Acne in Dark Skin
WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne Vulgaris – pimples and “zits” – almost everyone has experienced this skin disease in one form or another. The exact cause of acne is complex and only partially understood. But one could oversimplify and say that acne is caused by sticky dead skin cells in the opening of the hair follicles. The sebum produced by oil glands is part of the reason that the cells are sticky. The cells form “plugs” in the opening of the hair follicle, and this is called a comedone (a “white-head” or “black-head”). Some of the comedones “explode” and turn into big red “papules” and “pustules” which then progress into nodule cysts.
HOW IS ACNE IN DARK SKIN DIFFERENT?
One main difference is dark spots. Anyone with dark skin can tell you that EVERYTHING leaves a mark. Mosquito bites, scratches, ingrown hairs (razor bumps), and of course, acne, leaves dark spots. These dark spots are called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” and if left untreated, can leave a permanent mark.
In dark skin individuals, the melanocytes, which are pigment producing cells, located between the epidermis and the dermis, can be easily irritated. Once the sebum within the hair follicle ruptures, as a result of blockage of the pore (i.e. whitehead or blackhead); the melanocytes are irritated and produce excess pigment. This explains why there are dark spots even though the pimple has NOT been “squeezed”.
HOW IS TREATMENT FOR DARK SKIN DIFFERENT?
The main differences when treating acne in dark skin are:
1 – Our treatments must address both the acne and the dark spots that comes with it
2 – We must treat the acne more aggressively because even one pimple can leave a permanent dark spot.
WE HAVE A SPECIAL FADE CREAM FOR YOU:
Fade creams don’t actually “bleach” your skin like Ajax bleaches clothes. Instead, fade cream suppresses the production of pigment and fades your dark spots and evens your skin tone. The one we recommend for you will also include an acne-fighting ingredient.
ACNE IN DARK SKIN MUST BE TREATED MORE AGGRESSIVELY:
Even mild acne in dark skin must be treated aggressively. Again this is due to dark spots formation. When you have dark skin, you cannot afford to have even just a few pimples each month, because each one can leave you with a “souvenir” dark spot that can be permanent. And that is unacceptable.
If you have acne and dark spots, then start with an aggressive over-the-counter treatment immediately. Use the ariClearSkin Acne Treatment System, which contains four products, ariSulfur bar, ariToner, ariHydrating Cream and arifade cream. If results are not optimal within a month, then your Doctor/Dermatologist may move on to even stronger treatments, including tablets and/or chemical peels.