Acne Hyperpigmentation Causes

Unlike other hyperpigmentation causes like age spots, liver spots and freckles which are due to exposure from the sun, acne hyperpigmentation is caused by inflammation of the skin. One this is certain though- In both cases, the culprit is an overproduction of melanin by the body.

When it comes to acne and Post Inflammatory hyperpigmentation, you will normally see pinkish or brownish spots in place of where the blemish was. In some cases, and depending on your skin's pigment, the color also could be darker and almost purplish in color.

Why it happens....

Okay, so the melanin is the culprit. Basically, melanin is a protein that the body produces that gives most of us the raging tan we all crave. When PIH occurs, the melanin goes crazy which in essence darkens areas of the skin that are affected. In the case of acne, melanin views the area as a wound and in essence darkens the area.

Luckily, post hyperpigmentation in acne is not an actual acne scar and can be treated. Typically, it goes away on its own, although it is very slow sometimes taking months before the pigment goes back to normal.

If you pop or aggrevate the skin where the acne is occurring, you are elevating the chances of increasing melanin production.

Treating Acne Hyperpigmentation

Treating acne hyperpigmentation is as easy as treating age spots or acne in general. The most common way to treat it is to use retinol-A, aka alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy. There are also certain vitamins that will help treat this type of hyperpigmentation faster.

Retinol-A is especially effective for treating acne hyperpigmentation because it will not only inhibit melanin but also help prevent future cases of acne from occurring.

Other common treatments include bleaching creams that contain hydroquonine although there are some risks (including cancer) associated with it. Because of this, they should be used only in extreme cases. Also, it is recommended for fair skinned people only, as this type of bleaching cream can actually over whiten the skin, causing even more uneven skin tone.

Other treatments include Azelaic Acid and glycolic acid, both of which will help lighten the areas affected by post hyperpigmentation caused by acne.