The spots that linger after a pimple has healed are caused by inflammation that has disrupted the skin's natural healing process. "When your skin is opened up (like when you pop a pimple) and then closes back together, you can get abnormal pigmentation, texture, and tone that looks different from the rest of your skin.
Some spots may never fade. Treatments include OTC creams, prescription medications, and in-office procedures. To get the best results from treatment, be sure your acne is under control and use sunscreen. During treatment, carefully watch your skin for irritation.
If you have a red or brownish mark on your face that you got from a bad zit, it should eventually fade. However, it may take 12 months or longer. If you're upset about acne marks, talk to your doctor, who might have advice on what you can do.
There are many treatments out there to help fade the various forms of acne scarring – including lasers and microdermabrasion – but Marshall's preferred treatment is microneedling. “Performed by a professional, microneedling is probably the best for scarring, and also helps reduce the signs of ageing," she explains.
Acne breakouts sometimes leave red, pink, or purple patches in their wake. These stubborn spots are known as post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). PIE is most likely to occur in people with lighter skin tones, such as skin types I, II, and III on the Fitzpatrick skin phototype scale.
After the completion of isotretinoin, better known as Accutane, the majority of the redness associated with this therapy dissipates over the following three to six months. If you still have red marks two years post-Accutane, you may need an additional treatment other than Accutane.
According to several of the derms we spoke with, skin-lightening agent hydroquinone is one of the most effective ingredients for fading acne scars.
In addition to its bacteria-fighting properties, benzoyl peroxide is also known to be an excellent treatment for inflamed acne; acne that is accompanied by swelling and redness. Not only does it work to reduce the appearance of redness, but it also helps encourage the shedding of dead skin cells.
In general, most acne scars will not go away by themselves or even with at-home treatments with chemical exfoliants like lactic or glycolic acid. For true acne scar removal, you will need acne scars treatments to achieve even-toned skin with a smooth texture.
"The discoloration from dark marks will usually fade over time," says dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD, who notes that they tend to take between 3-6 months to go away on their own. "But, there are a number of treatment options to help speed up the process."
Topical vitamin C may help reduce acne scars, as well as acne-related inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Still, most research suggests that combining it with other treatments yields the best results.
The first is that Isotretinoin can cause redness and flushing as a direct effect, and this will go when you stop treatment. The second is that Isotretinoin can cause dry skin and eczema which can lead to redness. Use plenty of moisturisers to reduce this.
In addition, past breakouts can result in redness which can remain for months after completing Accutane treatment. Both of these problems will resolve gradually over time. Plus, using calming moisturizers such as Aveeno Ultra-Calming Cream or Eucerin Anti-Redness products can be quite helpful as well."
Maintaining Clear Skin After Treatment:
Think: a gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and a facial sunscreen with at least SPF 50. Post-Accutane, your skin should be pretty low-maintenance, but it may take some time to adjust.
Use soothing ingredients: “Products containing niacinamide, sulfur, allantoin, caffeine, licorice root, chamomile, aloe and cucumber can help reduce redness,” said Dr. David Bank, a board-certified dermatologist in Mount Kisco, New York.
A tell-tale sign of vitamin c over-use can be increased blackheads or a development of blackheads. General skin irritation and breakouts can also occur if you are using your vitamin c too much or too often.
Niacinamide serum will help you deal with the signs of aging, lessen the fine lines, and reduce hyperpigmentation on your skin. While Vitamin C will protect your skin from UV rays, increase the collagen production and clear out acne and acne scars.
What It Does: This potent antioxidant interferes with the production of pigment in the skin, fading dark spots. When You'll See Results: Once you add vitamin C to your skincare regimen, you may start seeing noticeable improvements in three weeks.
And if you do (one in five people with acne will also have scarring), the good news is that not all acne scars are permanent! Treatments are available. Some treatments nearly remove the scars while others help the skin heal itself with its own collagen.
Dermabrasion. This procedure is usually reserved for more severe scarring. Your doctor removes the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush or other device. Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable.
Benzoyl peroxide works by peeling away the skin to get rid of dead skin cells, excessive oil, and bacteria that may be trapped underneath. Such effects can lead to dryness, as well as redness and excessive peeling. You might notice itching and general irritation at the site of application too.
If you use too much benzoyl peroxide, your skin may become irritated. Wash off as much as you can and wait for the irritation to go away. When your skin has calmed down again, you can start using benzoyl peroxide again. Be careful to follow the instructions on the package.