Hyperpigmentation Treatment After Acne: Does It Really Help?

Updated on: 15th December, 2022

When the skin generates melanin in excess, hyperpigmentation occurs in the form of darkened skin areas which are seen as brown or greyish brown patches or spots on the skin. Hyperpigmentation after acne is the development of dark spots on the skin after pimples disappear. This happens due to excess melanin and occurs more commonly in people with darker skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation results from excess melanin generated by the skin during the healing process of a wound or irritation. So, when pimples go away, the excess melanin darkens the skin, effectively causing hyperpigmentation after acne. 

• • A serum, cream, or oil containing vitamin C is effective against hyperpigmentation after acne. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it reduces scars, improves the skin tone by boosting the generation of collagen, and lightens the skin.

• • Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and serves as an excellent treatment for hyperpigmentation and acne. Peels or serums containing this ingredient can be used to treat brown spots caused by pimples.
  • Retinoids, found in the form of OTC as well as prescription skin products, help even out the skin tone, reverse aging of the skin and remove dark spots resulting from acne.
  • Skin products containing vitamin E are helpful in fighting hyperpigmentation after acne.
  • Inflammatory acne is best-treated with mandelic acid. This ingredient also works against wrinkles and uneven skin tone. A cream, peel, or serum with mandelic acid is a good treatment for hyperpigmentation after acne.
  • Kojic acid works wonders to remove brown spots caused by acne. It is a natural bleaching agent. A skin lightening soap or serum with kojic acid as an ingredient can be used to get rid of pigmentation caused by pimples.

• • A common ingredient of anti-wrinkle and anti-aging skin products, “niacinamide” (obtained from niacin), helps the skin retain moisture and generate collagen & “Retinoids”, help to prevent wrinkling and aging of the skin in long-term
  • Prescription medicine that helps in removing dark spots caused by pimples, is hydroquinone. It is a bleaching agent and it arrests the generation of melanin by the skin, thus helping in the treatment of hyperpigmentation after acne.
  • The application of aloe vera is a simple home remedy to remove dark spots caused by acne. It helps maintain melanin levels and thus reduces hyperpigmentation after acne.
  • Hydroquinone, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, kojic acid, retinoids, and vitamin C are some important ingredients that help in the healing of dark spots caused by pimples. So, skin products containing one or some of these ingredients are recommended for use as a treatment for hyperpigmentation after acne.
  • Sun exposure causes the dark spots to be more visible. Hence sun protection (wearing sunscreen and other protective gear) is important in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.
  • Medical procedures like laser, chemical peel, and microdermabrasion work as effective hyperpigmentation treatments. Laser peel is a resurfacing treatment after which smoother and more toned skin grows back, and this treatment is mostly administered for severe hyperpigmentation.