Black pimple spots on face - #11920
I am really struggling with these black pimple spots on my face. Like, I noticed them popping up about a month ago after a really stressful week at work, and they have just gotten worse. At first, I thought it was just acne, but now they seem more like dark spots or something, and they’re just not going away. I wash my face twice a day, and I'm trying different creams, but nothing seems to help. It's messing with my confidence big time, ugh! I don't remember having this issue before, but now I can't stop looking in the mirror and freaking out over the black pimple spots on my face. I even tried a couple of home remedies like lemon juice, but it only irritated my skin more. Also, I have oily skin, but I also deal with dryness sometimes; super confusing! I went to the dermatologist, and they mentioned something about hyperpigmentation but didn’t really explain what that meant. Like, should I be worried about these black pimple spots on my face? Is there a specific treatment that works best? Should I change my skincare routine, or maybe I need something totally different? I'm just feeling lost here and really want my skin to clear up. Any advice would be super helpful!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Given the appearance of those black pimple spots you’re dealing with, it seems like they could potentially be related to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is quite common after acne or any inflammatory process in the skin. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces more melanin in response to inflammation or injury, causing darkened spots. You may not need to worry too much, but more proactive steps can help. First, your skincare routine should focus on gentle care to reduce irritation and inflammation. Since you mentioned having oily skin with occasional dryness, stick to a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser to avoid stripping your skin’s natural oils—this can exacerbate both dryness and oiliness. Moisturize with a non-comedogenic product to maintain balance; remember, even oily skin needs hydration. For PIH, over-the-counter products containing ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or glycolic acid can be beneficial—they aid in brightening the skin and fading dark spots over time. Sunscreen is indispensable; exposure to UV light can worsen these dark spots, so apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, even if you’re indoors. Avoid picking at your skin or trying harsh home remedies like lemon juice as they can damage your skin barrier and worsen pigmentation. Explore professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy if standard care isn’t yielding results, but confirm a treatment plan with your dermatologist—they can offer a more targeted approach, considering your specific skin type and issue. If your dermatologist previously mentioned hyperpigmentation without elaboration, it could be helpful to discuss it further, looking into specific causes or prevention tailored for you. In understanding your skin better, addressing lifestyle factors like stress by adopting relaxation techniques, staying hydrated, and eating a more balanced diet might encourage improvements in your skin health overall.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.