Reduce Dark Spots Caused By Acne

As a teenager, when you suffered from chronic acne and nothing you did seemed to make it go away, it seemed easier to pick and pop your pimples than to treat them and wait for them to recede. And once you left those blemished years behind, acne became just a ghost from the past … but one that tormented you years later with dark marks where pimples past had been.

Let this be a warning to the future generations of teens — stop picking at your face! But if it’s too late, and the damage is done, you can still reduce the appearance of dark spots from old acne blemishes.

Where do the dark spots come from?

When your skin sustains an injury, such as a cut or wound, your body quickly forms tissue to try and heal the area. Often times you notice this tissue as a scar; because it is produced so much more quickly than normal skin cells, the tissue is usually a different texture and color, so you notice it against your regular pigmentation. The same is true on your face — those dark spots are hyper pigmentation caused by skin damage.

How can I lighten my dark spots?

There are many chemical lighteners out on the market that promise lighter skin with quick results. Don’t fall for the hype — you may notice results, but at the expense of your skin’s future. Chemical-laden products can cause problems later, so stick to organic or natural beauty products.

Exfoliate at least once a week with a face scrub and a washcloth. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and brings fresh cells to the surface. Over time, your skin will have shed enough that lighter layers underneath will see daylight.

After you exfoliate — and on days you don’t scrub up, after you’ve cleansed your face in the morning and at night — apply a good anti aging moisturizer or anti aging skin cream. The ones that will provide the best results contain ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E. (This is because both of these help to reduce irritation and inflammation, and encourage skin regeneration.) Bonus, these are natural ingredients and can be found in natural skin care products quite easily.

How can I prevent future dark spots?

Never pop your pimples again! Many adults still experience acne from time to time, but keeping your hands away from your face will dramatically reduce your chances of scarring or spotting. If you can’t keep your hands away, use an anti-inflammatory healing gel from a natural skin care line to reduce the redness and encourage the skin to heal. Don’t forget to stay out of the sun as well — acne isn’t the only thing that can cause dark spots!