The dark red pimple scars you notice after lesions heal aren't really scars -- that's the good news, says the American Academy of Dermatology. The bad news is that this condition, as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, can take months to fade away. The "scars" are actually tiny patches of melanin, which your skin makes in excess in response to any type of inflammation on the skin, be it acne, infection, wound or burn. Take a preventive and proactive approach to make dark pimple spots fade faster.
Step 1
Avoid intentional sun exposure or tanning bed use. A popular way to "camouflage" acne and acne scars is to get a tan; however, the AAD and Nemours Foundation indicate this only makes your situation worse. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation becomes more pronounced when exposed to ultraviolet rays, no matter your skin tone. In addition, if pimples are a problem, this can make your skin produce more oil -- making acne even worse.
Step 2
Slather on the sunscreen. The AAD advises covering all parts of your skin that are exposed to the sun, including your face and neck, with sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30, but ideally more. Use an oil-free sunscreen to discourage breakouts.
Step 3
Use an over-the-counter fade cream -- sensibly and cautiously. Most fade creams, also called "bleaching creams," contain 2 percent hydroquinone, which helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. However, the Patient's Guide to Sun Spots indicates that it can be tricky to use these creams on small areas of skin, as they bleed into the surrounding skin and fade it as well. Don't use hydroquinone for more than three weeks at a time, advises the National Institutes of Health, and take extreme care when applying it to dark skin.
Step 4
Hide dark spots with makeup. If you need to get rid of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and time is of the essence, it's probably best to disguise it with foundation or scar concealing makeup. When choosing cosmetics, the AAD recommends picking products that are oil-free as to not make existing acne worse.
Step 5
Talk to your dermatologist. A doctor can prescribe a topical fade cream with up to 4 percent hydroquinone or a combination of topicals to expedite your healing. However, other medical treatments, such as microdermabrasion, laser therapy or a chemical peel, may be more appropriate for your skin.
Things You'll Need
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15
- Hydroquinone-based fade cream
- Oil-free cosmetic makeup
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