Are dark spots after acne permanent?

cluding cuts, scrapes, bug bites and acne lesions. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation happens when your skin produces too much melanin — the pigment responsible for giving the skin its color — as part of its inflammatory response. The result is a dark spot where the inflammation occurred. These spots are flat and can be red, pink, brown, or black.

PIH VS. ACNE SCARS

Because PIH can occur after acne breakouts, it is often confused with acne scars. Sometimes referred to as “pseudo scaring,” PIH is not a true acne scar. Acne scars are either pitted or raised and are caused by overproduction or underproduction of collagen, a key structural protein in the skin. Raised scars are caused by too much collagen, and pitted icepick or boxcar scars are caused by too little collagen during the healing PIH, on the other hand, is caused by an overproduction of the pigment melanin.

True acne scars are typically more difficult to treat than postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and usually require in-office treatments such as laser treatments, microneedling or fillers. With the right skincare regimen and lifestyle change, PIH is both treatable and preventable.

WILL PIH GO AWAY ON ITS OWN?

In some cases, PIH will gradually fade away on its own, although this process can take several months or even years. In other instances, PIH never fully fades away by itself. However, there are treatments that you can start as soon as you notice these dark spots after acne to help you get a smooth, even complexion back. Use the proper treatment

● products with skin-lightening ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid and vitamin C. Use these ingredients as spot treatments only on the discolored areas of skin. I recommend that my patients take a one-month break from skin-lightening ingredients every three to four months.

Use retinoids and/or alpha

● hydroxy acids to speed up the skin’s desquamation process to help pigmented spots fade more quickly.

Talk to your dermatologist

● about in-office treatments like chemical peels and lasers. Prevent PIH by wearing sunscreen ● every day, staying out of tanning beds and direct sunlight and avoiding picking at acne lesions and scabs.

BOTTOM LINE

Dark, flat spots are generally easier to get rid of than pitted or raised acne scars, although there are treatments available for both. While PIH may resolve on its own, this can take several months.

Talk to your dermatologist about the best skincare regimen and in-office treatments for your specific skin type and concern.

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