Hyperpigmentation 101: Here's How to Get Rid of Dark Spots

When a pimple pops up, Mighty Patch is there to the rescue to help you kick the blemish to the curb in no time. But, just when you think you've won the battle, you notice that the pimple has left behind some discoloration (ugh). These dark spots, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH for short, can hang around for weeks after the pimple has disappeared, sometimes even months. 

Luckily, there are things you can do to treat dark spots, one in particular, which is so easy and effective you can't not try it. Trust us, it's good. Keep reading to learn more about hyperpigmentation and how to make those pesky dark spots disappear as quickly as they arrived. 

Hyperpigmentation vs. acne scars

Hyperpigmentation: Although hyperpigmentation and acne scars can both result from breakouts, they're actually two different issues. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, says Ronald Moy, MD, FAAD, of Moy Fincher Chipps Facial Plastics and Dermatology in Beverly Hills, are not scars per se but rather a form of skin pigmentation. Think of it as similar to sun damage caused by trauma to the skin. "This trauma does not damage the deeper layers of skin, so it is not considered permanent scarring," he explains. "These spots eventually fade over time." 

Acne scars: Acne scars, on the other hand, are indentures of the skin or shallow lesions that are caused by severe acne or by touching and picking at the skin. "Acne scarring occurs when the tissue is damaged," says Rina Allawh, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia. "As our body attempts to repair the damage in the skin, it produces collagen. Overproduction or underproduction of collagen may result in scarring." 

How to get rid of both types of acne scars asap

Whether you have hyperpigmentation or acne scars, either way, it's no fun. Hyperpigmentation, though, is generally a bit easier to treat. Dark spots typically fade over time on their own, but there are things you can do to speed up the process. Because hello, you want bright and glowy skin right now, not weeks from now. 

PIH treatment options: Hyperpigmentation treatments include retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids, and LED light therapy. According to Dr. Allawh, one of the most common ways to treat dark spots is with vitamin-C containing products. "Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is quintessential in one's skincare regimen as it prevents sun damage, increases collagen production, brightens the skin and, most importantly, improves skin tone," she says. 

Case in point: Micropoint for Dark Spots. The mega-powerful post-blemish patch features 173 hyaluronic microneedles fully loaded with skin-brightening ingredients including vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid that together smooth out uneven skin tone and texture. All you have to do is pop a patch on the dark spot two times per week once the pimpled has healed and voila! You'll have glowing, even skin. Oh, and P.S. It also works on sunspots. 😉 

Acne scar treatment options: Because acne scars damage the deeper layers of the skin, getting rid of them is a bit more challenging. First, you’ll need to determine what type of acne scars you have. (Check out this blog if you're unsure of what scar type you're dealing with.)Your derm can help with this as well as coming up with an action plan for treating them. The most popular in-office treatment options include micro-needling, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. 

How to prevent hyperpigmentation

We wish we had better news to share, but alas, there's not much you can do to 100% prevent PIH skin. Dr. Moy says some people are just genetically more prone to pigmentation than others. It's sad but true. 

However, given that pimples are one of the things that cause hyperpigmentation, getting your breakouts under control is your first line of defense in preventing dark spots. Thankfully, Mighty Patch acne patches have your back (er, skin) with that.  Once you've got the pimples taken care of, then comes the brightening strike duo – Lightning Wand and Micropoint for Dark Spots to restore your skin's radiance and finish the job. 

Start using Lightning Wand 1-2x per day as soon as you’ve extracted a pimple. Once the blemish is gone, add Micropoint to your routine, hitting the dark spot every 2-3 days for intense overnight brightening. Together, they’re unstoppable.

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