Snob Essentials

How to Speed Up the Fading of Acne Discoloration

How to Speed Up the Fading of Acne Discoloration

You know the feeling of waking up, looking in the mirror, and feeling your heart sink as you spot a major blemish? That feeling when it’s all you can see or think about, and you convince yourself that clearly everyone is noticing and starring at it when you speak? So, you do the inevitable and pop it, only to be left with discolored skin that can last for MONTHS. It’s the worst. Note, however, that the mark left behind by a popped blemish isn’t the same thing as an acne scar. It’s hyperpigmentation and it will, usually, fade (or so my dermatologist, Dr. Neal Schultz, reassures me!). I went to see him not only about the discoloration left behind from a popped blemish, but also about a blemish on my forehead that had been there for months, which is how I now know that the best thing to do if you’re tempted to pop something is to wait and see your dermatologist. Dr. Schultz got rid of my long-standing blemish in a matter of seconds! If however the damage is done, here are some things you can do to speed up the healing process:

1. Wear sunscreen! You’re doing that anyway, though…right? Not only is sunscreen critical for preventing skin cancer and signs of aging, but if you don’t apply it, the sun’s rays will make your discoloration darker and redder and possibly even brown.

2. Exfoliate: You want to get rid of all the dead skin cells and encourage new cell growth. Make sure that you’re using an exfoliator that isn’t too harsh (I love the one from Proactiv+, which also works to actively prevent new blemishes).

3. Use a brightening product: Check out G.M. Collin’s Phytowhite Dark Spot Serum, which is designed to protect against UV damage while lightening skin pigmentation. I like this one because it goes on very lightly and works to fight wrinkles in addition to lifting discoloration.

4. Dr. Schultz gave me enough Locoid Lotion for 10 days, which helps get rid of the discoloration.

DO YOU LOVE IT OR HATE IT?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

3 comments

  1. I’m all for acne guides. I know exactly what it’s like trying to get rid of all acne/pimples for GOOD. I tried a lot of mainstream stuff (clearasil, proactiv) anything my sister got her hands out etc…finally I got sick of it. I decided to try not using topical creams and seeing how that would work. I picked up the definitive acne treatment guide, acne no more (reviewed here: http://steamspoils.com/acne-no-more-review/ ) and I havent looked back. Fixing my diet, changing some lifestyle attributes…I’ve finally gotten long lasting results towards perfect skin, and I know exactly how to avoid acne now. My skin was clear after just two weeks. So for anyone else who is leaning towards natural methods, make the jump and try it. It’s so much better than being a slave to creams. If you’re interested in the Acne No More book, here’s a link to their site directly: http://steamspoils.com/product/acnenomore/

  2. I get it but I don’t think anything has ever worked well for me personally. The only brand that’s ever helped me for acne is Hush & Dotti. Their Kitty Kit after 3 weeks gave me amazing skin. I can’t say it enough. Do you know how frustrating it is at 21 to have bad acne and not be able to venture outside? To have tried clearasil, proactiv, murad and accutane. To have them all not work. So depressing. Hush worked. I’m so thankful to them and if anyone else has acne I highly suggest looking into using cleansing oils/balms. It worked for me.