Q What Routine Should One Follow To Remove Dark Spots Caused By Acne
A. First of all, never pick your acne. Use a pimple patch or a regular hydrocolloid bandage the moment you get a pimple so that it wont leave a dark spot behind. Use pore-refining and cleansing skincare products. Apply a night serum with retinol. Avoid retinol during the day. Cleanse and moisturise twice a day. Always use sunscreen. Exfoliate twice a week.
Laser Resurfacing Treatments Target Dark Spots And Scars
Image: 123rfLaser resurfacing treatments are actually painless and non-invasive. These treatments can specifically target dark spots in the deep layers of your skin and bring them to the surface. After which a chemical peel can be used to take off the dark spots.
Tip:This treatment can not only treat dark spots in at least four sittings but can also reduce excessive facial hair.
Vbeam Laser Treatment For Redness
The VBeam laser is the gold standard treatment for addressing any facial redness or residual red marks that are left behind after an acne breakout. The VBeam operates on a wavelength that specifically targets skin cells which are holding onto red pigment. The energy from the laser is absorbed by those skin cells exclusively, causing the redness to be destroyed while all surrounding skin is left untouched. One of the greatest perks associated with the Vbeam treatment is that there is a built-in Dynamic Cooling Device. This cools the skin before the laser beam is emitted, making the procedure itself even more comfortable for the patient. Additionally, there is no downtime involved with a Vbeam treatment, meaning that one can resume their normal everyday activities directly after the procedure. When it comes to tackling any signs of redness in the skin, the VBeam is ideal.
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Treatment #: Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are often used to help reduce the look of signs of aging , certain types of acne, and skin discoloration. During a chemical peel, your dermatologist will apply a chemical solution to the skin, encouraging the top layer of skin to peel away. For an at-home solution, reach for the LOréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads, which can be used to resurface dull, uneven skin tones and rough textures. It includes glycolic acid to help brighten and smooth your skin.
Tips For Clearing Acne In Skin Of Color
How to treat acne in skin of color
For people with skin of color, acne is often accompanied by dark spots or patches called hyperpigmentation. Fortunately, there are plenty of things people with skin of color can do at home to help clear their acne, as well as the dark spots that linger afterwards.
The term skin of color refers to diverse skin types and complexions. It includes people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent.
People who have skin of color share some common skin-care concerns. Near the top of this list is how to get rid of acne and the dark spots that often appear when acne clears.
The secret to seeing clearer skin lies in knowing what really works when it comes to treating darker skin types. Below youll find 10 tips that science shows can lead to clearer skin.
1. Treat both the acne and the dark spots.Many people seek a dermatologist’s help for the dark spots, which can last much longer than the acne. It’s important to treat the acne, too. When you get rid of the acne, you eliminate what’s causing the dark spots.
Acne and dark spots
Dermatologists recommend treating acne and dark spots at the same time.
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Spots and patches of darker skin
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Keloids, a type of raised scar
Do not pop pimples
If you pick, pop, or squeeze acne, you increase your risk of getting a scar.
Retinol: This can unclog pores and fade dark spots.
Cocoa butter
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Effective Treatment Begins With Sunscreen
Whether youre treating the dark spots on your own or seeing a dermatologist, using sunscreen is essential when you’ll be outside. Applied daily, sunscreen can prevent new dark spots and patches. It can also help to clear existing ones.
Youll want to apply sunscreen to all skin that clothing wont cover.
To get the best result, dermatologists also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you’re outside.
Sunscreen is essential to effective treatment
To get the protection you need to prevent dark spots, use a sunscreen that offers all of the following:
- SPF 30 or higher
- One of the active ingredients titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
- Non-comedogenic formula if you have oily skin
Dark Spot Treatments That Really Work According To Dermatologists
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When it comes to dark spot treatments, there are so many options out there that it can be hard to know where to start. What ingredients should you look for? And most important, which ones will get rid of dark spots for good?
To answer these questions, SELF talked to several dermatologists to find out how they treat dark spots on the face. Because, as a beauty editor, my ultimate quest is to achieve flawless skin. You know, the I-dont-even-need-any-makeup type of complexion we all desire. But I’m not quite there yet.
The number one thing keeping me from my no-makeup goal? Dark spots. Uneven skin tone keeps me reaching for my makeup bag again and again. With that said, keep reading to learn what causes dark spots in the first place, plus nine dark spot treatments that dermatologists recommend.
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How To Get Rid Of Your Acne Scars
Acne is a common skin condition affecting about 80% of those between the ages of 11 and 30 at some point. It can be on your face, chest, back and shoulders. It may seem like the irritation will never go away, but it does. When it goes away, then you can deal with any remaining scars.
