Acne, though a common condition, can still seriously damage your self-esteem and make you a bit reluctant to face the world. While treatments for acne on darker skin tones are similar to that of treatments for lighter skin, there are some important differences to be mindful of, especially in terms of maintaining even pigment, preventing blotchiness and reducing scarring.
Definition
Acne can appear in numerous forms. While the most mild versions consist of only blackheads and whiteheads, more severe forms may cause papules and pustules, which are inflamed lesions without or with a head, respectively. The most severe of acne forms is the cyst, which can look like a blister filled with fluid. While acne can leave scars on any skin type and tone, it is more likely to leave irritation or pigmentation disruptions on those with more melanin or pigment.
Dryness
When acne develops on darker skin, it is customary to seek out treatments, either over the counter or by prescription. While these treatments may very well dry up excess oil and kill the bacteria that cause acne, you may find that ingredients like benzoyl peroxide are too strong. In fact, it can leave the skin dry and peel, which may in fact encourage the production of more oil and thus more acne.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is essential a condition that develops on the skin in places where inflammation from a blemish used to be. Also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, this condition can leave brown, black or red marks in the places where acne used to be. While these dark spots tend to fade on their own after a few months, they also tend to last longer on skin with more pigment and for some may even be permanent.
Treatments
Treating acne on dark skin requires some special care. For instance, standard over-the-counter acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide should only be used with caution. This ingredient will kill acne bacteria and soak up excess oil, but it can also leave hyperpigmentation, peeling skin and may even bleach the skin on areas where it was applied. A better strategy may be to apply prescription medications that contain retinoids like Retin-A. While this can leave the skin dry, it will not be as severe as with benzoyl peroxide and won't cause skin discoloration. However, you should always wear an oil-free sunscreen when using this kind of treatment because it leaves your skin photosensitive.
Scarring
While acne scarring can occur on skin of any color, it carries unique challenges for those with darker skin. Darker pigmented skin is more likely to form keloid scars, which are raised scars that encompass a larger area than the original acne lesion. Surgery is often the only recourse for treating this kind of scar and even then it may reoccur.
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