If you've ever noticed stubborn dark marks lingering long after your acne has cleared, you're not alone. These pigmented spots can be frustrating, affecting the overall appearance of your skin and lingering for months or even years.
In this article, we’ll help you understand just why pigmentation appears after acne and the steps you can take to treat it.
Dark spots or patches on the skin after acne are commonly called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). These dark spots are areas of skin where pigment production has increased following acne breakout. Depending on your skin tone, PIH can appear in various shades, ranging from pink and red to brown or black.
The pigmentation may be flat or slightly raised and is often more noticeable in individuals with darker skin tones. Unlike acne scars, which involve textural changes in the skin, PIH does not cause depressions or elevations on the skin's surface.
However, without intervention, they can take time to fade.
When the skin is inflamed from acne, the body's natural defense mechanism is to produce more melanin as a protective measure, forming PIH.
PIH can take months to lighten because extra melanin is stored in the skin's deeper layers, where it takes longer for the body's natural processes to break down and remove it.
Inflammation is a key factor in the development of PIH. The more inflamed a pimple or acne lesion becomes, the greater the risk of pigmentation. Additionally, picking and popping your acne can worsen inflammation and make it more likely for pigmentation to develop.
Genetics has a role in determining how prone you are to developing PIH. People with darker skin tones are more predisposed to PIH because their skin naturally produces more melanin. If your family has a history of hyperpigmentation, you may also be more likely to experience it yourself.
Sun exposure is another important factor in PIH. UV rays from the sun can further stimulate melanin production, darkening existing PIH and potentially causing new spots to form. Even minimal sun exposure can have a cumulative effect on pigmentation. This is why individuals with PIH are often advised to use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to prevent their condition from worsening.
PIH can be stubborn, but professional treatment can help lighten pigmentation and even your skin tone.
Picosecond laser can target pigmentation with precision by delivering short bursts of energy to break down melanin into micro-particles that the body can naturally eliminate.
This laser treatment is highly effective for treating PIH, as it can target the deeper layers of pigmentation without damaging the surrounding skin. In one study, it was found that a patient presented near-complete improvement and with no remarkable side effects or recurrence for six months, after five pico laser sessions.
Pico laser treatment is suitable for all skin tones and produces quick results with minimal downtime, so you can get back to your daily activities soon after treatment.
Fractional ruby laser emits short pulses of light, ensuring that the impact of the thermal energy is limited to the treatment area and does not affect surrounding tissue. This precision allows the fractional ruby laser to break down excess melanin in the treated areas, leading to a gradual lightening of PIH over several sessions.
Patients typically experience only mild redness and swelling, which subsides within a few days. This makes it an ideal option for those seeking effective treatment with minimal disruption to their daily routine. Additionally, the fractional nature of the laser means that only a fraction of the skin is treated in each session, which promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of side effects.
It’s important to choose the right laser treatment modalities, like fractional ruby laser and pico laser, for PIH because overly aggressive or unsuitable lasers can worsen PIH.
PIH may fade over time with a proper skincare routine, but professional pigmentation removal treatment will provide faster and more reliable results. Unlike skincare products, professional treatments are designed to penetrate deeper layers of the skin, addressing the root cause of pigmentation rather than just the surface.
Furthermore, you get skilled guidance, which ensures that you receive safe and effective treatments.
Acne-related pigmentation may be persistent, but with the proper knowledge and treatment, you can get clearer skin.
At 1Aesthetics, we understand the challenges of dealing with dark blemishes after acne. We will help you achieve the even-toned skin you desire with Pico laser. As part of our comprehensive treatment, we may also combine the Pico laser effects with topical solutions and other pigmentation removal treatment methods to boost your results.
Our clinic in Singapore is well-equipped and staffed by experienced professionals committed to your skin's health and appearance. Whether you have mild or severe pigmentation, we can help you find the right solution to restore your skin's natural beauty.
References
Davis EC, Callender VD. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. (2010.) Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Jul;3(7). 20-31.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20725554/DermNet, Ruby Laser Treatment. (2014.) https://dermnetnz.org/topics/ruby-laser-treatment
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