The medical term for these dark spots or healed lesions is Post-Inflammatory-Hyperpigmentation (PIH.) This pigment is different from our body’s normal melanin and is caused by inflammation. PIH can result from acne, pimples, razor burn, or even ingrown hairs and affects people who have darker skin a bit more than those with lighter complexions.
I Have Dark Spots Caused By Pimples And Acne. How Can I Remove Them?
Living with constant breakouts caused by acne can be frustrating. It can feel like you are living from breakout to breakout and in between, you notice dark spots and scars on your face.
What is the most effective way to diminish the dark spots that pimples and acne leave behind? Following are some pro tips from experts that will help you accomplish this without sacrificing the health of your skin.
Tip #1
Hands off your face – Do not pick! Do not squish, or squeeze or pick at blackheads or pimples. The possibility of PIH occurring from a pimple is elevated if you pick at it so dermatologists and aestheticians always advise against doing this. You can introduce bacteria into the pimple which can cause more inflammation, and redness which causes more harm than good. As hard as it is, it is best to let the pimple heal on its own or see a professional for removal.
Tip #2
Think “gentle”: You may be eager to try out all those DIY home remedies you have learned about on social media like aloe vera, lemon juice, or harsh drug store skincare solutions.If your skin is still red and the pimple is just starting to fade, it is important for you to understand that your skin is inflamed and irritated. If you normally use a product that contains salicylic or glycolic acid, take care to avoid the new dark spots and do not use any exfoliating treatments. Your skin needs to be given time for the inflammation to subside and one of the best ways to calm it down is to apply hydrocortisone cream. It is a great anti-inflammatory measure but can only be used for a few days because it thins out the skin making it more fragile.
Tip #3
Vitamin C: Once the pimple is no longer red and inflamed, and the dark marks are no longer irritated, antioxidants will be your best friend. Vitamin C works wonders in preventing excess melanin deposits from making the dark spots darker. Taking a dose of vitamin C first thing in the morning and using vitamin C based skincare products, such as ORI~OR™ Vitamin C 20% Professional Anti-Aging Serum, which is highly recommended by Dr. Angelina Postoev, will aid in the reduction and prevention of dark spots.
Tip #4
Moisturize every day. Now that your skin is no longer irritated and inflamed, start using a glycolic & salicylic moisturizer to help brighten dark spots as well as to gently exfoliate the skin’s surface from the dead cells. Scarring, fine lines, and skin discolorations will all be addressed using a quality paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free, lightweight glycolic moisturizer such as Glycolic & Salicylic Moisturizer.
Tip #5
Add exfoliation to your skincare regime twice a week to help even out your skin tone, further fade any discolorations, and help the healthy new skin to push to the surface. A wonderful exfoliating product that contains antioxidants and is gentle on the face is ORI~OR™ Bamboo Exfoliating Scrub.
Tip #6
Use sunscreen: Protecting your skin at all times with an SPF sunscreen of 30 or higher is a must. Dark spots and scars caused by acne or aging will become darker and more prominent with sun exposure so always begin your day by applying sunscreen. UV rays (aka enemies of dark spots and scars) can come in through windows of your car, at home, and at work so do not skip your SPF. If you will be outside for longer than a few minutes, wear a hat that provides enough protection for your face. Choosing a daily moisturizer that contains sunscreen is a great way to protect your face from these harmful rays. Revision skincare products offer Intellishade moisturizers that contain 45 spf and 5 antiaging benefits for your skin.
Sticking to a well-planned skincare routine, using quality products as mentioned above, avoiding sun exposure, and refraining from picking at your pimples will all go a long way in obtaining that beautiful clear complexion you desire. If you need a bit more assistance in diminishing scarring and skin discoloration left behind from acne, you may want to consider CoolPeel or Microneedling or a combination of both.
CoolPeel is a nonsurgical treatment used to resurface the top layer of the skin by eliminating the damaged skin and revealing younger and healthier-looking skin. The procedure only takes about 15 minutes and has minimal downtime.
Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment that utilizes your body’s ability to heal itself by creating tiny micro-injuries on the surface of the skin that triggers the body’s natural collagen production. The result is tighter, firmer skin, a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and a significant improvement in the look of scars, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. More than one treatment can be done to address significant scarring or discoloration.
Related: Skincare Treatment Atlanta
Call SurgiCare Arts today for a consultation. We would be happy to put together a comprehensive plan to target and address all of your skincare needs. Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer CoolPeel™ CO2 laser treatments and microneedling for men and women in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Buckhead, and the surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia. SurgiCare Arts also carries a full line of quality skincare products to help reverse and prevent additional skin damage, to help achieve a healthy, glowing complexion.
