Understanding The Pigmentation Of Acne Scars

Posted: Aug 29, 2009 |Comments: 0 | Views: 1,097 |

Once acne outbreaks are under control, some people may notice red or brown spots and discolorations forming on their skin. This is a form of acne scarring called post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, or PIH.  The color of these scars depends on your skin tone as well as the depth of the acne scar itself. Acne scars can form into the skin, as well as on top of the skin.

The discoloration is caused by an overproduction of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the body chemical that gives us our skin tone. In other words, if you have very little melanin in your skin, the odds are that you are Caucasian. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin tone.  The melanin stays in place at the site of the outbreak or inflammation even after the episode is over, hence the acne scars pigmentation problem at that spot.

PIH affects both men and women equally, however, it does affect darker toned skin more often than lighter toned skin. The good news is that acne scars pigmentation problems are not real scars, meaning they are not permanent tissue damage. Most acne pigmentation will simply fade away without treatment in anywhere from 3 to 24 months. Some cases may take longer, it just depends on how dark was the formation in the first place.  One way to judge is to look at the difference between the color of the discoloration and your natural skin tone. The greater the distinction between pigmentations, the longer it will take to fade.

Many of the milder acne scars pigmentation problems respond to over the counter treatments that combine alpha and beta hydroxy acids with vitamins A and C. These compounds are grouply referred to as skin lighteners and brighteners.  Hydroquinone is another popular topical treatment, although it has gotten a lot of bad press. Care must be taken with this cream because it can change the color of the healthy and naturally surrounding skin as well.  Hydroquinone works by blocking melanin production. If you're not sure which way to go, then consult a dermatologist to be safe. There are other good lightening products in some acne scars creams like the one from Dermajuv.

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