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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #17542
78 days ago
141

dark spots from acne - #17542

Ananya

I am dealing with this really frustrating issue of dark spots from acne, and it’s like they are just taking over my face! A few months ago, I had a pretty bad breakout on my cheeks, and even though the pimples are gone now, these dark spots from acne are still hanging around. I thought they would fade over time but no luck. I’ve tried some over-the-counter creams, but honestly, they don’t seem to be making a dent. I think I even made it worse by picking at some spots, which is just dumb! My friend mentioned that sunscreen might help with dark spots from acne, but I’m worried I’ll break out again using products that are too heavy. Like, how do I balance treating dark spots from acne while also preventing more breakouts? I read that some treatments can actually trigger more acne, which is the last thing I need! Would an allopathic doctor recommend anything specific for dark spots from acne? I mean, is there a point when I should just let my skin heal on its own? Or are there treatments that might not only help with the dark spots but also prevent new acne? Any advice would be great!

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Doctors' responses

For dealing with dark spots from acne, which are essentially post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a few targeted steps can be really helpful. First, using sunscreen is quite important because UV exposure can make these dark spots worse or slow their fading. Look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen that’s less likely to cause breakouts. Applying it daily can help prevent the spots from darkening further and also protect your skin while it heals. Another useful tip is incorporating a gentle exfoliating agent, like a glycolic or lactic acid into your skincare routine. These can promote cell turnover, gradually fading the dark pigmentation. Just be careful to choose products labeled as non-comedogenic to avoid triggering new breakouts. Niacinamide is another key ingredient to consider; it’s known for its ability to brighten skin tone and reduce oiliness, thereby helping both your pigmentation and acne. Retinoids, available both over-the-counter and by prescription, can also benefit both dark spots and active acne, but they may initially cause some irritation or increase sensitivity, so introduce them slowly into your regimen. But before trying retinoids, especially prescription ones, it’s worth consulting a healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for your skin. Additionally, resist the urge to pick at your spots as this can worsen both the appearance of pigmentation and scarring. If over-the-counter options don’t seem effective after consistent use over a few months, it might be time to visit a dermatologist. They can offer treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy, which provide more drastic results under professional supervision. Balancing treatment for dark spots while preventing new breakouts mainly involves selecting products that target both issues without being too harsh. It’s a good idea to opt for gentle skincare, avoiding overly drying or irritating treatments that could exacerbate inflammation, since that’s a common driver of acne breakouts. Although patience is crucial, given time and consistent care, dark spots often fade and the risk of further damage diminishes.

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