A woman’s attempt to remove her freckles through a chemical peel left her with severe skin peeling and discoloration. Doone Roisin, the founder of a women’s media company called Female Startup Club, decided to undergo the procedure after her melasma freckles started to resemble sun damage as she grew older. Melasma is a common skin condition that causes patches of brown or grey pigment to appear on the face, predominantly affecting adults.
Despite diligently using sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure, Doone was dissatisfied with the appearance of her freckles and opted for the drastic measure. She booked an appointment with a doctor who had successfully performed the procedure on a friend, paying $1,800 (£1,423) for the treatment.
Doone’s journey began with a dermamelan peel, commonly used to depigment the skin and minimize the appearance of spots. The process involved several weeks of skin preparation, including changes to her skincare routine and laser treatments. In early May, she attended her appointment, where a ‘mask’ resembling a brown cream was applied to her face. The initial cream burned off the top layers of her skin over the following 12 hours. After that, she washed it off and continued with her daily routine.
However, Doone experienced adverse effects soon after the procedure. Her face felt burnt, became bright red, and swelled within the first two days. She diligently followed the prescribed skincare regimen, applying a cream twice a day to encourage the peeling of the top layers of her skin. The peeling process was accompanied by intense itching, making it difficult for her to resist picking at the affected areas. Despite the discomfort, Doone persevered, acknowledging that the most significant peeling occurred in the first two weeks and that she still had several months to go before completing the treatment.
While the downtime of the treatment lasted two weeks, Doone has no regrets as her skin has now recovered, and she is delighted with the results. She expressed her satisfaction, stating that she now has clear, blemish-free skin. Although the procedure was not the most pleasant experience, she would willingly undergo it again due to the positive outcome. Doone mentioned that the frequency of repeating the treatment varies depending on individual skin and the reoccurrence of pigmentation. She emphasized that the procedure successfully removed her melasma freckles under her eyes and the freckles on her lip, eliminating the need for further cosmetic intervention.
It is important to note that chemical peels for freckle removal are not a permanent solution. While some individuals may only require the treatment once in their lifetime, others might need annual sessions to maintain the desired results. Each person’s skin and pigmentation response vary, influencing the long-term outcome of the procedure. Doone’s personal experience highlights both the challenges and rewards associated with pursuing such cosmetic treatments.
