Welcome to our blog post on why acne turns black and how you can find solutions! Acne is a common skin condition, which affects up to 80% of people in their lifetimes. Whether it’s dark spots or tinges of red that appear, blemishes on the surface of your skin are never welcome.
In this article, we’ll be discussing what causes acne to turn black, the difference between dark spots and scars, as well as home remedies and products that can help remove them. If acne has been affecting your life with unwelcome appearances stop here – let us guide you towards finding relief from those pesky spots!
Key Takeaways
- Acne turning black is caused by Post – Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), excessive melanin production, and oxidation of sebum/dead skin cells.
- Dark spots are temporary while scars form from permanent tissue damage due to severe inflammation from acne lesions.
- Home remedies such as vitamin C, aloe vera gel, and grape seed extract can help reduce dark spots caused by acne while sun protection with SPF 50+ could prevent further discoloration in the long run due to UV radiation exposure in daylight hours.
- Professional treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing may be necessary for cases of dark spots or scarring that won’t go away even after applying home remedies undetected until now!
What Causes Acne to Turn Black
Various factors including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), excessive melanin production, and oxidation of sebum and dead skin cells can lead to acne turning black.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH is a condition where the skin darkens following inflammation of the skin from an existing medical or environmental factor. It can result in black spots on the skin that were formerly pimples and can be due to inflammatory conditions such as acne vulgaris, eczema, impetigo, or infection-caused trauma.
The darkened area is the result of excessive melanin production by cells called melanocytes which are responsible for giving color to one’s complexion. This pigment will accumulate in specific areas and become visible after inflammation begins to heal.
PIH may be treated using topical creams containing medications like corticosteroids and retinoid agents that help with lightening hyperpigmented patches naturally over time. However, chemical peels and laser treatments may also be used to help remove darker pigmentation in tougher cases while microdermabrasion works well in milder situations through its exfoliating properties which help eliminate discoloration faster than natural healing methods alone.
Excessive melanin production
Melanin is a pigment that contributes to the color of our skin, eyes, and hair. It’s produced in specialized cells called melanocytes. Usually, an even balance of melanin production and breakdown keeps your skin looking healthy and vibrant.
But too much or too little of this pigment can cause issues like dark spots caused by acne.
The inflammation associated with pimples triggers extra melanin production in some people’s skin. This excess pigment deposited on the surface causes discoloration, resulting in “dark spots” due to acne turning black.
Darker-skinned individuals may be more likely to experience this type of hyperpigmentation because they have higher levels of melanin naturally present in their skin tissue so it becomes difficult for the body to regulate its release properly when faced with inflammation from a pimple.
To reduce the appearance of these dark spots you should use gentle products that keep your skins pH balanced as well as using ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid which help speed up cell turnover and break down stubborn pigmentation deposits that contribute both to scarring and excessive melanization depending on where it’s applied without making it darker than before.
Oxidation of sebum and dead skin cells
is a major cause of blackheads, and understanding how it works can help acne sufferers better treat their skin. Sebum is an oily substance produced by sweat glands that help to keep our skin moist and supple.
When too much sebum builds up in the pores of the skin along with dead cells, it can become clogged and lead to blackheads. Oxidation occurs within those pores; when oxygen molecules come into contact with the sebum, they interact chemically and darken their color.
This oxidation causes dark discoloration on the surface of your skin as well as inflammation which often leads to scarring or permanent discoloration in extreme cases. The combination of trapped excess sebum and oxidized oils creates what we typically see as small black spots on our faces – these are ‘blackheads’ caused by oxidized sebum.
It’s important to regularly exfoliate using mild chemical products such as glycolic acid or natural ingredients such as vitamin C from citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit to remove impurities from your face including accumulated oil/sebum that could achieve oxidation which leads eventually to unwanted blackheads formation if left ignored for a long time.
Differences Between Dark Spots and Scars
Dark spots and acne scars can look similar, but they are distinct in several important ways. Dark spots, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, form when too much melanin is produced at the site of an acne lesion.
They typically appear flat against the surface of the skin and vary in shade from light brown to black. On darker skin tones, dark spots tend to be more noticeable because certain cells produce more melanin than normal.
In contrast, acne scars involve permanent tissue damage that occurs when deeper layers of skin become damaged during inflammation caused by severe bouts of acne. As this tissue loss heals over time, it forms a slight indentation on the surface of your skin which traps oils and dirt leading to further inflammation and discoloration such as redness or scarring nodules along with pigment variation due to increased melanin production resulting in an uneven texture or appearance on the affected area.
