Clinical Example

Consider a patient presenting with facial pigmentation who requests a chemical peel. At first glance, this may appear straightforward. However, a deeper assessment reveals a darker skin type and a history of acne.

This immediately raises the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If the pigmentation is melasma, aggressive treatment may worsen the condition rather than improve it.

In this scenario, proceeding without careful consideration could lead to a poor outcome. A more appropriate approach may involve stabilising the skin, improving barrier function, and using conservative treatments.

This example highlights the importance of combining clinical assessment with risk awareness before making treatment decisions.