Your acne has finally started to clear up, but you may be wondering how to get rid of the dark spots left from the pimples. The dark spots are the skin's natural reaction to injury caused by the inflammation of the glands that surround the fine hairs on the face.
People have tried every method, from toothpaste to dandelions, to treat the dark patches. Depending on the severity of the spots, the three best methods are proper skin care, microdermabrasion and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy.
Skin Care
Step 1
Cleanse the skin using an antibacterial face cleanser that is foamy and contains salicylic acid.
Step 2
Choose a face cream with powerful ingredients such as: glycolic and salicylic acid, betaglucan and calendula. By keeping skin follicles clean, clear, and bacteria-free, these ingredients combine to provide visible results while encouraging rapid healing.
Comedolytic declogs pores and keeps them clear.
Step 3
Choose a spot treatment gel with lightening ingredients such as kojic acid and arbutin, both natural alternatives to hydroquinone. Daily use of a spot treatment gel will diminish discoloration and improve the overall health of the skin.
Microdermabrasion
Step 1
Schedule a consultation with an esthetician or dermatologist to determine if microdermabrasion is the right treatment. Most consultations are free.
Step 2
Begin your microderm session by cleansing the face and neck to remove any oil and dirt from the skin. Pat dry.
Step 3
Begin the microdermabrasion procedure by removing dead layers of skin with a small buffing instrument called a wand. This instrument sprays crystals onto the skin to loosen dead skin cells. The same instrument then suctions up both the crystals and the removed cells.
Step 4
Apply a hydrating mask or calming gel following the final microderm sweep. This will absorb into the skin to begin the healing process
Step 5
Follow the instructions after treatment. Properly caring for your skin after microdermabrasion treatments can maintain the effects of the treatments. You will need multiple microdermabrasion treatments for the best results.
Generally, it takes about 30 minutes to do and requires five to 10 treatments to get desired results. The good thing about microdermabrasion is that it does not require any downtime and anesthesia.
Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
Step 1
Schedule a consultation with a medical esthetician or dermatologist to determine if IPL is the right treatment. Most consultations are free.
Step 2
Apply a topical cream anesthesia one to one and a half hours prior to treatment to reduce any stinging sensation.
Step 3
Begin the IPL procedure by placing a hand held unit onto your skin then shooting an intense pulse of light into the skin where it is absorbed, employing a method known as selective photothermoloysis. Once the photons from the light hit the pigmented areas, it turns into heat energy, destroying these abnormal areas, but leaving the healthy skin unscathed.
Step 4
Follow your instructions after treatment. IPL therapy of the full face takes about 20 minutes and a series of four to six treatments is recommended for best results. IPL treatments of brown spots usually require no downtime, and you can return to normal daily activities immediately.
Tips and Warnings
- After IPL or microdermabrasion therapy, it is especially important to wear sunscreen and a hat to avoid sun exposure and prevent sun damage, and the reoccurrence of brown spots. Choose a sensible, varied diet, drink lots of water and exercise regularly. If you feel good, your skin will feel good too. The main difference between the two is the depth of the resurfacing. Intense pulse light can penetrate the skin at various depths while microderm can only work on its surface.
- Do not squeeze or pick at the pimples. This makes them worse and may cause scarring.
Things You'll Need
- Acne face cream
- Spot treatment gel
- Microdermabrasion machine
- IPL machine
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons -- Cosmetic Procedures:
- AcneNet.com: Spots May Fade with Right Treatment
- "Milady's Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary", Natalia Michalun; 2009
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