Acne scars can be extremely frustrating to deal with, no matter what your skin color. However, if you have black skin, you may be faced with a few unique challenges when it comes to treatment. You won't necessarily be able to just slather on an over-the-counter cream or even undergo a chemical peel with the same abandon as someone with lighter skin. Even so, there is hope for reducing your acne scars.
Step 1
Treat any remaining acne you may have with a retinoid-based cream. Avoid over-the-counter treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide because they will dry out the skin severely and could worsen the marks left behind even once the acne heals.
Step 2
Treat hyperpigmentation or the dark marks from inflammation left behind after acne heals. Obtain an over-the-counter or prescription cream to lighten these spots, applying it every day after your normal skin care routine. You should see the gradual lightening of these marks within a few months.
Step 3
Ask your doctor about chemical peels. They should be done under the care of a dermatologist that understands the specific needs of black skin. According to Brownskin.net, a mild-concentration peel performed at larger intervals than is standard is best for darker skin tones because it reduces the risk of blotchiness and additional scarring.
Step 4
Undergo surgery to remove keloids. These scars are raised and can grow beyond the original margins of your acne lesions. The surgery will involve cutting out the keloid and stitching together the surrounding tissue. However, a risk remains that the scar will reoccur.
Step 5
Wear sunscreen every day. An oil-free formulation with at least SPF 15 is recommended by Brownskin.net to protect your skin from sun damage, which you may be more susceptible to while undergoing acne scar treatments.
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