Acne Pigmentation

Overview

Acne Pigmentation

Once active acne has healed with an inflammatory response, acne pigmentation can develop. Some people are more prone to this post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), also known as post-inflammatory pigment alteration (PIPA).

Once this pigment sets in, it may fade slowly over months and years or could be permanent. Certain skin types are more prone to PIH, such as Asian or Hispanic skin. If a burn or cut on the body heals with brown pigment, this predicts the development of acne pigmentation. Acne occurs during adolescence or adulthood and may be found on the face, chest (chestne) or back (bacne).

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

How to Get Rid of Acne Pigmentation?

Acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur after a breakout, but they are not the same. Therefore, the approach to get rid of acne pigmentation is different because it is the result of trauma to the skin, very much like sun damage. 

Darker skin types are more prone to acne pigment when inflamed, due to the higher levels of melanin in the skin. That said,  it is important that darker skin types are treated slowly and on a lower than usual setting when using light or laser-based devices.

To get rid of acne pigmentation you have several options – at home remedies, skincare products, and cosmetic treatments. For example using vitamin C should be your weapon, as it helps lighten and break up pigmentation and prevent dark spots from forming.