordinary dark spots. Peeling over a suspicious spot could also delay diagnosis.
Our chemical peel page explains how a visit works, and our face treatments page lists other options to raise at a consultation.