Hello, I am Dr. Sang-ju Lee, a dermatologist. Many people are concerned about their skin turning red or dark brown in areas where acne has disappeared. This is a common case of pigmentation that occurs due to acne inflammation. Today, we will learn more about post-acne pigmentation.
Why does post-acne pigmentation occur?
Many people misunderstand post-acne pigmentation.
- Does it occur from squeezing acne? (X) Post-acne pigmentation can occur from squeezing acne, but it can also appear spontaneously in cases of severe inflammatory acne. However, squeezing acne can worsen pigmentation, so it is advisable to avoid it if possible.
- Does pigmentation always occur when acne appears? (X) Even when acne appears, pigmentation often does not occur. This primarily depends on an individual's constitution, and East Asians tend to develop pigmentation more easily than Westerners. Even among Koreans, some individuals are prone to pigmentation, while others are not.
In addition, the main factors determining the occurrence and extent of pigmentation are as follows:
- Severity of acne inflammation: The more severe the inflammation, the higher the likelihood of pigmentation.
- Individual management methods: The extent of pigmentation can vary depending on how acne was managed after its appearance.
Does post-acne pigmentation disappear on its own over time?
Pigmentation caused by acne can naturally fade over time. However, it often persists for a long time, from as short as 6 months to over 2 years, causing many people prolonged distress. If the stress from pigmentation is significant, it is advisable to try methods to make it disappear more quickly.
How effective are whitening functional creams?
It is true that whitening functional creams can help with post-acne pigmentation. However, the extent of this help is very limited.
Assuming the effect achievable with cosmetics is '10', using medication can be expected to yield about 10 times that effect. If laser treatment is combined, a much greater effect can be achieved.
Therefore, if visiting a clinic is difficult, you may try whitening functional creams, but if you desire more active improvement, it is advisable to consider professional treatment.
Are there methods to treat post-acne pigmentation in a short period?
The most effective way to lighten post-acne pigmentation in a short period is by using laser treatment or medication. In the case of laser treatment, it does not disappear completely with a single session; instead, it gradually lightens the pigmentation through multiple repeated treatments.
Today, we took the time to answer questions related to post-acne pigmentation. If you have any further questions, we recommend consulting with a specialist to create a treatment plan that is right for you.