You finally get rid of a pimple… but instead of clear skin, you’re left with a stubborn dark mark that seems to last forever.
These dark marks are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Despite the long name, it’s actually very common—especially in people with brown or darker skin tones.
The good news?
There are simple things you can do to reduce the chances of these marks appearing.
1. Treat Your Acne Early
The longer a pimple stays red and swollen, the more likely it is to leave a dark mark behind.
So, don’t wait until your acne becomes severe. Getting the right treatment early can help reduce the swelling and lower the risk of dark spots.
2. Keep Your Hands off Your Pimples
We know it’s tempting—but picking, popping, or squeezing pimples is one of the biggest reasons people develop dark marks.
Every time you pick at a pimple, you create more damage, making your skin take longer to heal and that will increase the chance of dark spots occurring.
3. Sunscreen Is Your Best Friend
Even if your pimple has healed, sunlight can make the dark mark become darker and stay around much longer.
Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher every day is one of the easiest ways to help prevent and improve the dark marks.
4. Be Kind to Your Skin
Many people think scrubbing harder will make the marks disappear faster. Unfortunately, the opposite is true.
Harsh scrubs and using too many active products can irritate your skin and make dark marks worse.
A gentle cleanser, a good moisturizer, and a simple skincare routine prescribed by a doctor is often the best approach.
5. Use the Right Ingredients
Certain skincare ingredients can help calm the pimples and reduce the occurrence of dark marks.
Your doctor may recommend products containing ingredients such as niacinamide, azelaic acid, vitamin C, or retinoids, depending on your skin type.
6. Don’t Wait Too Long to Get Help
If your acne or dark marks aren’t improving, it’s worth seeing a doctor.
Professional treatments such as chemical peels, prescription creams, micro needling, or laser treatments may help fade pigmentation more effectively when they’re suitable for your skin.
Take-Home Message…
- Dark marks are often easier to prevent than to treat.
- Every pimple has the potential to leave a mark—but not every pimple has to. Early treatment, gentle skincare, and daily sunscreen can go a long way in keeping your skin clear and even-toned.
References
- Davis EC, Callender VD. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010;3(7):20–31.
- Taylor SC, Cook-Bolden F, Rahman Z, Strachan D. Acne vulgaris in skin of color. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;46(2 Suppl):S98–S106.
- Grimes PE. Management of hyperpigmentation in darker racial ethnic groups. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009;28(2):77–85.
- Callender VD, St Surin-Lord S, Davis EC, Maclin M. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: etiologic and therapeutic considerations. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2011;12(2):87–99.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Acne: Tips for managing and preventing breakouts. Available at: https://www.aad.org
- American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Dark spots (hyperpigmentation): Causes and treatment. Available at: https://www.aad.org
- Dreno B, et al. Topical retinoids in acne management: a review. Dermatol Ther. 2017;30(3):e12465.
- Kircik LH. The role of azelaic acid in dermatology. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011;10(6):S3–S8.
- Bissett DL, Miyamoto K, Sun P, Li J, Berge CA. Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, and hyperpigmentation in aging facial skin. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(6):888–896.
- Gupta AK, Gover MD, Nouri K, Taylor S. The treatment of melasma: a review of clinical trials. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;55(6):1048–1065.