Early treatment is key for preventing both dark spots and scarring from forming—it’s best not to let blemishes linger on your skin for too long before using natural remedies like vitamin C or professional treatments like chemical peels to clear up existing damage.
Home Remedies to Remove Dark Spots
There are several natural remedies that can be used to fade dark spots, such as Vitamin C, aloe vera and grapeseed extract. Discover more about these home treatments in this article!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an effective remedy for dark spots caused by acne. It acts as a brightening agent, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improving skin hardness, smoothness, and pigmentation without changing your original skin color.
Vitamin C can be used topically on the affected area to reduce scarring leftover from acne blemishes. Combined with microneedle treatment it further improves its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and increasing collagen production in the treated area.
In terms of products, TruSkin’s Vitamin C serum is highly recommended for those seeking to get rid of acne-related scarring or unwanted dark spots due to pimples. The antioxidant properties contained within this product combat free radicals that give rise to duller-looking skin whilst also enhancing elastin and collagen synthesis thus giving your skin a much-needed boost at times when it really needs it.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a natural remedy with various benefits for treating acne and scars. The aloin pigment found in the plant has skin-lightening properties that can help reduce dark spots and even out skin tone.
Topically, aloe vera gel applied directly to the affected area aids in removing bacteria from the skin, reduces inflammation of the pimple, and helps eliminate spot formation. It also soothes burned or irritated skin, helping promote healing.
In addition to treating acne spots, aloe vera can aid digestion and treat other skin conditions like psoriasis or sunburn as well as control blood sugar levels. This all-rounder is great to have on hand when it comes to all acne-related issues!
Grapeseed extract
is an all-natural ingredient that can be used in a variety of skincare products to treat acne and dark spots more effectively. It is packed with antioxidant benefits, antimicrobial properties, astringent abilities, and other healing substances like vitamin E and beta-carotene.
The extract stands out by being able to fight bacteria as well as reduce inflammation caused by acne; this is made possible due to the tannins found in it that act as natural astringents on the skin’s surface.
Grapeseed extract also contains linoleic acid which helps keep the epidermal layer of your skin healthy and hydrated which is essential for reducing redness around pimples.
It has been proven in numerous studies that along with improving overall complexion, grapeseed extract can seriously diminish (or even remove) dark spots resulting from acne scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Sun protection
Sun protection is essential for preventing and treating the dark spots caused by acne. Hyperpigmentation, which can cause discoloration or deep brown spots on the skin, is usually a result of inflammation due to acne and other conditions.
Additionally, the UV radiation from the sun exacerbates hyperpigmentation which causes premature aging of the skin known as photoaging. Furthermore, it can also lead to an increase in COX-2 enzymes that inflame your blemishes more.
To prevent this kind of damage to your skin, you must protect yourself from UV rays with sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with an SPF value of at least 30 (or higher if possible) when going out during daylight hours – even if its cloudy! Wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses as well and avoid exerting yourself too much under direct sunlight.
Recommended Products for Treating Dark Spots
When it comes to treating dark spots left behind by acne, there are a variety of products that can help. Treatments range from over-the-counter skincare solutions to medical treatments administered by a professional.
It is important to consult with a dermatologist in order to determine the best course of action for your specific skin type. One popular treatment is hydroquinone, which works by inhibiting melanin production and lightening brown marks.
Other common ingredients found in lightening creams include bearberry extract, kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin, vitamin C and retinol.
Lightening serums have also become increasingly popular due to their effectiveness at reducing hyperpigmentation quickly and without irritation or dryness of the skin like some other treatments may cause.
In addition to serums that contain active ingredients such as hydroquinone or retinoic acid, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing treatments are available when prescribed by a dermatologist depending on the severity of the discoloration caused by acne breakouts. These provide more long-lasting results than over-the-counter options but should only be used after consulting with an experienced specialist who can evaluate your individual needs when it comes.
In-Office Treatments for Dark Spots
There are a variety of treatments available at the doctor’s office that can be used to manage dark spots, such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or microdermabrasion. Read on to learn more about these options!
Chemical peels
Using a chemical peel is an effective way to treat dark spots caused by acne, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the overall quality of your skin. It involves applying a chemical substance to the surface of your skin to cause controlled exfoliation.
This allows the top layer of old or damaged skin cells to be shed off while allowing new skin cells to emerge on the surface providing you with even tone and texture. During this procedure, it is important to note that individuals with darker skin tones may face potential risks due to their higher sensitivity compared with lighter hues.
