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medicine for pimples and dark spots
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #16561
46 days ago
74

medicine for pimples and dark spots - #16561

Nisha

I am really struggling with my skin lately. For the past few months, I've had these awful pimples that just won’t go away, and now I’m noticing dark spots on my face where the pimples used to be. I just can't catch a break! I tried over-the-counter stuff, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, but they don’t seemed to be helping much. My friend told me I should look into some kinda medicine for pimples and dark spots, but I'm not sure where to start. I went to a dermatologist last week, who suggested a specific medicine for pimples and dark spots, but it sounded complicated and expensive. Does anyone know simpler or more effective options? Also, how long does it usually take for a medicine for pimples and dark spots to show results? I feel like it’s been forever and I’m getting kinda desperate here. My confidence is just tanking and summer's coming up; I don’t want to feel self-conscious about my skin while wearing less makeup. Any advice or alternatives would be awesome! Anyone had experience with a particular medicine for pimples and dark spots that actually worked? Hope to hear from you guys!

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Doctors’ responses

If you’ve already tried the common over-the-counter options like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide without much luck, it might be time to explore a few other approaches. Differin Gel (adapalene) is another over-the-counter treatment that’s often effective for a lot of people with stubborn acne since it’s a retinoid and works on both acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (those dark spots you’re noticing). It might take a bit of time—about 8 to 12 weeks—to start seeing improvement, so it’s important to be consistent and patient with the treatment. If cost or complexity is a concern with the dermatologist’s recommendation, you could ask about trying simpler prescription options like tretinoin, which is typically less expensive and effective for both acne and dark spots, though it requires a prescription. Be mindful that retinoids can cause skin irritation, especially in the beginning, so starting with applying them every other night and using a good moisturizing routine can help minimize that. It’s crucial to wear sunscreen daily because these treatments can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, and sunlight can worsen dark spots. For a more severe case or if topical treatments aren’t cutting it, a dermatologist might consider oral medications like spironolactone or antibiotics, but these come with different side effects and considerations, so a professional assessment is necessary. Additionally, incorporating lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress can support your skin health overall. If you’re keen to test out something new, make sure to patch test any new treatments to see how your skin reacts and follow product instructions closely. Keep in mind different skin types respond to treatments differently, so what works for one person may not work for another. If you feel like you’re not making progress or your skin is deteriorating, it might be worthwhile to revisit with your dermatologist to adjust your treatment plan for the best results.

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