After severe acne heals on your skin, it is possible for acne scar tissue to develop in the area affected by the outbreak. This type of scar can sometimes take on a purple color as a result of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurring around the scar. When discoloaration develops around the scar tissue, various treatments may be able to help reduce the appearance of or even remove the hyperpigmentation and scar tissue from your skin.
Step 1
Stay out of the sun, or keep the acne scar protected through sunscreen or covering the area with clothing. The ultraviolet rays of the sun can darken the scar and make it even more noticeable, states the American Academy of Dermatology. Apply the sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside.
Step 2
Apply a 2 percvent to 4 percent solution of bleaching cream featuring the active ingredient hydroquinone. Clean and dry the affected skin, and apply a test patch of the cream. Wait 24 hours to ensure no unwanted reactions occur, such as skin rash or irritation. Apply the cream twice daily. Stop use of the cream if no results are seen within three months of the first application, recommends the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
Step 3
Apply a topical retinoid to the affected skin tissue, such as tazarotene or tretinoin. Follow the prescription instructions given to you by your doctor for these medications in regard to how often to apply the product to the scar.
Step 4
Schedule a light chemical peel with a local spa or your dermatologist to peel off the outer layers of hyperpigmented skin tissue. Light chemical peels use mild chemicals, such as hydroxy acids, to peel the outer surface of skin from the scar so that new smoother skin can replace it.
Step 5
Schedule a laser resurfacing treatment with your dermatologist. Laser resurfacing uses calibrated lasers to target only the outer affected layer of scar tissue. On contact the laser vaporizes the scar tissue, helping remove the purple pigmentation and the scar itself.
Step 6
Schedule a microdermabrasion session to lightly sand away the hyperpigmented skin tissue. Microdermabrasion uses a hand tool to shoot abrasive crystals at the skin which are then sucked back up with the loosened skin tissue by a vacuum attached to the tool. Schedule follow up sessions as needed until desired results are achieved.
Things You'll Need
- Bleaching cream
- Topical retinoids
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