Home » Skin Blog » Skin Knowledge and Problems » How to Effectively Fade Pigmentation-Type Acne Scars? Tips from Hong Kong Doctors

In our daily lives, almost everyone experiences acne at some point; however, the subsequent pigmentation-type acne scars often cause distress. Many who face dark post-acne scars and red scars may feel frustrated and anxious. In reality, pigmentation-type acne scars are not a permanent issue; in most cases, they will fade away over time, which is good news to help everyone relax.

The formation of pigmentation-type acne scars primarily results from damage to the skin’s basement membrane. When inflamed acne appears, especially larger acne, the basement membrane can be compromised, causing pigment to enter the dermis layer, resulting in the black or red acne scars we see. Such acne scars typically take several months to fade naturally; depending on each individual’s skin condition, noticeable improvement can sometimes be seen within two to three months, while those with deeper skin pigmentation may take up to one or two years. Therefore, regarding the appearance of pigmentation acne scars, there is no need to be overly anxious; maintaining patience is key.

If you hope to speed up the fading process of acne scars, there are some effective methods available in the market to consider. For example, azelaic acid is a relatively common whitening agent in dermatology with good fading effects on black acne scars. It can promote the metabolism of melanin, but care should be taken while using it, as it may cause slight itching, which is a normal reaction. It is advisable to apply it only locally on the acne scars rather than on the entire face.

For those on a budget, considering more professional treatments might be worthwhile. For instance, Q-Switched 1064 laser is a very good option for black scars; this technology has a long history and has shown significant effects. Many users report notable improvement in the visibility of acne scars after just a few treatments. For red scars, one could consider pulsed dye laser therapy, which can destroy microvessels and speed up the fading of red scars.

In summary, when facing pigmentation-type acne scars, there is no need to feel overly anxious. In time, these acne scars will gradually fade; at the same time, one might consider using some medical beauty products and treatments to accelerate the healing process of acne scars. This approach will not only help boost our confidence but also keep our skin healthy throughout the recovery process.