Not all chemical peels work for everyone. In particular, people with skin with more melanin need to be careful since conventional chemical peels can cause harm. To get the benefits of a chemical peel, they need to entrust their skincare to aestheticians who specialize in their kind of skin in particular, like Paul Charette, founder of Charette Cosmetics.

“I completely understand the concerns surrounding chemical peels and melanin-rich skin,” Charette says. “It’s true that many aestheticians are not properly trained in treating people with darker skin tones. However, at Charette Cosmetics, we pride ourselves on offering specialized chemical peels that are safe and effective for people with all skin types. That includes those with darker skin tones.”

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, “There is a long-standing myth that chemical peels are not an appropriate treatment option for people with skin of color. However, chemical peels can be very effective treatments when performed by dermatologists who understand how to treat skin of color.”

Indeed, a recent study on various chemical peels done on patients with darker skin showed that less than 4% resulted in complications. The study’s researchers concluded, “Cosmetic procedures can be safely and effectively performed [in patients with melanin-rich skin].”

What is Melanin?

Melanin is a pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes of humans and other animals that serves as a natural defense mechanism against the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It also gives our skin its unique shade. People with darker skin tones typically have higher levels of melanin and, due to the natural protection melanin provides, also tend to tan easily and have a lower risk of sunburn than those with lighter skin tones.

However, this type of skin can also be more sensitive and reactive, which means traditional chemical peels risk causing hyperpigmentation. This is a condition in which patches of skin actually become darker. Indeed, scarring can even result.

That’s why Charette dedicated himself to developing a better chemical peel to meet the needs of people with underserved skin types. 

Revolutionary chemical peels for melanin-rich skin

“We need inclusive, tailored skincare options,” Charette says. “Melanin-rich skin has unique characteristics. That’s why it requires solutions that deliver safe and effective results.”

Charette and his team followed a meticulous, comprehensive process for developing these groundbreaking chemical peels for people with darker skin tones. “We conducted extensive research and collaborated with dermatologists, scientists, and aestheticians who specialized in treating melanin-rich skin,” he says. “We also went through many, many, many rounds of testing with multiple different combinations of ingredients and assessed their compatibility with melanin-rich skin. We were in research and development for years.”

But Charette isn’t content to rest on those laurels. “Truth be told, we’re still working on developing more chemical peels and other products for people with ethnic skin,” he says.

Specialized chemical peels for melanin-rich skin

Charette Cosmetics’s chemical peels for people with melanin-rich skin are different from conventional ones in many ways. “We have formulated our peels with gentle, non-irritating ingredients,” Charette explains.

According to Charette, they have also specifically designed their chemical peels to solve common problems that people with melanin-rich skin experience. “Our chemical peels even out skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and remove scarring from acne,” he explains. “These problems are often more prevalent in people with darker skin.”

In addition, Charette Cosmetics chemical peels for people with melanin-rich skin improve its texture, making it smoother. “In my experience, it’s not uncommon for people with melanin-rich skin to have concerns about roughness, dullness, or dry patches,” Charette says. “Our peels leave skin glowing and make it soft and even throughout. The results are transformative.”

While Charette Cosmetics’ chemical peels for people with melanin-rich skin involve specialized ingredients, they work according to the same principles as conventional chemical peels. “The chemical peel starts as a liquid solution that we apply to the skin,” Charette explains. “It hardens so that when it is taken off, it removes the top layer of skin, which provokes fresh skin cells to grow. Out with the old, in with the new. That’s what gives the skin its shine.”

Why chemical peels instead of other treatments?

Given the problems with conventional chemical peels for people with darker skin tones, it’s common for them to seek other treatments instead, like laser resurfacing or dermabrasion. While Charette Cosmetics offers these techniques, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best option for people with melanin-rich skin.

“It depends on the particular person,” Charette explains. “Everyone has different goals and their own unique issues to address. The key is to choose the most advantageous course of treatment for them specifically.”

Toward that end, Charette Cosmetics trains their aestheticians in proper skincare for people of all kinds. “Our staff has the knowledge and skills to assess individuals’ needs and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment,” Charette says. “The depth and intensity of the chemical peel varies depending on the individual’s needs, as well as their skin tone and type.”

Importantly, chemical peels can be more affordable than laser resurfacing or dermabrasion. In addition, laser treatments and dermabrasion often require multiple sessions. “Our chemical peels also offer a more flexible approach,” Charette says. “Our chemical peels can be tailored to meet specific needs or concerns.”

Finally, chemical peels promote the overall health of the skin. “They not only encourage cell turnover but also solve specific problems like acne scarring and hyperpigmentation,” Charette notes. “They enhance natural beauty and show off the radiance of melanin-rich skin.”

Trust Charette Cosmetics

For people with darker skin tones, the best medical spa to trust is Charette Cosmetics. “We understand the unique challenges of treating darker skin,” Charette says. “Everyone deserves high-quality, effective skincare that enables them to achieve their goals. You can trust that our chemical peels will improve your appearance and your skin’s health. It’s time to feel confident in your own skin.”