Hypopigmentation is the opposite of hyperpigmentation and is a rare side effect of a chemical peel treatment. This is when the skin effectively ‘loses’ colour, lightening from the original skin colour and causing unsightly discoloration. There is a greater risk level involved for those with darker skin.
Confusingly hypopigmentation is sometimes referred to as PIH, another name for hyperpigmenation. Another label is skin de-pigmentation.
Hypopigmentation occurs when melanin levels are depleted in the skin, removing the dark pigment from the skin. Effectively this makes the skin more susceptible to damage from UV radiation produced by the sun, as well as making the skin appear somewhat blotchy coloured.
The most common cause of hypopigmentation is damage or trauma to the skin. Although a rare case of hypopigmentation, chemical peels have the potential to lighten the skin because they essentially damage the skin in order to promote skin cell production.
Like with hyperpigmentation, it is those with darker skin who are at the greatest risk of an unwanted skin depigmentation. It is the deep chemical peels which pose the greatest risk of this unwanted skin condition occurring.
There are steps to take which can reduce the likelihood of suffering from hypopigmentation.
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