Those pesky post-inflammatory marks left after a break out can be the thing to send you into a spiral, because the fact is no one really knows how to get rid of them completely. And what’s worse, the dark spots usually takes forever to fade, approximately 24 months or longer- Crazy! We Know.

In lighter skin tones these marks can appear as red and blotchy areas on the skin and on darker complexions, they often appear as .  The most important thing to address is firstly the cause. Whether that is acne or psoriasis or other skin conditions, it is important to control the issue before tackling the scaring, otherwise, it will keep recurring.   

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is your best friend when it comes to uneven skin tone. The actives in vitamin C help to brighten dull skin and speed up the healing process of the skin. This is because Vitamin C is an antioxidant that works by protecting cells from free radicals that can age and damage the skin, as it plays an integral role in the immune system by supporting white blood cells to protect the skin. Serums containing vitamin C are a great addition to your skincare routine, and are best used before moisturiser. 

Laser Treatments

Facials that use laser treatments can lessen the appearance of dark marks as they take advantage of the body’s natural healing process to rejuvenate new skin. The light particles are used to disperse the pigment on the skin which causes the body to undergo its natural healing process to remove the pigmentation, These treatments are highly effective, with many people claiming that they see a noticeable improvement after just one session, although to completely clear the skin completely 3-6 sessions are recommended. 

Chemical Exfoliation

If chemical exfoliation sounds like you’re dunking your face in bleach, don’t stress it because it sounds more serious than it actually is. Chemical exfoliation uses light acids such as lactic or glycolic acids or AHA’s and BHA’s which work to loosen the dead skin cells that can clog pores or give skin a dull, textured appearance. This type of exfoliation is better than traditional, physical methods, as they are less abrasive and you don’t run the risk of removing too much skin, as the acids are gentle enough to only remove the dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants are great to incorporate 3-4 times a week, and can be diluted in the beginning if you’re worried about sensitive skin.

Sunscreen

Any attempt at removing dark spots is negated if you don’t use sunscreen. This is because the dark spots will only get darker with sun exposure, and make fading the scars virtually impossible. Also, by repeatedly exposing your skin to the sun without protection can cause sun spots, melasma or fine lines and wrinkles to appear, which can make your skin look even more uneven and aged. There are a huge variety of sunscreen lotions available that are specifically formulated for varying skin types and issues, so you’re sure to find one that will suit your skin needs.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that can significantly improve the appearance of scarring and uneven skin tone. Small needles are used to prick the skin inorder to promote collagen production and induce the skin’s natural healing process which improves the texture, pore size and firmness of the skin which creates a youthful appearance. Generally, skin needling is safe if it is performed by a professional and has very few side effects and risks associated with the treatment, however, multiple sessions are required to see optimal results.

Those are our tips for reducing dark spots and pigmentation, and although there is no quick fix or overnight solution, a combination of any of the tips above is sure to improve the appearance of scarring or uneven skin with a bit of patience and time!

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