Many lasers and dermabrasion may worsen problems in darker skin

William Coleman III, MD answers: Acne scar removal - What works best for dark skin?

I am looking for a treatment that's affordable. My pores are getting larger the older I get and I would like to prevent this from increasing. I have old acne scars and reccuring mild acne breakouts, which I believe is the combination of food and stress. I went back to the states, from Korea, for a one month vacation and was able to see the quick change in my skin return to an acne-free skin. I am a vegan and I excersize 3-4 times a week.  Photo: This was taken in August 2008 in Chicago. I am the one with my head covered. I have darker scars on my right side, which you can't see in this picture. What treatment would work best for my acne scars?


William Coleman III, MD
6 months ago

Many lasers and dermabrasion may worsen acne scars and large pores in darker skinned people. It is usually wise to begin with Retin A gel (or its cousins Differen and Tazorac) combined with a bleaching gel. Light chemical peels (not agressive ones) may also help.

If this is not satisfactory after several months, test spots of different lasers or dermabrasion are the next step.

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