The old acne scars you're hoping to fade aren't actually scars at all. They're discolored skin lesions caused by inflammation left in the skin from the papules, pustules and nodules associated with acne. Medically known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, this skin condition eventually fades on its own but can take months and even years, according to Acne.org. This is why many people turn to medical treatments to get rid of PIH, so discuss your options with a dermatologist to improve the appearance of your skin.
Step 1
Fade old hyperpigmentation spots with hydroquinone, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Applying a thin layer of this topical cream over areas of discoloration can even out the color with the rest of your skin.
Step 2
Use prescription-strength hydroquinone to the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If PIH doesn't improve, get a prescription for hydroquinone. The higher concentration can help slow the production of melanin and fade discoloration, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription for a retinoid. Applying a thin layer of tretinoin, tazarotene, adapalene or another topical retinoid to PIH can also inhibit the production of melanin associated with the hyperpigmentation.
Step 4
Invest in another skin lightener. There are other prescription skin lighteners available that combine hydroquinone with a retinoid and corticosteroid, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The corticosteroid should reduce the inflammation, while the other two ingredients hinder the additional production of melanin.
Step 5
Resurface your skin with a chemical peel. When salicylic acid, trichloro acetic acid, glycolic acid or other chemical agents are applied directly to the skin, the surface layer is burned away, removing the hyperpigmentation and causing new skin to form.
Step 6
Buff away discoloration with microdermabrasion. Tiny particles are blown onto the skin to buff away the discolored skin cells left by acne, helping to fade the hyperpigmentation left on the skin.
Step 7
Freeze old acne hyperpigmentation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Freezing the areas of discoloration with a procedure known as cryotherapy can break up the melanin causing the PIH.
Tips and Warnings
- To avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Acne.org recommends not picking at acne lesions. This can cause the inflammation associated with acne to move deeper into the skin. When the lesion heals, residual inflammation is left and causes discoloration.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, microdermabrasion and chemical peels can cause the skin to blister, scale, flush and discolor. These side effects are usually temporary. Hydroquinone and cryotherapy may also cause some skin discoloration.
Things You'll Need
- Hydroquinone
- Retinoid
- Other skin lighteners
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