Chemical Peel Will Help Remove Dark Spots Left Behind from Acne?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or skin stains that follow inflammation, trauma, surgery or skin infections is a very common, troubling and frustrating problem. Acne is a form of skin inflammation and when pimples clear up they typically leave brown skin stains in their wake that most acne sufferers often confuse with permanent scars. 

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which may persist for weeks to months, when left untreated, can be the source of much frustration and concern. If the spot feels flat to the touch and shows no evidence of being elevated or depressed upon the surrounding skin surface, the brown skin stain that follows acne is likely to be simple post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In most cases, this form of post-inflammatory pigmentation will fade slowly and completely with time.

To speed clearing, a combined regimen of home use of fade creams (there are many different kinds these days containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, licorice derivatives), retinoic acid, alphahydroxy acids, topical steroids, etc. may be recommended or prescribed for several weeks alone or in combination with in-office treatment with a series of superficial chemical peels to accelerate fading. Successful in-office peeling agents include Jessner's solution, salicylic acid, low strength TCA and high concentration glycolic acid.

Consultation with a board certified dermatologist who specializes in aesthetic medicine is advisable to arrive at the best treatment plan for you.

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,

Before you spend $$$ on lasers or specifically medical grade chemical peels, consider this regimen:
 recommend Melarase AM and Melarase PMto improve hyperpigmentation as well as Scler-X, a post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation relief complex. Scler-X is an oral supplement that is taken for 3-6 months or more for maintenance therapy.
Melarase AM in the morning. Melarase PM in the evening. Scler-X once daily. 
Also apply a wide spectrum high SPF 50+ sun block to prevent ongoing damage and PIH. I recommend Spectrase from Kare Skin. 
See link below. 

You are experiencing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, this is a discoloration caused by trauma to the skin such as acne. This is very treatable, there are a few different options such as IPL, laser or chemical peel treatments. usually this pigmentation is very superficial so a session of 1 to 3 peels should easily take care of your uneven skin tone. Chemical peels  also have additional benefits such as anti aging and improving skin texture.

Acne commonly leaves behind dark marks especially in people with darker skin.  Chemical peels can be an excellent way to address the blemishes, however, it is key to treat the acne. Consult with a board-certified dermatologist to determine what combination of prescription-strength acne medications, bleaching or brightening creams, and procedures, such as chemical peels, would be best for you.  It can take months to clear this problem so if you want results by May see someone ASAP.  Good luck!

Brown discoloration is very common after acne outbreaks but fortunately, it's treatable. To some degree, "post inflammatory hyperpigmentation" fades slowly by itself providing you stay out of the sun, use SPF daily, and don't get further outbreaks. But to hurry things along, you can actively treat it, most easily with a prescription cream from your doctor. Triluma contains a mild lightening agent, a mild steroid, and tretinoin- and must be performed under the care of a doctor so you know how to use it optimally. While Triluma is the easiest, there are multiple other treatments for PIH, including other skin lightening creams, intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacials, and/or light chemical peels. In my practice, if someone needs help quickly we will recommend a brightening peel followed by a skin care regimen that includes a lightening agent and daily SPF for prevention. Adding low dose retinol cream can be protective against further outbreaks too. Good luck! -Dr. Capone