solution for pimples and dark spots on face - #19358

It sounds like you’re in a frustrating spot with the sudden change in your skin. Let’s dive into the steps you might consider for dealing with both pimples and the dark spots they leave behind. First off, it’s often helpful to pinpoint any potential triggers, like stress, diet changes, or hormone fluctuations, that might make your acne flare up, but it seems like this hasn’t been an issue for you. Over-the-counter creams not working suggests it’s time to look at other treatments. For active acne, a topical retinoid can help reduce inflammation and prevent new breakouts by unclogging pores. They’re often available by prescription and also have the benefit of promoting cell turnover, which can help improve skin texture. Also, benzoyl peroxide can be helpful to kill bacteria, but be cautious with its drying effect. When it comes to the dark spots, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, ingredients like azelaic acid or niacinamide can help lighten these areas over time. They’re typically tolerable for many skin types, but results can take a couple months so patience is key. When you bring professional treatments into the mix, chemical peels or laser therapy can indeed be effective, but give those some thought because they can be pricey and may not be ideal if your skin is sensitive or currently breaking out. These treatments exfoliate the skin deeply, which can help with pigmentation as well as acne scarring. Do consult with a dermatologist for these options to see which type and intensity of treatment fits you best. Meanwhile, if you haven’t tried it already, a gentle non-comedogenic moisturizer is essential to balance your skin’s hydration. Lastly, daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is an absolute must while treating both acne and dark spots, since it prevents them from getting darker with sun exposure. Cost management is of course important, so start by targeting active acne and hyperpigmentation with topical treatments. If after a period of trying topical solutions the issue persists, then explore in-office treatments. If new symptoms arise or if the condition worsens, a follow-up with a healthcare professional to reassess your approach would be important.