How to Remove Dark Spots Caused by Pimples: Dermatologist-Approved Solutions

What Causes Dark Spots After Pimples?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) [1] or dark spots appear as a skin’s inflammatory response to acne, injury or any inflammatory skin condition. As the skin heals, it produces more melanin, leading to discolouration or the development of dark spots in the areas of the skin where the acne or inflammation occurred. While dark spots after pimples or PIH occur in all skin types, individuals with darker skin tones are more prone to it.

What Is The Difference Between Dark Spots And Acne Scars?

Dark spots are not acne scars. Most people often confuse dark spots with acne scars. While both are similar in appearance and are after-effects of acne, they are very distinct from each other. Dark spots, often referred to as acne marks or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, are skin discolourations that arise from an increase in melanin production during the skin’s healing process from inflammation. These are usually flat, discoloured patches on your skin’s surface. On the other hand, acne scars are blemishes resulting from popping or picking pimples or other disruptions to the normal healing process or damage to skin tissue during inflammation. Acne scars are of different types and have a rough texture.

How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots Caused By Pimples?

If you are searching for “how to remove dark spots caused by pimples” on Google, we have the solution. Fortunately, there are professional treatments that work effectively to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve your skin tone.

How To Remove Dark Spots Caused By Pimples At Home?

If you are looking for ways “how to remove dark spots caused by pimples at home”, there are at-home remedies you can try. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support these claims.

1. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera contains enzymes, which help gently exfoliate the skin. This process encourages cell turnover and brings fresh skin cells to the surface. Over time, this mild exfoliation can help diminish dark spots, leading to a more uniform skin tone and enhanced natural radiance.
2. Turmeric: Turmeric contains active components like curcumin that inhibits excess melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. By reducing melanin, turmeric can help lighten dark spots and even out the complexion.
3. Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help regulate melanin production. By reducing melanin production, green tea helps fade dark spots and gives an even skin tone and uniform complexion.
4. Honey: Honey contains natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it an excellent choice for fading dark spots.
5. Lemon Juice: Lemon is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that may help reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin.
6. Yoghurt Mask: Yoghurt is rich in lactic acid, which helps exfoliate the skin and reduce discolouration and dark spots.
7. Papaya Mask: Papaya contains an enzyme called papain that acts as a natural exfoliant. It helps remove dead skin cells and other impurities and clears dark spots.
8. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, lycopene, and other powerful antioxidants. They help reduce dark spots and pigmentation and protect the skin from sun damage.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains natural acids, like acetic acid, AHAs and a variety of other vitamins and minerals. The acidic properties of ACV help exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, consequently fading dark spots.

Topical Medications To Remove Dark Spots Caused By Pimples

If home remedies are not working and if you are looking for solutions about how to get rid of dark spots after acne, there are plenty of OTC products. These products contain active ingredients that help regulate melanin synthesis in dark spots while exfoliating the old skin and encouraging new skin. However, consult a dermatologist before trying the products, as they will suggest the right ingredients for your skin type and severity.

1. Retinoid: Retinoid [3] works by penetrating the deeper layers of skin and exfoliating the dead skin cells. They promote cell turnover and inhibit melanin production, lightening the dark spots.
2. Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid targets the enzyme tyrosinase that is responsible for melanin synthesis. It regulates melanin production, thus preventing hyperpigmentation and fading existing dark spots. [4]
3. Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone works by blocking the tyrosinase enzyme and regulating melanin formation. This helps fade dark spots and minimises post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
4. Vitamin C: Vitamin C blocks the production of melanin in our skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots. [5]
5. Kojic Acid: Kojic acid penetrates the skin and inhibits tyrosinase enzyme production. By regulating and slowing melanin synthesis, it effectively reduces the appearance of dark patches and discolouration.
6. Retinol: Retinol works by penetrating deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production and reduce the activity of melanocytes. This dual action helps minimise the appearance of dark spots while improving overall skin texture.
7. Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) gently loosen the connections between dead skin cells on the surface. This action encourages new cell growth and reduces the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.

How To Prevent Dark Spots From Pimples?

If you are trying to figure out how to remove dark spots on face caused by pimples, the answer is you may not be able to get rid of them entirely. However, with specific measures, you can reduce their appearance.

1. Consult A Dermatologist: If your acne is persistent, severe, painful or causing dark spots or scarring, if your dark spots are not fading despite using OTC products and taking preventative measures, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Early consultation ensures an accurate diagnosis of dark spots and a personalised, safe treatment plan, preventing long-term damage and achieving clear, even-toned skin effectively.
2. Exfoliate Skin: Gentle exfoliation using products with AHAs or BHAs helps remove dead skin cells from the surface, which can contain excess pigment. This encourages faster cell turnover, minimises the appearance of dark spots and prevents them from worsening.
3. Protect Skin From Sun Exposure: Sun exposure makes dark spots darker and makes them last longer. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors. Wearing wide-brimmed hats can offer extra protection.
4. Manage Stress Levels: While stress doesn’t directly cause dark spots, it can wreak havoc on your skin by triggering breakouts. Manage stress in healthy ways like exercise, meditation, yoga, or hobbies. It can indirectly help keep your complexion clearer.
5. Moisturise: Keep your skin well-hydrated using a non-comedogenic moisturiser daily, even if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Hydrated skin can recover more efficiently from breakouts.
6. Avoid Touching Or Picking At Pimples: Avoid picking, squeezing, or aggressively scrubbing pimples, as it is the fastest way to guarantee a dark spot. Let your pimples heal naturally, or treat them gently with targeted spot treatments.

Takeaway

Dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) are frustrating reminders of past pimples. But the good news is they’re preventable and treatable. Early consultation with a dermatologist is key, as they can provide an accurate diagnosis (identify the type of PIH and root cause) and create a safe, customised treatment plan utilising professional topicals, oral medications, or advanced in-clinic procedures like chemical peels and laser therapy. Acting early helps clear existing spots and significantly reduces the risk of long-term scarring and future breakouts.

Ready to say goodbye to dark spots and achieve clear, even-toned skin? Don’t wait! Connect with Oliva Clinic’s expert dermatologists today for a personalised consultation and effective treatment tailored just for you!