Your first line of defense is to consult a dermatologist. They will first focus on getting your acne under control. The fewer breakouts you have, the fewer scars youll get. The good news is that not all acne scars are permanent.
When your doctor turns attention to the scars your acne has left behind, they will typically explore three main treatment options:
1. Laser treatments
Vascular-specific lasers target blood vessels and can help lighten flat or raised scars that are pink or purple and help flatten raised scars. Doctors often use fractional or carbon dioxide ablative lasers to treat acne scars.
Afterward, the skin is swollen and red, and may bleed, for up to five days, says Dr. Kassouf. Also, you may need between three and five treatment sessions.
Laser treatments arent just for acne. Doctors use lasers to treat other types of scarring as well including those from burns, skin cancer and tattoo removal.
2. Chemical peels
Your dermatologist may apply a chemical solution to the skin. This causes it to blister and eventually peel off, creating new, regenerated skin thats usually smoother than the old skin.
3. Microneedling
Types Of Acne Based On Severity
Acne is graded according to the severity of acne
| Grades Of Acne | Symptoms and Signs of Acne | Pimple Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Few whiteheads and blackheads or a little number of mildly irritated small pimples or pustules | No | |
| More blackheads, whiteheads, multiple pimples, and pustules mostly on the face | May be present | |
| Severe Acne | A large number of whiteheads and blackheads, a lot of papules and pustules, as well as painful nodules on their skin | Yes |
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The Skins New Home For Dryness
None of us wants our skin to look more like a cracked ground. Indeed, the laser treatment helps you to bid farewell to skin monsters, but it can also lead to dryness. The usage of lasers for treatment is not an easy process. Your skin has to go through a rigorous treatment. Therefore, it is better to consult your dermatologist if your skin gets worse.
Effective Tips To Get Rid Of Pimples And Pimple Marks
Living with pimples can make you lose confidence. Effective Tips with Dos and donts to keep acne at bay
- Maintain Skin Hygiene
- Cleanse your face twice every day with mild soap/face wash and lukewarm water to remove excess dirt, sweat, and oil
- Dont rub face harshly
- Always moisturize the skin with moisturizer after washing
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How To Treat Acne On The Buttocks Naturally
Many patients choose to supplement their medical treatments with a number of home remedies, including natural treatment options, that can can help to further reduce the appearance of any pimples on the buttocks. Though a medical treatment approach tends to reduce the appearance of butt acne more quickly, there are several natural treatment methods that some patients like to use, too:
- Tea tree oil has natural antimicrobial properties that make it effective against acne breakouts.
- Turmeric paste can help fight against bacteria that leads to the formation of body acne.
- An apple cider vinegar bath contains acetic acid which may combat folliculitis-causing bacteria.
- Choosing a fragrance-free, lightweight body lotion as opposed to one with fragrance or a thick cream.
- Applying a warm compress to the skin in order to open up and clear out follicles of the skin can help loosen and clear out any butt acne. To make a warm compress, place a washcloth under warm water and wring out the excess water. You can add various drying agents to the water to help treat the butt acne.
- A saltwater sitz bath can help to soothe and sterilize the irritated area, as well as help to treat minor infections.
Should I Use A Moisturizer For My Butt Acne
Rich, nourishing moisturizers, while excellent for providing hydration to the skin, can sometimes cause or exacerbate irritation associated with folliculitis and butt acne. Also, heavy moisturizing creams can further clog the pores and worsen your butt breakout. However, using certain targeted treatment lotions can help!
Body lotions containing lactic acid can be useful for loosening and eliminating dead skin cells from the surface of skin. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, which works by both re-hydrating and also gently exfoliating the skin. This ingredient helps to keep the skins pores clean and in turn, reduces the appearance of folliculitis and butt acne. AmLactin is just one variety of lactic acid body lotion that can easily be purchased through Amazon or any other large retailer. Lactic acid lotion can also be used in combination with skincare products containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tea tree oil to help resolve butt acne breakouts.
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Aloe Vera Gel / Juice
Image: Bigstock
Aloe vera gel / juice is a wonderful way to remove acne marks, too! It soothes the inflamed skin while regenerating the damaged tissue and moisturizing the skin which lets acne marks to fade. The cooling effect whenever I have it applied on my face is very soothing.
Procedure:
Use Sugar Scrubs And Raw Honey
This is one of the most effective home remedies that will help get rid of various types of spots on the face just within a week.
This is because the sugar scrub is rough and therefore will exfoliate your skin and then give you a bright smooth complexion. The honey will then moisturize your skin, healing all the inflamed spots.
