Acne is a common problem plaguing the teenagers and people who are in the age group of 14-24 years. The condition is influenced by hormonal imbalances and by infections from acne vulgaris bacteria.

Tremendous treatments are now available to keep acne under control and to eradicate them completely. People in fact have reported that their skin was looking better every day. But the dark pink or the brown spots on the skin where the lesions have actually healed remained for a longer time, adding an unnatural look to the face. This is defined as post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation:

This is actually a medical term that defines discoloration of the skin which is followed by the healing of an inflamed wound. This is the natural response of the skin to inflammation. This is represented by a flat area of black or pink discoloration and may take up other forms such as red, purple and brown macules depending on one’s skin type.

The skin starts to secrete too of much of melanin or the black pigment post an inflammatory reaction. This excess melanin darkens the skin and discolors the wounded or the acne infested area. The problem is that, these black patches remain long after the wound is actually healed.

PIH is common in people with dark skin tone and can affect both men and women equally. But luckily, these are not true scars and usually fade away in 24 months or longer depending on the skin tone and the thickness of the macule.

It is important that this discoloration gets treated at the earliest, for with every delay, new pimples develop worsening the situation further. Given the various treatment options, what is more important is the patience for the treatment regimen as it may span over months.

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Acne Scars Treatment:

All specialists recommend the use of broad-spectrum sunscreens every day, before stepping out into the sun.  Sun rays darken the pigmentation in the affected area, giving it a darkish tinge which can affect the skin as well as worsen the situation.

The best way to get these darkened regions to fade away is by applying Hydroquinone, a topical agent retinols containing vitamin A. Alpha and Beta hydroxyl acids such as salicylic acid, Glycolic and lactic acid may be combined to gently exfoliate the darkened skin layers. They also act by regulating the melanin production in the skin, thereby, offering an even toned complexion to the skin.

Many over the counter treatment options are available for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and they also seem to respond well to these products. There is a whole lot of brightening treatment available in the markets today.

• A combination of hydroxyl acids with Vitamin A and C would go a great way in exfoliating the skin. Skin bleaching gels and lightening agents would help fade discolorations.

• There are talks that N acetyl Glucosamine and niacin amide help decrease PIH, but are yet to be proven by scientific methods.

Many cleansers, pads, gels and lotions with glycolic acid are also available over the counter. They can be used to cleanse the skin and it may take several months to see positive results.

About the author: Kathleen White runs a home business that focuses on selling all natural skin care, make up, and fragrance products. Her ultimate goal is to be someone like William Lauder and become a head of a big personal care products company.