How To Remove Dark Spots Caused By Pimples By Expert

Acne is one of the most prevalent conditions in young adults across the globe and sometimes it can last far beyond those early years too. In fact, one can keep experiencing acne throughout adulthood triggered by events that cause changes in the levels of hormones like irregular periods, menopause etc. The most troubling aspect of acne though is the fact that after one experiences a breakout, the marks, spots and scars can last really long. Dr Sejal Saheta, Dermatologist and Venereologist - InUrSkn wants you to help you keep your skin free of marks and blemishes in spite of acne breakouts.

Know Your Spots From Your Scars

Acne can cause two major types of blemishes on your skin which put in simple words are called marks and scars. Acne marks or spots are called Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or PIH. These are caused because when your skin heals there is often an excess formation of melanin in your skin. This excess melanin leaves the affected spots on your skin much darker than the surrounding area. Acne scars on the other hand are the changes in the texture or smoothness of your skin. When your skin tries to repair itself after a bout of acne, it uses a protein called collagen. This collagen deposition by your skin is not very even and hence causes a change in the surface of the skin which we call scarring. Most spots caused by acne tend to fade away in about 3 to 9 months’ time. But some spots and almost all scars need external intervention to heal properly.

Handle Acne Rather Than Spots

It is important to understand that it is far easier to handle active acne than to handle the spots and scars left behind after an uncontrolled breakout. I recommend that all my patients follow the below protocol when they have active acne:

• Ensure that you never pop a zit, as this is the fastest way to get a scar.
• Make sure not to fidget with acne as it can tend to spread the bacteria to other parts of your face.
• Make sure to keep your face free of excess oil or sebum by using a gentle face wash or medicated wipes. Excess sebum creates the perfect conditions for acne-causing bacteria to proliferate.
• Make sure to use the topical medication prescribed by a dermatologist on your active acne.
• Make sure to use a separate topical medication on the acne that has burst or are in the healing stage. (As prescribed by your dermatologist)
• Use makeup sparingly and also look for makeup that is non-comedogenic.

If these steps are followed, it reduces the need to handle acne spots and scars substantially.

Things Not To Do for your Acne Spots And Scars

Due to the fact that acne is so widespread, there are also a whole lot of myths and bad advice surrounding acne care. Two of the things that I highly recommend patients to not do are:

• Never ever use home remedies like vinegar, honey, cinnamon etc. on your acne or spots and scars. These things are of better use in cooking than on your skin. In the best-case scenario, they will not help you, in the worst-case scenario they will cause a serious reaction on your skin.
• Never use over the counter (OTC) creams on the advice of your friendly chemist, pharmacist or friend.

Things That Can Help With Acne Spots, Marks And Scars

Dr Sejal Saheta says, "The first step to help with acne spots and marks is to establish a proper routine of topical and oral medications. I recommend oral medications which are usually oral antibiotics that control bacterial proliferation. Oral vitamin A derivatives dry off the oil glands thereby reducing acne. As for topical medications, these generally contain active ingredients like antibiotics, retinol, and salicylic acid which help in reducing sebum formation. Unfortunately, acne scars are almost next to impossible to treat with just topical medications and almost always require external intervention."

Advanced Treatments For PIH And Scars

For extensive levels of PIH and for scarring, I recommend that my patients undergo a combination of the below procedures also.

Chemical Peels

These are generally acidic solutions that can help with both spots and scars by acting as exfoliates that help in renewing the skin cells.

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Laser Spot Reduction and Toning with ND Yag Lasers

This in my opinion is by far the most effective solution for treating PIH. The laser beam tends to target the hyper-pigmented area without affecting the surrounding area. It tends to even out the skin tone and has absolutely no downtime.

Skin Resurfacing by Microneedling

For patients with acne scarring this is the most effective means of improving the texture of their skin. The process involves carrying out micro-injuries to the skin using a micro-needling device and when the skin heals back after the procedure it is a lot smoother and even textured.

Skin Resurfacing by Fractional CO2 Laser

For deeper scars, I do recommend that patients undergo treatment with fractionated co2 laser. These lasers are a bit more invasive and should be done only by an expert dermatologist.

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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

I find this to be the most effective mechanism now available for dealing with scars. It uses a concentrated plasma serum derived from your own blood which helps in rapid and more effective healing of scars.

The most important piece of advice that I can leave you with is that in case you suffer from either active acne or PIH or scarring, it is best to visit a dermatologist you trust and discuss your expectations and treatment options as this will give you the most effective options suitable to your specific condition.

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