What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- International Journal of Dermatology: Acne on Pigmented Skin
- International Journal of Dermatology: Acne on Pigmented Skin
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Will Red Spots From Acne Fade & Go Away?
Acne, one of the most common skin disorders for Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD 1. It affects 40 to 60 million people. Acne occurs when pores, which are attached to oil glands, become clogged with dirt, bacteria and sebum. Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, can appear if you pop pimples. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common among people with darker skin, including African Americans or Latinos.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Red spots will sometimes appear on your skin where acne once was if your skin tone is dark. Fortunately, these are not scars. The AAD reports that unlike scars, dark red spots, known as hyperpigmentation, will eventually fade. Because healing can take several months, there are treatment methods that can help to minimize the appearance of spots more quickly.
- Red spots will sometimes appear on your skin where acne once was if your skin tone is dark.
Before They Fade
4 Ways to Treat Rosacea
Learn More
Before red spots can fade, they can get worse if you do not exercise the proper prevention procedures. Apply sunscreen to your face, neck and all other exposed areas on a daily basis. Use an oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, which will not only block the sun, but the oil-free formulation will not exacerbate already oily skin and won’t clog pores.
Skin Lighteners
In 2007, the International Journal of Dermatology published a study by Florence Poli indicating that skin lighteners can help to minimize red spots sooner 2. The AAD explains that over-the-counter bleaching creams containing 2 percent hydroquinone may be effective in reducing discoloration. Products containing more than 2 percent hydroquinone could actually bleach the skin surrounding red spots, so be sure to read the label. If prescribed by your dermatologist, bleaching solution containing 4 percent hydroquinone should be safe.
Other prescription medications that can help to lighten skin affected by moderate to severe acne include tretinoin, tazarotene, adapalene and azelaic acid.
- In 2007, the International Journal of Dermatology published a study by Florence Poli indicating that skin lighteners can help to minimize red spots sooner 2.
- The AAD explains that over-the-counter bleaching creams containing 2 percent hydroquinone may be effective in reducing discoloration.
Caring for Acne
Hyperpigmentation in Dark Skin
Learn More
How you care for breakouts could determine whether pimples fade completely, or take time to fade altogether. Acne.org recommends using benzoyl peroxide to kill P. acne, the bacteria that cause pimples to form 3. Benzoyl peroxide is also very effective at preventing breakouts from occurring 3. Because this over-the-counter medication has some bleaching properties, it can help to reduce red spots from appearing and decrease the amount of time it takes them to fade.
Other Treatments
If you don’t want to wait the several weeks to several months it could take for your red spots to clear completely, you may want to consider a more invasive treatment such as a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or lasers.
According to the AAD’s website, Skincarephysicians.com, there are over-the-counter chemicals peels you can purchase at a drug store and use at home 4. Chemicals in the product work by removing the top layers of skin. Microdermabrasion is a procedure done by a dermatologist that involves using a machine to remove the surface layer of skin. Lasers are used as a last resort for people with darker skin who have exhausted other methods of spot fading.
- If you don’t want to wait the several weeks to several months it could take for your red spots to clear completely, you may want to consider a more invasive treatment such as a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or lasers.
Related Articles
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Acne Statistics
- International Journal of Dermatology: Acne on Pigmented Skin
- Acne.org: Benzoyl Peroxide
- Skincarephysicians.com: Skin Color Changes
- Decker A, Graber EM. Over-the-counter Acne Treatments: A Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(5):32-40.
- 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.
- Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D'arco V, et al. Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. doi:10.1155/2010/893080
- Kubba R, Bajaj AK et al. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Acne. India Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2009;75(7):54.
- Sharad J. Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013;6:281-8. doi:10.2147/CCID.S34029
- Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV. Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available? J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013;6(1):4-11. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.110089
- Sofen B, Prado G, Emer J. Melasma and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Management Update and Expert Opinion. Skin Therapy Lett. 2016;21(1):1-7.
- Leyden J, Stein-gold L, Weiss J. Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7(3):293-304. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0185-2
- Bandyopadhyay D. Topical treatment of melasma. Indian J Dermatol. 2009;54(4):303-9. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.57602
- Decker A, Graber EM. Over-the-counter Acne Treatments: A Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(5):32-40.
- Mohamed Ali BM, Gheida SF, El Mahdy NA, Sadek SN. "Evaluation of Salicylic Acid Peeling in Comparison with Topical Tretinoin in the Treatment of Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2017 Mar;16(1):52-60.
- Sarkar R, Parmar NV, Kapoor S. "Treatment of Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation With a Combination of Glycolic Acid Peels and a Topical Regimen in Dark-Skinned Patients: A Comparative Study." Dermatologic Surgery. 2017 Apr; 43(4):566-573.
- Shokeen D. "Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Skin of Color." Cutis. 2016 Jan;97(1):E9-E11.
Writer Bio
Shannon Marks started her journalism career in 1994. She was a reporter at the "Beachcomber" in Rehoboth Beach, Del., and contributed to "Philadelphia Weekly." Marks also served as a research editor, reporter and contributing writer at lifestyle, travel and entertainment magazines in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature from Temple University.