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Mesopeels For Skin Discoloration And Hyperpigmentation
Additionally, the Mesopeel is a specially formulated chemical peel that is used to address all types of hyperpigmentation, working to fade pigment and control melanocyte activity. Mesopeels are designed to treat skin discoloration, dark spots, and photo aging in a gentle yet efficient manner. Delicate areas of the body such as the axillae, groin, inner thighs, and the under eye area may develop hyperpigmentation, and traditional chemical peels can potentially be too irritating to utilize in these sensitive areas. Mesopeels, through the process of chemexfoliation, lead to an inflammatory reaction of the reticular dermis and stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. Mesopeels are specially formulated to treat sensitive areas of the body without any discomfort or downtime.
Treatment For Acne Dark Spots
Treatment for PIH should begin by treating the acne that led to the dark spots. Getting your acne under control can prevent additional dark spots down the road.
Talking with a dermatology practitioner about your acne breakouts can help you get started on a treatment regimen that may include over the counter topical products, topical prescription retinoids, and/or prescription antibiotics.
A dermatologist or healthcare professional can also help determine what PIH treatments are best for your skin, once your acne is under control. Some treatment possibilities to potentially get rid of dark spots include:
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Glycolic acid: A type of alpha-hydroxy acid often used in the treatment of both acne and hyperpigmentation.
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Azelaic acid: Like glycolic acid, azelaic acid may be effective in treating acne and PIH.
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Sunscreen: Which can not only help prevent PIH, but is also an integral part in PIH treatment to help prevent it from worsening once it occurs. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
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Salicylic acid: A common acne treatment that may be useful in treating PIH, particularly when used in conjunction with topical retinoids.
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Topical retinoids: One of the most commonly prescribed acne medications, topical retinoids may also be effective at treating PIH.
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Hydroquinone: Considered a mainstay in the treatment of PIH, hydroquinone can either be used by itself or in combination with other medications to help lighten dark spots.
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How To Get Rid Of Acne Dark Spots At Home
For many people, at-home treatments can quickly get rid of dark spots. These take the form of products available over the counter and DIY remedies. Some lighten dark spots by exfoliating the affected area to reveal healthy, unpigmented skin cells beneath. Other products inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that triggers melanin production. As the skin cells that form dark spots lose their ability to produce more melanin, they eventually fade.
How To Get Rid Of Post
Vitamin C
When it comes to brightening dark hyperpigmentation, vitamin C should be a key weapon in your skincare arsenal. “I absolutely love it for many reasons. Its benefits are endless, including revitalising and brightening the skin while stimulating your bodys natural production of collagen,” says Dr Gross. “Not only does it help to lighten and break up pigmentation you might already have, but it also prevents dark spots from forming in the future.
Light as water, this potent vitamin C serum is ideal for layering.
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How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On The Face
From freckles and age spots to scarring, many things can make your complexion look uneven. While harmless, uneven skin may prompt some people into trying various skin lightening products.
While there are many skin lightening products and solutions on the market, they arent all created equal, and some could even be dangerous. Knowing what to look for can help you choose a safe option if you find yourself wanting a more even complexion.
Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, can be caused by acne scars, excessive sun exposure, or hormonal changes, according to David E. Bank, MD, of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
There are a variety of creams and serums that patients can use to help lighten, brighten, and diminish dark areas over time, he said.
Each of these treatment options come with some risks. Read on to find which option may work best for you.
Perhaps the most popular solution for skin lightening on a spot-by-spot basis is topical solutions containing hydroquinone.
A found potential benefits for facial melasma, which causes patches of discoloration. More research is needed to determine the full scope of effectiveness.
The Food and Drug Administration limits the concentration of this active ingredient to 2 percent in over-the-counter products and up to 12 percent in prescription products. Its the only ingredient classified as a bleaching agent by the FDA.
There is Black skin .
With laser skin lightening, you may experience:
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Acne Scars
- Whats the best makeup I can use to cover my acne scars?
- Which in-office procedure is best for me?
- Do acne scar removal treatments hurt?
- What will my skin look like right after the procedure?
- How long will it take my skin to recover from the procedure?
- Which over-the-counter medication is best for me?
- How can I prevent scars from returning?
- Are acne treatment procedures covered by insurance?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Acne is common very normal and so are acne scars. There are treatments for acne, and there are treatments for acne scars. Some choose to just live with their acne scars while others decide that the scars interrupt their daily lives too much. You can decide to get treatment, or decide not to. You have options and youre in control.
Stay in touch with your dermatologist and any other healthcare providers you see and make sure you ask about treatment options , raise any questions and voice any concerns. You and your doctors will work together to make decisions best suited for you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/23/2020.
References
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