Why acne leaves dark marks on African skin, and how to fade them

What is happening in the skin

When a spot is inflamed, the cells that make pigment respond by making more of it. On deeper skin tones those cells are more active to begin with, so the extra pigment is darker and lasts longer. The medical name is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Squeezing a spot, scrubbing, and sun exposure all deepen the mark. So do strong peels or products used without supervision.

What fades them

Sunscreen every morning is the single most useful step, because ultraviolet light keeps telling the skin to make pigment. A retinoid speeds skin turnover. Pigment-regulating creams, prescribed and monitored, quiet the cells that are over-producing. Chemical peels and microneedling, set for your skin, shorten the course once the acne is controlled.

When to come in

If marks are still there after three months, if the acne is still active, or if you are using any cream you bought without a prescription, book a consultation. Most plans show a visible change in eight to twelve weeks.