A Pilot Study Testing Salicylic Acid Peels Versus Glycolic Acid Peels for the Treatment of Melasma

The purpose of this study is to find out the safety and effectiveness of Glycolic Acid Chemical Peels compared to Salicylic Acid Chemical Peels for the treatment of melasma.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Subjects aged 18 years or older 2. Subjects with at least a 2 x 2 cm patch of melasma on each side of the face (forehead or cheek) 3. Subjects in general good health 4. Subjects must be willing and able to understand and provide informed consent for the use of their tissue and communicate with the investigator 5. Subjects must be willing to not apply other treatment options for melasma during the course of the study Exclusion Criteria: 1. Subjects under 18 years of age 2. Subjects who are pregnant and/or lactating 3. Subjects who are unable to understand the protocol or to give informed consent 4. Subjects diagnosed with mental illness 5. Subjects who have concurrent active uncontrolled disease to facial area (i.e uncontrolled acne) 6. Subjects who have had a chemical peel in the past 3 months 7. Subjects who have used a prescribed retinoid in the past 3 months 8. Subjects with a bleeding disorder 9. Subjects with a history of abnormal wound healing 10. Subjects with a history of abnormal scarring