Chemical peels range from mild (alpha hydroxyl acids) all-rounders for clearing up minor blemishes like blackheads and whiteheads, all the way up through medium depth (glycolic acid) peels treating stagnant comedones—the ugly dark spots created when pimples heal—and altering deeper lines and wrinkles as well as an evening out pigmentation damage done by major breakouts.
Microdermabrasion
is a non-invasive procedure that removes the outer layers of dead and damaged skin to reveal the younger, healthier layer beneath. It works by using an abrasive material, usually aluminum oxide crystals or diamond particles, which are delivered through a handheld wand with suctioning power.
This sloughs away dead skin cells and stimulates collagen production to improve both the texture and clarity of the skin. With regular use over time, microdermabrasion can remove acne scars as well as age spots caused by years of sun exposure.
Additionally, it can even out skin tone and diminish fine wrinkles – all without any needles or surgery. Furthermore, microdermabrasion helps control active breakouts by removing excess oil from clogged pores while balancing sebum production to leave your complexion looking renewed and refreshed every session!
Laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a procedure used to improve the look and texture of the skin. It works by targeting certain areas of the face with highly focused beams of light, which removes scarring or discoloration caused by acne.
In response to laser treatment, damaged collagen fibers are replaced with new healthy tissue, resulting in smoother and clearer-looking skin. The magic behind this process is that it stimulates new cell growth while stimulating collagen production at the same time.
As these cells grow back they create a softening and rejuvenation effect on your skin tone – resulting in fewer dark spots from acne lesions as well as age spots, sun damage, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Another benefit to laser resurfacing treatments is that they can treat deeper-lying issues such as elastosis (degenerative elastic tissue), Crysis (diminished oil secretion), or even pitted scars caused by pore blockage due to years of extreme sebum buildup beneath them – making it an excellent choice for those suffering from stubborn outcrops of acne marks deeply embedded within facial layers after prolonged periods of breakouts
When to See a Doctor for Dark Spots
Visiting a doctor for help with dark spots caused by acne should be considered if home remedies and over-the-counter products have not achieved the desired result. It is especially important to seek medical advice when there are multiple, inflamed pimples or cysts present on the skin that could cause permanent scarring without treatment.
It is also smart to visit a dermatologist if you notice an unusual amount of pigmentation developing in one spot, which may be an indication of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Dark spots from PIH commonly remain even after the acne clears up so it’s beneficial to seek professional help as soon as possible. At this stage repairing and restoring discoloration can prevent further damage to the skin.
The dermatologist may assess different treatments including laser resurfacing, chemical peels or microdermabrasion depending on your specific condition. A dermal filler such as Restylane might also be suggested for dealing with deeper stress lines and wrinkles surrounding scars left behind by acne breakouts.
Ultimately these treatments will work better when prescribed sooner rather than later so seeking timely medical attention is key in eliminating stubborn dark marks from acne.
Conclusion
Acne turning black is a common skin issue that results from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and excessive melanin production in the affected area. It can be particularly difficult to remove dark spots caused by acne on darker skin tones due to the additional release of melanin.
Fortunately, some home remedies such as vitamin C and aloe vera have been known to reduce dark spots or maintain their presence from getting worse when applied regularly. Products containing glycolic acid are another great option for removing these reddish-brown marks associated with pimples without irritation or damage.
In severe cases of scarring and dark spots, it is important to seek medical advice, as there are several in-office treatments available to help significantly reduce this discoloration such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing.
By taking proactive steps towards understanding the causes of acne turning black – and following up accordingly – anyone can keep their skin looking clear like a pro!
FAQs
1. Why does acne turn black?
Acne can turn black when skin oils and dead cells become trapped inside pores, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow in, which then oxidizes and darkens the area of the skin.
2. What are some solutions for preventing acne from turning black?
To prevent acne from turning black, regularly cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and use oil-free moisturizers to keep excess oil away. Other effective treatments include topical creams or light therapy such as lasers or chemical peels.
3. Is there any danger associated with having a darkening of acne?
No, there is no real risk associated with having this type of darkened acne other than self-consciousness about its appearance on the face and neck areas. However, it should be treated sooner than later since untreated spots that remain around the follicle can increase inflammation and cause scarring in more severe cases over time if left neglected.
4. Can anything else besides bad hygiene cause blackheads/darkened pimples?
Yes; hormonal imbalance can produce excess sebum (oil) which may lead to cystic eruptions appearing beneath the surface causing further irritation and resulting in facial bumps that may appear purple when inflamed or deep brown when they go through the oxidation process described above leading up to the potential scarring if untreated.
