Mela Peel – Post-Acne Pigmentation Peel
Mela Peel at Eternal by Dr. Hiền Lê — a chemical peel built specifically for post-acne red and dark marks. Our dermatologist examines your skin and designs a personalised peel that targets the way pigment forms, combined with serum iontophoresis and LED light to help soothe the skin and limit recurrence of dark marks.
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Mela Peel – a peel made for post-acne marks
Post-acne marks (PIH – Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) are a consequence of inflammation at the acne lesion: the body produces more melanin than usual, leaving lingering red and dark marks. These often fade over several months, but on Asian skin — and especially skin still under acne treatment — they tend to persist and recur easily.
Mela Peel is a peel designed specifically for post-acne pigmentation, targeting the mechanism of pigment formation rather than just brightening the surface:
- Exfoliates the stratum corneum – helps remove superficial surface pigment
- Suppresses new melanin – to limit post-inflammatory recurrence
- Helps break down stubborn pigment – for gradually more even tone from within
- Adds anti-inflammatory actives – to help halt the development of red marks
At Eternal, every Mela Peel session begins with a 1:1 consultation with our dermatologist (Dr. Hiền Lê) to assess the type of pigmentation, the state of the skin barrier and whether you are a suitable candidate — before deciding the peel concentration and a personalised protocol.
The session takes about 45–60 minutes. There is no visible surface peeling and no downtime — suitable for clients who need safe recovery and want to return to normal activities right after the treatment.
Suitable cases and important notes
Suitable for
- Red and dark marks after acne (PIH).
- Mild acne with no active inflammation.
- A stable skin barrier that is not overly sensitive.
- Post-acne marks that respond poorly to topical products.
- Post-acne marks that respond poorly to laser and other light-based devices.
Cases that are not suitable / need treatment first
- Skin with an active breakout of inflammatory acne, cysts or nodules.
- Sun-tanned skin after travel or prolonged outdoor activity.
- Corticoid-damaged skin or skin with heavy-metal toxicity.
- Skin with contagious surface conditions: molluscum contagiosum, impetigo, ulcers.
- Pigmentation from melasma, freckles, Hori's nevus or nevus of Ota – these need a more appropriate treatment method.
What happens at Eternal
- 1
Consultation with the dermatologist
The doctor assesses the type of marks (red, dark or mixed), the degree of underlying damage, the state of the skin barrier and your treatment history. On that basis, the doctor determines the Mela Peel concentration, the areas to treat and the protocol that fits each client.
- 2
Cleansing and skin prep
The skin is cleansed (double cleanse) and fully dried. This helps the peel absorb evenly and limits unwanted reactions from excess oil or leftover makeup residue.
- 3
Personalised Mela Peel application
The doctor performs the peel at the concentration and number of layers decided during the consultation. The actives are zoned by the state of the pigmentation – darker and lighter areas are treated differently to limit unnecessary irritation.
- 4
Neutralising and soothing
Once the peel time is reached, the doctor neutralises and soothes the skin with a dedicated solution. This stops the peel at the right moment and helps reduce any stinging sensation.
- 5
Serum iontophoresis and LED recovery
Recovery and anti-inflammatory serums are delivered into the skin together with LED light to help soothe, reinforce the skin barrier and limit the risk of acne recurrence – the main cause of marks.
- 6
Finishing and aftercare guidance
The session finishes with a soothing mask, serum, moisturiser and sunscreen. You will receive aftercare guidance for the first 5–7 days, with particular emphasis on sun protection to limit recurrence of marks.
How is Mela Peel different from an ordinary peel?
Many clients in Gò Vấp look into peels to address post-acne marks but wonder about the difference between a "one-size-fits-all" peel and a peel made for pigmentation. In reality, the wrong type or concentration of peel — or a peel performed on unsuitable skin — is a leading cause of darkening after peeling, a weakened barrier and pigment that returns darker than before. Here are the four core differences of Mela Peel at Eternal:
- Made for post-acne marks: the formula targets the mechanism of pigment formation (PIH), rather than being an ordinary surface-cleansing peel.
- Dermatologist consultation first: each session starts with an assessment of mark type and skin barrier to set the right concentration and protocol, instead of applying the same formula to everyone.
- A recovery step after the peel: serum iontophoresis and LED light right after the peel help soothe and reinforce the barrier – a step ordinary peels often skip.
- No peeling, no downtime: suitable for clients who need safe recovery and want to keep their normal routine, instead of deep peels that require 5–7 days off.
Results and maintenance schedule
After the first session, red and dark marks usually shrink in area and lighten in intensity. The skin surface looks visibly smoother and more even. Some clients may feel mild stinging in the first 6–12 hours — a common reaction that settles with proper care.
For moderate to severe post-acne marks, Eternal typically recommends a course of 4–6 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart as advised by the doctor. Once the skin and pigmentation stabilise, the interval is extended accordingly to maintain results.
Mela Peel is one step within an overall pigmentation protocol; it does not replace treatment of the underlying acne or other deeper pigment-correction methods. Long-term results depend on the underlying skin condition, how closely you follow the plan and your home-care routine – especially daily sun protection.
After your session
- Use SPF 30 or higher during the day – the most important step to limit recurrence of marks.
- No makeup for the first 24 hours.
- Pause retinol, AHA, BHA and strong treatments for the first 5–7 days.
- Limit prolonged outdoor activity, the beach and swimming pools for the first 2 weeks.
- Avoid saunas, intense exercise and hot showers for the first 48 hours.
- Moisturise and support the skin barrier fully as directed by the doctor.
- Do not perform peels or exfoliation at home throughout the course.
- Contact Eternal if you notice anything unusual such as prolonged redness, swelling or increasing irritation.
Book a consultation at Eternal
Looking for a solution for post-acne marks in Gò Vấp and want a dermatologist to assess your pigmentation before deciding on a treatment? Every Mela Peel session at Eternal begins with a 1:1 consultation – classifying the marks, assessing the skin barrier and building a personalised protocol for your specific condition. Convenient for clients in Gò Vấp, Phú Nhuận, Tân Bình, Bình Thạnh and District 12.
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