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If you’ve ever dealt with a breakout you've likely been left with acne scarring or hyperpigmentation as a reminder. Chances are, you’ve likely dealt with some level of scarring on your skin.
While most of us know that picking a at a pimpleis a skincare faux pas, it can be so very tempting to do. And even if you don't pick at it, a pimple can still leave a red mark or dark spot in its place. Acne scars and patches of hyperpigmentation can linger for months – even years.
If you’re still struggling with the leftover marks long after a breakout, you’ll be on your way to a more even complexion in no time. Read ahead as we break down everything there is to know about fading acne scars and hyperpigmentation fast.
Acne scarring is erroneously used to describe any mark that an inflammation or breakout may leave behind. But true acne scarring is indented or atrophic (meaning thin and flat) and can be classified into one of three subtypes:
|
Ice pick scars |
Visibly narrow, pitted and deep scars |
|
Rolling scars |
Broad sloping edges |
|
Boxcar scars |
Broad sunkenness with sharply defined edges |
|
Hypertrophic and Keloidal |
Lumpy and thick scars |
Hyperpigmentation as an umbrella term used to describe darkened pigment on the skin, caused by trauma. While some causes are controllable, others are genetic. Hyperpigmentation falls into one of three main categories:
|
Type |
Appearance |
Most commonly found |
Who can it affect? |
|
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation |
Darkened spots appearing pink, red, or brown in color |
Anywhere on the body |
Anyone, but particularly those prone to acne |
|
Melasma hyperpigmentation |
Large patches of brown spots |
On the nose, cheeks and lips |
Women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills, people taking certain medications and those with darker skin |
|
Sun-induced hyperpigmentation |
Age spots, liver spots, freckles, and sun spots that appear black or brown |
On the face, hands and other areas frequently exposed to the sun |
Older people or people who spent an excessive amount of time in the sun |
Acne scarring and hyperpigmentation can each be difficult skin concerns to tackle. However, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring can also coexist. They are similar in appearance and both linger. While they can coexist, scars and hyperpigmentation are actually different conditions.
Acne scarring and hyperpigmentation can occur in all skin types, but they occur more commonly in people with darker skin tones. This is because the darker the skin tone, the higher levels of melanin in the skin.
Whenever there is a trauma to the skin, in this case, a pimple, the melanin cells in the skin produce even more melanin to defend and protect against that trauma. When our skin produces more melanin than usual, it manifests as darker skin, discoloration, dark spots, or patches, which all fall under the umbrella of hyperpigmentation.
There are two main categories of treatments for scarring and hyperpigmentation, which are topicals (like skincare products) and treatments (typically done by dermatologists).
Deeper acne scars are generally treated best with in-office treatments by a dermatologist. But most post-inflammatory pigmentation can be improved with topical treatments. Look for serums or peels made with the following ingredients-
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and stimulates your body’s natural production of collagen. Look for a vitamin C serum that contains at least 20% L-ascorbic acid to boost your skin’s radiance, fade pigmentation, improve texture and visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Glycolic acid is a substance derived from sugar that is highly effective for reducing hyperpigmentation. Because discoloration is often the result of old, dead skin cells that haven’t quite turned over to generate new cells yet, glycolic acid works to stimulate cell regeneration and purge the cells causing discoloration. Glycolic acid cleanses our pores and reduces excess pigment stuck to our underlying, healthy skin cells. Try swapping out your regular cleanser or toner for one with glycolic acid.
Creams and serums that contain retinol have been shown to reduce discoloration and make acne scars less visible. Retinol helps skin cells turnover more normally. It also works well in combination with other acne fighting ingredients to treat existing pimples and prevent new ones.
Niacinamide has excellent skin-restoring properties thanks to its anti-inflammatory action. Niacinamide not only reduces the inflammation associated with existing pimples, but can also fade scarring and help to prevent future incidences of breakouts.
A recent study showed that in-office lactic acid peels done once every two weeks for three months improved the skin's overall texture and pigmentation and lightened acne scars. But you don't have to go to the dermatologist's office to reap these benefits. Plenty of over-the-counter exfoliants contain this powerhouse ingredient.
Aloe contains a chemical compound called aloin that combats melanin and prevents the development of pigmentation. Using an aloe vera gel can inhibit melanin production, reducing brown spots and dark patches, and treating the effects of sun damage on the skin.
Kojic acid is similar to retinol and vitamin C. This ingredient effectively treats hyperpigmentation by suppressing melanin production in the skin. Known to lighten the skin, even skin tone, and treat acne, kojic acid is a favorite skincare product found in many soaps, creams, and lotions.
The idea of rolling hundreds of tiny needles across your skin to treat scars may seem counterproductive, but these tiny punctures are exactly what helps diminish their appearance. Microneedling delivers collagen stimulation through pressure. This allows the skin to heal itself and produce new collagen.
Microdermabrasion Is a deep exfoliating treatment that rids dead skin cells and particles from the pores. This works to clear the skin of the damaged cells, prompting it to create more collagen in the healing process. Microdermabrasion can lighten and brighten the skin, while reducing excessive pigmentation and evening the skin tone.
There's growing research that suggests red light therapy not only builds collagen but also diminishes scarring—both important components for minimizing scarring and hyperpigmentation. There are a growing number of at-home red light therapy masks on the market.
This is a big one that we absolutely can’t stress this enough. Sun exposure is not only a major cause of hyperpigmentation, but also a major cause of rapid aging. Use SPF 30, anti-aging sunscreen every day to protect your skin from sun damage. Regular and consistent sunscreen use is your best bet against future hyperpigmentation.
Wrapping Up
Experiencing a breakout is difficult enough without having to contend with the dreaded scars they leave in their wake. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation with these tips, and you’ll be left with a bright, beautiful, clear complexion in no time!
