Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting 40 to 50 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. While some breakouts clear up without a trace, some leave behind pink, red, brown or tan spots. Contrary to what some people believe, these post-acne marks are not scars, explains the American Academy of Dermatology. These spots will fade on their own with time, but you can help speed up the process.
Step 1
Use sunscreen whenever you go outside, even if it is cloudy or you have dark skin. The sun can make your post-acne marks more noticeable and delay fading.
Step 2
Apply a bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone to tan or brown post-acne marks. Use a cream that has no more than two percent hydroquinone. Higher concentrations in over-the-counter products can lead to further discoloration that may be impossible to treat, warns the American Academy of Dermatology.
Step 3
Talk to your dermatologist about a prescription-strength skin lightener. Prescription creams that contain higher concentrations of hydroquinone and creams that combine several skin-lightening ingredients can help fade stubborn marks that do not improve with over-the-counter lighteners.
Step 4
Discuss other treatment options with your dermatologist. In some cases, professional chemical peels or microdermabrasion treatments can help reduce the appearance of post-acne marks by removing the top layers of skin to reveal deeper layers that do not contain as much pigment from the acne mark.
Tips and Warnings
- Look for a sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 or higher that is labeled as broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays, and that is non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog your pores and contribute to new breakouts.
- Some people experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to hydroquinone. Stop using the cream and talk to your doctor if you experience severe itching, burning, swelling or crusting of your skin, warns the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- Hydroquinone cream
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