Dark spots left behind after acne breakouts can be just as frustrating to get rid of as the acne itself. These marks, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), can linger for months, sometimes longer, marring your appearance and confidence.
Fortunately, with proper care, you can fade these spots and improve your skin's clarity. In this article, we'll explore what causes PIH, how it differs from acne scars and the removal treatment options available in Singapore.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is your skin’s natural response to inflammation or injury, such as acne. When a pimple forms, it triggers inflammation in the skin. To defend and heal itself, your body produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. In some cases of skin injury, healing is often impaired by the excessive release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and delay repair. Melanin helps by scavenging these ROS, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting surrounding tissue from further damage.
The overproduction of melanin, though, can leave behind a dark spot once the blemish has healed. PIH is especially common in individuals with medium to dark skin tones, as their melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) are more reactive to inflammation. The spots can vary from light brown to deep grey-brown, depending on your skin tone and the depth of pigmentation in the skin.
Unlike acne scars, PIH doesn’t involve a change in skin texture, it’s purely pigment-based. They are flat spots of discolouration that occur where an acne lesion has healed. These are not raised or indented and tend to fade over time. However, this may take years and proper care.
Acne scars, on the other hand, involve changes in skin texture. These include atrophic scars (sunken or pitted), hypertrophic scars (raised), and keloids. Unlike PIH, which is pigment-based and tends to fade over time, acne scars are often permanent without targeted intervention. They typically require longer treatment durations and are more difficult to correct. Acne scars respond well to intensive, texture-focused treatments like microneedling and subcision.
While you can't always avoid acne, you can reduce the risk of developing PIH after a breakout by treating your skin with care and consistency.
UV exposure can worsen PIH by darkening spots and prolonging the healing process. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 all day is one of the most effective ways to prevent dark spots from worsening.
Sunscreen also protects your skin from further inflammation, making it a must-have in any skincare routine.
It's tempting to pop or pick at pimples, but this significantly increases the risk of PIH and even scarring. Prodding inflamed lesions can break the skin barrier and cause further trauma, triggering a stronger pigment response.
If you're dealing with persistent breakouts, it's better to consult an aesthetic clinic for targeted treatment.
Avoid harsh scrubs and irritating products that strip your skin's natural barrier. Instead, focus on a gentle routine that includes a mild cleanser, a soothing moisturiser, and treatment products formulated for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid and retinoids can help reduce pigmentation while supporting healthy cell turnover.
You should consider seeing a specialist:
Some pigmentation is more stubborn, especially if it's deep in the skin layers. If you’ve been diligent with topical treatments and sun protection but haven’t seen progress after 3–6 months, it may be time for a more targeted approach.
DIY treatments can sometimes make things worse if not matched to your skin type. A professional can recommend gentle, effective solutions that won’t trigger new breakouts or irritation.
You don’t have to wait until your skin condition gets worse. If the dark spots are impacting how you feel about your appearance, you should talk to a doctor for peace of mind and treatment recommendations.
Here are some in-clinic treatment options you can consider for PIH. Their suitability for your particular case of PIH will depend on its severity and your skin health.
Chemical peels use acids—such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA)—to exfoliate the upper layers of skin, stimulating cell turnover and reducing pigment.
Light peels can improve mild PIH with minimal downtime, while stronger peels may be used for more stubborn pigmentation under medical supervision. Results often appear after a few sessions.
Pico laser technology targets the skin with ultra-short pulses of energy that break down pigment particles in the skin without harming surrounding tissue.
It's especially effective for treating PIH in darker skin tones because of its precision targeting and low risk of post-treatment darkening. This treatment also boosts collagen production, improving overall skin texture and clarity.
Fractional Ruby Laser
Fractional ruby lasers emit a 694nm wavelength that targets melanin, making them effective for pigment removal, especially in cases of stubborn or dermal PIH. By delivering energy in a fractional pattern, this laser treats microscopic zones of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact, which promotes faster healing.
When managing PIH, laser treatments offer the most noticeable improvement in the shortest time. While topical creams play a role, they’re often slower to show results and work well as maintenance after laser intervention.
After one to two sessions of laser treatment—such as Pico or fractional ruby laser—many patients notice visible fading of dark spots and improved skin clarity. Lasers work by breaking down pigment particles quickly and safely.
Most patients achieve a marked reduction in pigmentation after a few sessions spaced weeks apart. During this period, topicals like hydroquinone or azelaic acid may be used to support the results, but lasers typically drive the bulk of the visible changes.
For deeper or more persistent pigment, additional laser sessions may be needed. Topical treatments can help maintain results between sessions and prevent new spots from forming.
Once pigment has significantly faded, ongoing sun protection and topical maintenance (such as retinoids, antioxidants, or pigment inhibitors) help sustain clear skin and prevent recurrence.
Key Takeaways:
Getting rid of post-acne dark spots requires time, consistency, and the right approach. If you're struggling with lingering dark spots from acne and want serious help, you should consult a professional.
1Aesthetics has years of experience providing acne treatment in Singapore, from PIH fading to acne scar removal. We will provide a comprehensive treatment plan, ranging from gentle topical treatments to laser and microneedling treatments. Where necessary, we will also combine these different treatment modalities.
Schedule a consultation with us today.
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1Aesthetics, Medical & Surgery
#14-90 The Central Tower 1
8 Eu Tong Sen Street
Singapore 059818
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+65 66125173 / +65 84899962
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