How Long Does It Take For Hyperpigmentation To Fade

If you've tackled a bout of acne and come out triumphant, it may feel like the battle has been won. However, so many blemishes leave their mark on your skin long after the breakout has subsided. Pitted scars and patches of red pigmentation can linger for months – even years – but there are tactics you can employ to smooth your way back to bright, even skin.

Here, we ask the experts to reveal exactly how to get rid of acne scars and pigmentation as quickly (and safely) as possible.

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What are acne scars?

A generalised term, acne scarring can be used to refer to a multitude of different marks that a breakout may leave behind. "Acne scars come in different forms, including rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars," explains Pamela Marshall, clinical aesthetician and founder of Mortar & Milk.

While most types of scarring can be treated via various methods, there is one subset that requires specialist treatment, as aesthetician and founder of West Room Aesthetics Dija Ayodele explains. "Be wary that keloid scarring, which darker skin can be prone to, can make you contraindicated to treatment that works on the basis of inducing a mild trauma to the skin, such as chemical peels and microneedling. If you've got this type of scarring, it's best to see a doctor or dermatologist that can provide steroid shots or advise on removing with surgery."

Acne scars or hyperpigmentation?

Acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can both occur after a breakout, but the two are actually very different – and thus a different approach is required when it comes to fading them.

"Acne scars occur when too much collagen forms in a particular spot while a wound is healing," explains dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross. "The scar often develops within the dermis, where the original acne-induced inflammation formed."

"When someone has cystic acne, there's a higher probability of having rolling or boxcar scarring – especially if they are picked at before they are ready, or too aggressively," says Marshall. Aesthetic practitioner and ambassador for Filorga, Dr Philippe Hamida-Pisal agrees. "Acne scarring is due to touching and squeezing spots. This damages small veins, glands and tissues surrounding the spots which creates scarring," he says.

Unlike acne scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is simply a form of skin pigmentation (like sun damage), which occurs as a result of trauma to the skin. As it doesn't damage the follicle, it isn't considered a true form of scarring.

According to Ayodele, certain skin types and tones are more likely to experience this post-acne redness. "Darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation because of the higher levels on melanin in the skin. This means that whenever there is any trauma, the melanin cells quickly leap into action to produce more melanin to defend and protect against that trauma," she says.

Daily Glycolic Cleanser

Dermalogica feelunique.com

£28.00

Dermalogica's latest launch is designed to gradually resurface the skin, brightening and unifying tone.

Skinesis Rapid Radiance Cleanse

Sarah Chapman feelunique.com

£39.00

Use this smart formula as a cleanser, or leave it to linger as a rapid resurfacing mask. The salicylic acid and kaolin clay will set to work on active blemishes, while lactic acid delivers light exfoliation.

Acne Deep Cleanse

Verso cultbeauty.co.uk

£35.00

This gently foaming gel contains a powerful trio of salicylic acid, niacinamide and glycerin to banish blemish-causing bacteria while respecting the skin barrier.

Goat Milk Cleanser

Kate Somerville cultbeauty.co.uk

£34.00

Ideal for more sensitive skin, this hydrating creamy cleanser contains a low dose of lactic acid (think of it as glycolic acid's little sister) that encourages exfoliation without inducing redness.

The good news is that when it comes to getting rid of both acne scars and pigmentation, there are several promising options available, from professional treatments to at-home hacks.

If you're looking to diminish rolling, boxcar or ice-pick scarring, the solution likely lies in a salon. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation will fade on its own over time, but there are several options – both in-salon and at-home – that you can utilise to speed up the process.

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How to get rid of acne scars

Microneedling

There are many treatments out there to help fade the various forms of acne scarring – including lasers and microdermabrasion – but Marshall's preferred treatment is microneedling. "Performed by a professional, microneedling is probably the best for scarring, and also helps reduce the signs of ageing," she explains. The process involves using tiny needles to create micro-punctures in the skin, which kick-starts cellular renewal, resulting in greater collagen and elastin production.

Ayodele agrees, adding that "the earlier this is done the better, as it's much more challenging to treat old scars."

Peels

If your scars aren't severe, a chemical peel could be a wise option. "For less obvious scarring, a clinical treatment with a low-pH acid will make a big difference," says Marshall.

What's more, at-home peels have come a long way in recent years, and there are now plenty of excellent options that work on renewing the skin surface, reducing the depth and intensity of acne scarring. "To treat acne scars at home, use a product that offers gentle chemical exfoliation," suggests Dr Gross. Opt for a pre-soaked pad for ease of use, or try a toner-style resurfacing liquid.

Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 5 Days

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare net-a-porter.com.uk

£18.00

These iconic swipe-and-go peel pads have hordes of beauty experts enamoured. Now, there's a version for the whole body, too.

Professional Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare net-a-porter.com.uk

£102.00

Once you've tried (and loved) Dr. Gross' legendary peel pads, graduate to this in-clinic strength peel. It's highly potent, so don't apply on skin that hasn't met an acid before.

Press & Glow

If you don't get on with the go-to exfoliating acid, glycolic (as a lot of sensitive types don't) consider Medik8's clever new launch. It uses poly-hydroxy-acids, which have larger molecules than AHAs, and so work only on the surface to gently exfoliate without irritation. Rich in humectants, it'll hydrate too.

Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel

The Inkey List boots.com

£14.99

Yes, this one smells like vinegar, but it's also the most effective surface-brightener we've tried for under £15. If you're looking for a quick and affordable fix, it's worth it.

How to get rid of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Vitamin C

When it comes to brightening dark hyperpigmentation, vitamin C should be a key weapon in your skincare arsenal. "I absolutely love it for many reasons. Its benefits are endless, including revitalising and brightening the skin while stimulating your body's natural production of collagen," says Dr Gross. "Not only does it help to lighten and break up pigmentation you might already have, but it also prevents dark spots from forming in the future."

C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum

Containing 15% ascorbic acid, this night treatment will fade dark spots and scars in a matter of weeks.

CC Me Serum

Summer Fridays cultbeauty.co.uk

£57.00

A potent peptide and vitamin C serum that plumps and brightens.

C25 Super Booster

Paula's Choice net-a-porter.com.uk

£52.00

A highly potent booster to treat scars and pigmentation 'on the spot'.

AF Vitamin C20 Serum Capsules

Exuviance skincity.com

£56.00

Exuviance's potent vitamin C formula comes encapsulated within single-portion pods, meaning the actives stay potent until the moment they meet your skin.

Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids

According to Ayodele, a chemical peel is also a great way to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as "it will help the skin to exfoliate quickly and fade the discolouration." Alpha-hydroxy-acids such as glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid work by dissolving the 'glue' that holds dead skin cells together, revealing brighter, fresher skin beneath.

"On Black skin it's best to do a series of superficial peels over a course of a few months as opposed to doing a single deep peel, which can cause further post-inflammatory pigmentation," says Ayodele. Consider a low-dose at-home product designed for sensitive skin, such as Dr. Dennis Gross' Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel (which, conversely, doesn't really need to be used every day), or QMS Medicosmetics' Active Exfoliant 7% Sensitive. A poly-hydroxy-acid is also a good, gentle alternative to the often-used glycolic acid, as its larger molecule size means penetration into the skin is reduced. You can find a perfect dose of poly-hydroxy-acid in Medik8's brilliant new Press & Glow, which is designed to hydrate while it exfoliates.

Blemish + Age Defense Serum

Containing both salicylic and glycolic acids, this one fades lingering scars while also treating active breakouts.

Active Exfoliant 7% Sensitive

A thoughtfully formulated glycolic and lactic-acid resurfacer that won't irritate sensitive skin

HYPERFADE™ Patch Kit

Zitsticka £20 beautybay.com

These microdart plasters send a concentrated blend of tranexamic acid, liquorice extract and niacinamide – three stellar ingredients for fading scars – straight to the centre of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Skincare doesn't get much more to-the-point.

Tranexamic Acid Overnight Treatment

THE INKEY LIST cultbeauty.co.uk

£14.99

Tranexamic acid is the industry's newest buzzword, famed for its pigmentation-fading powers. This is the best budget option.

Retinol

"Retinol (or vitamin A) is useful for acne as it fades hyperpigmentation by increasing the cell turnover rates," explains Dr Hamida-Pisnal.

A course of prescription-strength retinol requires a trip to the dermatologist, but there are now several excellent over-the-counter brands working with effective vitamin A derivatives, such as Sunday Riley and La Roche-Posay. As always when it comes to active skincare, follow the instructions stringently, consult a doctor if in doubt, and wear a high-factor SPF every single day.

Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3 Serum

La Roche-Posay lookfantastic.com

£22.80

This moderate-strength retinol serum works well on sensitive skin.

Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum

Beauty Pie beautypie.com

£13.86

A brilliant value option, Beauty Pie's retinol is buffered with barrier-boosting ceramides to reduce any irritation.

Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

Medik8 lookfantastic.com

£39.00

Medik8 creates a whole line of gold-standard retinol treatments. This is the best choice for beginners. Seasoned user? Try the remarkable R-Retinoate Intense.

A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum

Sunday Riley cultbeauty.co.uk

£70.00

The stronger of Sunday Riley's two retinol treatments promises dramatic results. (For a gentler touch and moisture-locking powers, try the equally well-loved Luna oil instead.)

LED Light Therapy

Light therapy has been shown to work on so many skin concerns, from loss of collagen to active breakouts, and recent research suggests that red LED in particular may help to reduce inflammation and prompt cellular repair, aiding the skin to recover from a breakout more effectively.

Where such therapies were once confined to the four walls of a dermatologist's office, a handful of brands have now harnessed this advanced technology masks and gadgets for home use. Look for one with a red-light setting (the majority have this), and use it regularly for cumulative results.

Cellreturn Premium LED Mask by Angela Caglia

ANGELA CAGLIA net-a-porter.com.uk

£1,493.00

A truly advanced choice, Angela Caglia's wireless mask contains over 700 LED lights to unify tone, clear blemishes, and boost collagen.

Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device

MZ SKIN net-a-porter.com.uk

£385.00

Loved by the A-list, Dr. Maryam Zamani's LED mask will boost collagen production and brighten lingering dark spots.

Déesse Professional LED Mask Next Generation

With over three times the average number of LED diodes, this device is truly the final word in at-home treatments.

Boost Advanced LED Light Therapy Face Mask

The Light Salon net-a-porter.com.uk

£395.00

Made from flexible silicone, The Light Salon's mask is comfortable and practical.

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