The inflammatory processess involved in acne can trigger the production of excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Long after an acne lesion heals, it can leave a mark known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in its wake that can linger for as long as a year or more. The color of the mark varies, with darker-skinned individuals typically experiencing brown or black spots. You can do several things to fade these spots that involve self-care, topical treatments and possibly other dermatologic procedures.
Step 1
Apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day. Sun exposure can delay healing time and actually darken the spots.
Step 2
Refrain from treating active acne with drying treatments like benzoyl peroxide, explains the American Academy of Dermatology. Drying treatments can prolong healing. The AAD recommends using topical retinoids, which are shown in studies to effectively treat acne in darker-skinned individuals without drying effects.
Step 3
Apply skin-lightening creams that will fade the dark spots. Dermatologist Audrey Kunin, writing for her website Dermadoctor.com, recommends prescription topical treatments that include the bleaching agent hydroquinone for brown or black scars.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about dermatologic procedures designed to fade acne marks. Kunin believes chemical peels are one of the best treatments for lightening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Other options include laser therapy and microdermabrasion.
Tips and Warnings
- Using sunscreen takes on particular importance when applying topical treatments to fade your scars. Unprotected sun exposure will interfere with the effectiveness of these treatments. Additionally, certain ingredients used in these creams, like hydroxy acids, increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.
- Laser therapies carry the risk of worsening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and initiating other skin color changes. All dermatologic procedures will require multiple sessions for optimal benefit. Resist the urge to buy chemical peel ingredients off the internet for do-it-yourself treatments; these agents can do serious damage to your skin when used improperly. A dermatologist can best determine the best type of peel and the appropriate strength.
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