Black scars, or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, are in reality not scars at all, but rather marks left by acne once acne lesions have cleared. These black scars can be pink, red or purplish on people with lighter skin and tan or dark brown on those with darker skin tones. Given time, these spots will disappear on their own, but it's possible to hasten the process and remove them faster. Consult with a physician before trying any skin treatment.
Step 1
Apply sunscreen twenty minutes before going outdoors. Sun damage can cause black scars to appear darker and more noticeable. This in turn causes them to fade much more slowly than they normally would. WomensHealth.gov recommends wearing a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of 15 or higher and covering your skin as much as possible before going outdoors.
Step 2
Apply a skin lightening cream to your scars. According to AcneNet, creams containing hydroquinone are particularly effective at diminishing the appearance of black scars and are easily available over-the-counter. Avoid creams with more than 2 percent hydroquinone; too much hydroquinone can cause severe discoloration.
Step 3
Treat the affected area with a light chemical peel. During a chemical peel, chemicals are applied to the skin that eat away at the outer layer, or epidermis. New skin then grows in its place, and this new layer is often healthier and clearer, and black scars appear much lighter. According to AcneNet, it usually takes between four to six treatments for chemical peels to begin taking effect. Hire a professional skin care specialist to do this, rather than doing it yourself.
Step 4
Undergo a series of microdermabrasion treatments. During microdermabrasion, a machine is used to essentially sand away the top layer of skin. Much like after a chemical peel, as new skin grows, scars tend to fade.
Step 5
Undergo surgical therapy to remove the scars. Effective surgeries include excision, skin grafts and several varieties of laser surgery.
Tips and Warnings
- Photodynamic therapy uses a combination of acid, laser surgeries and dermabrasion; according to Women's Health, it is new and doesn't have a lot of rresearch to back up its effectiveness or safety, but it shows promise. Speak with your plastic surgeon to get the facts before undergoing this or any surgery.
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