Skinby/Skin library/Everyday care
Dark marks after breakouts
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In short
Dark marks after a breakout are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). They happen after the skin has been inflamed, for example by acne, an injury or a skin procedure.
Worth knowing5
Dark marks are more common in people with medium to dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI).
Auffret NDark marks can appear even with mild to moderate acne and without much visible inflammation.
Auffret NAcne-related dark marks often last a year or longer: in one study of people with acne in Southeast Asia, they lasted at least 1 year in more than half of them.
Auffret NDark marks may fade without treatment.
Auffret NAcne treatments, especially retinoids, can irritate the skin and cause dark marks of their own.
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What helps3
In one expert review, preventing dark marks meant a daily morning moisturizer plus a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (50+), ideally tinted or containing iron oxides so it also covers visible light.
Auffret NRetinoids are the main treatment for acne-related dark marks.
Auffret NAzelaic acid and hydroquinone are other creams used for acne-related dark marks.
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See a provider if1
Treatment depends on how strong the dark marks are (mild, moderate or severe), which a health care provider can grade.
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Sources
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