Dealing with acne can be tough – not only is it annoying to have those pesky red spots and pimples, but they can also leave marks like scars and dark spots.
Let’s talk about the difference between scars and dark spots. When people call our clinic, they often mention “acne scarring,” but what they usually mean is the dark spots left after an acne breakout. This is called hyper-pigmentation or post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (PIH).
Real scarring is when the skin has pits or depressions. Fixing these scars usually needs more advanced medical methods. Check here for ways to get rid of scars and treatments for acne scars.
Now, let’s discuss dark spots – something we can do something about. Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation (PIH) is the fancy term for skin discoloration after an inflamed wound. PIH shows up as a flat discolored area on the skin, ranging from pink to red, purple, brown, or black, depending on your skin tone and how deep the discoloration is.
Dark spots happen when a wound, rash, pimple, or picking at your acne causes skin inflammation, making the skin produce too much melanin, the protein that gives color to the skin. This excess melanin darkens and discolors the wounded area, even after it has healed. PIH is common among acne sufferers of all skin types, but more so in darker skin tones. The good news is, that dark spots are not real scars and can be treated effectively in a clinic.
We use chemical peels of different strengths to get rid of acne and lighten dark spots. Usually, the acne goes away first, and then it takes a few more months for the dark spots or redness to completely clear. We also provide our clients with at-home routines that help lighten hyperpigmentation. With the right care and consistent treatments, dark spots and acne can be dealt with at the same time. Just remember, that improvement takes time.