There are many acne treatments, procedures, and products accessible to almost anyone experiencing acne, acne scars, and dark spots and patches. Black is beautiful, but it is not beautiful around your acne and acne marks. It’s time to stop worrying about those stubborn acne problems and start facing the world head up high.
Acne breakout is a nuisance that each one of us experiences at least once in his lifetime. It may be as simple as simple impurities on the skin. However, it can affect a person’s confidence or self-esteem, as well as his or her well-being. Acne, in general, is bothersome regardless of age, gender, geographic location, or even skin color. How much more to people with a darker shade of skin?
Acne affects people with a darker tone of the skin worse than those with lighter skin tones. For people with skin of color, acne is often accompanied by dark spots and patches around the affected areas. These are called skin hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is often caused by sun exposure, hormone fluctuations, acne, and acne scars.
Hyperpigmentation should not be confused with melasma. Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation caused by changes in hormones. This is prevalent in pregnant women. That’s why it’s also known as the “mask of pregnancy.” Hyperpigmentation, in general, is usually caused by sun exposure, acne breakouts, and scarring, or just scars, which causes melanocytes to produce melanin. Melanocytes on people with a darker shade of skin produce more melanin than people with lighter skin shade. Hence, people get more visible and prevalent dark spots and patches.
Although it seems like acne, acne marks, acne spots, and dark spots are serious matters to worry about. The good news is that they can be treated in some ways and are definitely fixable! So wipe off that frown on your skin and try out these procedures and products for that even and flawless skin.
1. Shoo away, Acne! The same goes for you, Dark Spots and Patches!
To get rid of the effect, one must first get rid of the cause. Dark spots and patches are oftentimes caused by acne breakouts. They often persist even after you get rid of the acne. However, even though they remain longer, what’s important is that they disappear right after. So, if you happen to find the best way to get rid of your acne, treat them the same way as you do with the dark spots and patches. This is more of a tip rather than a procedure or treatment, but keeping this in mind and doing so can help you attain that even and flawless skin.
2. Use acne products that work well for darker skin tone
Not all anti-acne products work well on people with darker skin tone. Luckily, there are products that work well in the skin of color. The following products are highly recommended by dermatologists:
1. Retinoid and Benzoyl Peroxide
These are two products that can be used as a combination to get rid of acne and dark patches. Retinoid helps in unclogging the pores and avoiding acne flare-up by reducing inflammation. Aside from that, it also prevents new acne breakouts. In combination with Retinoid, use Benzoyl Peroxide. It helps remove bacteria that cause acne. It is advisable to use products that contain only 2.5% Benzoyl. Too much concentration of benzoyl can harm your skin, making it dry and causes flaking, thus more acne breakout. If 2.5% of Benzoyl irritates your skin, try using it every other day.
2. Retinol
One of the effective products you can use to remove dark spots and acne. It unclogs pores, hence gets rid of acne and also removes dark spots and patches.
3. Salicylic acid
It works the same way with the aforementioned products. This active ingredient helps unclog pores and prevent new acne breakouts.
These products are easily accessible. They can be bought without a prescription. Just be careful and mindful when trying out new products. Avoid using them all at once or interchanging them once in a while. Effects from these products do not work overnight. I would suggest you try them one at a time and observe which of them works best for you.
3. Avoid using different products simultaneously or interchanging them constantly
Just like the reminder earlier, when you try out products, be sure to observe their results for at least a month before trying another product. Too many chemicals can certainly harm your skin and cause acne flare-ups, thus more dark spots and patches.
4. Sunscreen
One of the main causes of dark spots and acne scars is UltraViolet light or UV light. It’s highly advisable to wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to protect your skin from the culprit, UltraViolet rays.
5. Try out medical treatments and procedures
If acne and acne marks persist even after trying home remedies and over-the-counter products, it is best to try out in-office treatments and procedures designed to get rid of acne and acne marks.
1. Chemical Peels
It involves applying a strong solution of different acids to the affected area. After a short while, the peel is then removed, along with it are the dead skin cells. It does not just remove bacteria and dead skin cells. It also rejuvenates your skin, making it young-looking.
2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that targets imperfections and leaves your skin smooth and evenly toned. The treatment uses a device that blasts tiny particles on the target area while the device is being rubbed over your skin.
3. Laser resurfacing
A non-invasive, non-surgical procedure wherein lasers are used to remove dead skin cells. It also encourages new skin cells to grow in the deeper layer of the skin while stimulating collagen production resulting in young-looking, rejuvenated, flawless skin.
4. Acne Facial
Acne facial is a common yet effective acne treatment or procedure. Results are guaranteed based on most people who underwent the treatment. The first step of the process is superficial dirt removal, wherein dirt, makeup, and oil is removed from the skin. Then next is the skin exfoliation, wherein dead skin cells are removed. After those impurities and dirt are removed, a mask is applied and left on the skin. The mask contains different types of skincare products depending on your skin type. After a while, the skin is then massaged to soothe and calm the skin, leaving the skin rejuvenated and refreshed inside and out.
5. NeoClear by Aerolase® Acne Treatment
One of the latest innovations for getting rid of and preventing acne, dark spots, dark patches, and other skin impurities. It is a safe, effective, and tolerable treatment. The treatment uses advanced 650-microsecond technology that helps eliminate major factors causing acne, including excess sebum production, inflammation, and the p. acnes bacteria. It is one of the best treatments to finally bid goodbye to those acne and dark patches. Plus, NeoClear helps stimulate collagen production inside our skins. Leaving your skin not just young-looking and rejuvenated in appearance but also healthy on the inside.
There are countless products and procedures/treatments to get rid of those acne and acne scars on darker skin tones. The treatment and procedure include, but not limited to:
- 3D Laser Facial
- Vitamin C Facial
- Soft tissue fillers
- Steroid injection
- Other energy-based procedures
- Skin needling
- And many more
You just have to try them out and see which works best for you and your skin. I know the feeling of having acne. It causes anxiety or even depression, thus, affecting our overall well-being. You need to get rid of anxiety by taking the first step, which is by consulting the dermatologist or skincare expert regarding acne and acne marks. Most likely, the dermatologist or skincare expert will suggest the products or/and treatments aforementioned earlier. Still not convinced? Check out and consult Ardor Skin Laser and Skin Care. They offer the nostalgic New York City treatment while treating the whole person, boosting self-esteem, appearance, and wellness. Are you ready to be Ardored?