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

Question

I recently had an awful breakout from a birth control my body didn't agree with.. Left behind lots of darks spots on my cheeks and chin area. I believe my skin type/complexion scars much easier then others... I will not leave my house without make up on and my boyfriend (soon to be husband) has never seen me without foundation on.. These dark marks NEED to be significantly better by may! (none of these scars are indented or raised, they are just dark spots)

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

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.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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,

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

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.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

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!

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Dark spots from acne

Answer: Dark spots from acne

Answer: Chemical peels for dark marks after acne

Answer: Chemical peels for dark marks after acne

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Dark spots from acne

Answer: Dark spots from acne

Answer: Chemical peels for dark marks after acne

Answer: Chemical peels for dark marks after acne

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.