Ask A Skin Doctor: Dark Acne Mark Removal
Dear Doctor
Sir/madam? I’ve been suffering from acne for along time now. I started taking homeopathy but that left me with more acne and reddish skin in my both cheeks.
After takiing my aleopathy treatment, my acnes are totally gone but it left an unusual ugly reddish skin behind that looks very ugly on my skin.
The doctor gave me salicylic acid lotion but i don’t thing it’s gonna work or it is very slow reaction.
Please help me? This picture is of my scar.
Dear Patient
Dark Acne Mark Removal
First of all there is a difference between acne scars and the dark marks that develop after acne heals and are known as postinflammatory hyperpgimentation.
The treatment for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) begins with ensuring the acne is well controlled and includes the use of:
1. SPF 30 Sunscreen
Broad spectrum sunscreens that offer protection from UVA and UVB rays and that have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above should be used every day.
2. Mild Chemical Peels
Mild or superficial chemical peels like Glycolic acid which is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) or salicylic acid which is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA).
Salicylic acid is especially good for acne since it penetrates deep into the pores and controls the lesions. It also exfoliates or removes the dead cells on the surface of the skin which will help with lightening the dark reddish post-acne lesions.
If it is taking too long to work, you can try a stronger concentration or even 30% Glycolic acid peels which can be bought over the counter and used at home.
3. Skin Brighteners
Examples of skin brighteners that can be used include:
a. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a natural antioxidant which reduces melanin production by the skin and gives it a radiant effect. It is found in products like Olay Total Effects tone correcting night moisturizer and Neutrogena dark spot corrector.
b. Vitamin B3 or niacinamide is another skin brightener used to reduce hyperpigmentation. It interrupts abnormal pigment formation by reducing the transfer or melanosomes to the skin cells. It is found in products like Olay Total Effects tone correcting night moisturizer.
c. Licorice extract in a skin brightening agent which also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is found in the Dark Spot Corrector Kit.
4. Retinols
Retinols are found in products like the Dark Spot Corrector Kit and Neutrogena dark spot corrector.
5. Skin Bleaches likeHydroquinone
Hydroquinone is available over the counter at concentrations of 1% and 2%. An example of a non-prescription product is Ambi Fade Cream which contains 2% hydroquinone.
Skin bleaches like hydroquinone should only be used if the skin is not inflamed, if direct sunlight is avoided and sunscreens are applied daily on top of it.
Hydroquinone should only be applied to the hyperpigmented areas only to prevent hypopigmentation (lightening) of the normal skin.
Hydroquinone can irritate sensitive skin and cause ochronosis which is unusual bluish-black darkening of the skin. It is also thought to cause cancer.
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