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.