What causes Acne Scars, Dark Spots and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?

If you have ever struggled with acne, you'll probably be familiar with those dark marks that linger for months after your acne has healed - These spots are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is the result of any inflammatory skin reaction from acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, skin infections, skin trauma, burns and drug eruptions. PIH from acne and other skin issues are made worse by picking or squeezing, and sun exposure.

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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when acne, or any other injury causes the skin to be inflamed. This inflammation triggers excess melanin production, leaving behind discoloration after the injury or acne has healed. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation will fade over time, however it can take up to two years to completely go away.

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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is characterized by a flat area of discoloration of the site of injury. This coloration can range from pink, red, purple brown or black - depending on the tone and depth of your skin. The severity of the injury or acne legion also correlates to the darkness of pigmentation; the darker the spot, the longer it'll take to fade.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is very common in acne prone skin as well as deeper skin tones. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is often referred to as acne scars, however these spots are not true scars. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation doesn't involve changes to collagen in the skin, so there is no actual scar tissue. 

Although post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation generally fades on its own, treatments such as laser genesis,  lightening creams, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and daily sun protection can help speed up the fading process.


 

How Does Sun Damage Affect Your Skin?

Sun damage is the major cause of hyperpigmentation - even spots from melasma, post inflammatory or other damage is exacerbated by sun damage. In addition to hyper pigmentation sun damage can cause:

• Wrinkles
• Dry or rough textured skin
• Broken capillaries
• Freckles
• Macules or dark spots
• A weakening of the connective tissues of your face which reduces elasticity.

Along with prematurely aging your skin, cumulative sun exposure and damage can lead to pre-cancerous or cancerous skin lesions.


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About 80% of a person's lifetime sun exposure is acquired by the age of 18 - but it's never too early or too late to take care your skin. A few things you can do to prevent sun damage are:

• Wear a sunblock or sunscreen of at least SPF30 and diligently reapply every 2-3 hours
• Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses
• Choose make-up and skin care products with additional UV protection
• Limit your sun exposure at peak hours- 10 am to 2pm

 

While prevention is always best, there are things you can do to help repair and correct damage from sun exposure. A few simple changes to your beauty routine and a day at the spa can help you turn back the clock.

Tips to help repair sun damage:

• Wear sunscreen! Consistent sunscreen use will prevent further damage and allow your skin to recover.
• Hydrate - Keep your body and your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a good moisturizer. Wrinkles and fine lines look deeper on dehydrated skin!
• Exfoliate  - Chemical exfoliation dissolves and sloughs off dead, dull skin more evenly than a manual exfoliate like a loofah or scrubbing beads. Exfoliation will brighten the skin and prime it for any treatments you apply afterwards.
• Try spa treatments such as:
• Lightening treatments- skin lightening creams like hydroquinone and retinols can help lighten the dark spots and hyperpigmentation
• IPL Photo Facials - IPL photo facials help improve dark spots, broken capillaries, skin texture, wrinkles and other signs of sun damage
• High Frequency Technology - High Frequency treatments remove dark spots, broken capillaries, spider veins and other minor skin irregularities