Dark Spots! Hyperpigmentation!

[IvyColantonio]

Hi Everyone! How are you? Unfortunately I have hyperpigmentation! Every time I get a pimple it leaves a dark spot/mark. I want to know if anyone experiences this or knows a great product out there that will help fade the dark marks. This summer I really want healthy and glowing skin! Thank you all so much! Be safe! 

[msradiantskin]

Many of these posts focus on treating discoloration but I would rather focus on preventing the discoloration. If you know that you are getting PIH discoloration with your pimples then its a good idea to control your acne cysts and also use a preventative skin lightener. My choices are Melapads exfoliating pads and Melarase AM daily. These should be combined with a good non-irritating cleanser from Sephora and they will gradually lighten up existing PIH. #melapads and #melarase #discoloration #pih #melasma #sunspots #acnescars

[WinglessOne]

Hi @IvyColantonio !  Which product(s) to try depends on your current skincare routine, skin type/behavior (besides acne prone), and budget/price cap. I have mostly-dry combo skin that's quite reactive/inflammation-prone. I have both post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH, including dark marks left by acne) and much larger patches of hyperpigmentation (melasma). I'll recommend a few things for PIH, but bear in mind that I also use other products (retinaldehyde, for instance) that treat melasma and may also help fade my PIH. 

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster for Redness Relief 1 oz/ 30 mL - azelaic acid targets hyperpigmentation (especially PIH), attacks acne-causing bacteria, and acts as an antioxidant. The clinically studied form is prescription-strength 15-20% azelaic acid, available only by Rx in the US. Over-the-counter 10% strength may also be effective, though perhaps not as quickly. I find that when I apply 10% azelaic acid as soon as I notice new acne, I get less PIH and it fades a bit faster. (You can spot treat with azelaic acid but I apply it to my whole face, avoiding my eyelids and undereyes. I use it twice a day as a regular part of my skincare routine.) The Paula's Choice OTC product is my favorite, but I've also used The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream 1 oz/ 30 mL , The INKEY List SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Serum Redness Relief Solution 1 oz / 30 mL , FaceTheory Lumizela A10 Serum, and Peach Slices Redness Relief Azelaic Acid Serum. Of those 4, my favorite is the Peach Slices product. 

Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration 1.7 oz/ 50 mL - a good combo of several hyperpigmentation fighters, including niacinamide, tranexamic acid, a kojic acid derivative, alpha arbutin, gluthathione, licorice root, and azelaic acid. 

Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL - another good combo product that includes kojic acid, alpha arbutin, a vitamin C derivative, and licorice root. I use this product in the morning. 

A broad spectrum sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) - apply generously to ALL skin exposed to sunlight (eyelids, ears, behind ears, nape of neck if exposed, hands, exposed ankles, etc.) and reapply every couple hours, all year long, regardless of weather or season. There's no point using any product to reduce dark spots if you don't also stop the sun from causing more hyperpigmentation. Do you already use a sunscreen? 

[syrav]

I have the same problem I started using this The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment 1 oz/ 30 mL and so far it's been working really well for me.

[aimes10]

Following! I get mark marks too after my pimples go away, looking for something that is good for sensitive skin

[raphaela12]

Hey @IvyColantonio ! A couple of different ingredients can help with that, it depends what you want to try and how much you want to spend. You want ingredients that will halt the melanin production in your skin.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - Also has the added bonus of controlling oil.

Vitamin C and/or Vitamin C Alternatives (Anything that will lighten your skin.)

BHA, AHA, PHAs to Exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. 

Retinoids for cell turnover.

I'm not sure what you're using right now in your skin care routine to suggest anything specific. 

[RachKwiSs]

What products would you recommend?  I have blotches of dark spots ( hair line, middle of forehead, now starting under eyes) & they are not tiny spots too 😣 help!

[raphaela12]

@RachKwiSs 

I have been using The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Hyperpigmentation Serum and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum  together morning and night, depending on your skin sensitivity you may want to use Niacinamide only once a day. 

1-3x a week I exfoliate my skin at night with Elf AHA Peel Pads, Sephora has some great ones, SEPHORA COLLECTION Glow Peel Pads 60 Pads, if you need added help for Acne SEPHORA COLLECTION Clarifying Peel Pads 60 Pads.

I'm changing over to Blume Milky Fade Spot + Scar Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL to simplify my routine, so I'll see how I'm liking that. It works great with their meltdown oil, Blume Meltdown Oil for Acne Prone Skin 0.5 oz / 15 mL, they have a kit with them both in it Blume Treat and Fade Kit.

Some other options you can try are Vitamin C in the daytime The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL , and then The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment 1 oz/ 30 mL + The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment 0.5 oz/ 15 mL at night. If you have dry skin you may want to add The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid 1 oz/ 30 mL as well into your routine.

It really depends on what you prefer, I put the most affordable brands on my list of recs, some people may have some others for you. I would read the ingredients list on all the products and people's review to see what you want to try first. 

I also want to add it takes time to notice any significant changes, when you start a new product your skin may purge, causing more acne. Skin purging usually lasts 4-6 weeks, after 6 weeks it's when you will start to notice any changes in your skin.

Good luck! ^_^