Just the thought of acne can be stressful for most, but to know that even after the acne has subsided one is left with post-traumatic hyperpigmentation can be a reason for concern.

When the skin encounters a wound, the immune system kicks in and works to repair the damage, often causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. People who suffer from acne often experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and are left with dark spots on their skin where the blemishes associated with acne were once located.

The more damaged the skin is by the acne, the darker and larger the spot is likely to be. Popping and picking acne cause more damage to the skin, thus further aggravating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and the dark spots that it causes.

TREATING DARK SPOTS CAUSED BY ACNE

Clients can take comfort in knowing that dark spots left behind by acne are not permanent. In time they will begin to fade. However, it can take quite a while for those dark spots to diminish.

Fortunately, there are steps clients can take to speed up the lightening process. The best treatment option depends largely on the severity of the discoloured skin.

Some of the most common and effective treatments for dark spots caused by acne include skincare products, hydroquinone, restorative treatments, and sun protection.

Skincare products: There are countless skincare products that are specially formulated to lighten the dark spots caused by acne.

Products containing melanin inhibitors, such as hydroquinone, arbutin, kojic acid, and bearberry to name a few, will significantly reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne after consistent use. These key ingredients can be found in topical creams that lighten and work by blocking the enzymes that trigger the production of melanin.

Restorative treatments: Treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser therapy can also help to lighten the scars caused by acne. It should be noted that these restorative treatments have the potential to further aggravate the skin, causing hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation if the right treatment protocol isn’t followed. Always seek a skincare specialist licensed and trained to practise these restorative treatments.

Sun protection: The sun can make dark spots caused by acne more pronounced. For that reason it is important to properly protect your skin from the sun.

You should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 so as to limit reapplication. You can also wear light-coloured clothing and wide-brimmed hats to shade your skin from the sun.

Michelle Vernon is a licensed aesthetician who operates the Body Studio Skincare located at 23 Central Plaza, Kingston 10, and Fairview Shopping Centre, Montego Bay. She may be reached at telephone 908-0438 or 684-9800; IG@bodystudioskincare; E-mail: bodystudioskincare@gmail.com; Website: www.bodystudioskincare.com.