HOW TO MANAGE ACNE HYPERPIGMENTATION

FIRST UP… WHAT IS PIGMENTATION – AND WHAT CAUSES IT?

Hyperpigmentation (or pigmentation) refers to a complexion marked by darker spots or patches on the skin. These darker areas can be small and localised, for example a freckle, or more widespread.

In all types of hyperpigmentation, discolouration arises when the skin’s melanocytes are enlisted to create more of its natural pigment, melanin. Many factors can lead to an increase in melanin production, including sun exposure, hormones, medication, intrinsic ageing and genetics.

Acne is another trigger – and it’s a major factor in the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

WHAT MAKES POST-ACNE PIGMENTATION WORSE FOR SOME PEOPLE?

The severity of acne pigmentation can be impacted by several factors – some of these you can control, while others are unfortunately out of your hands. These factors include the depth and severity of the initial lesion, and how soon it was treated.

Keep your hands to yourself, as picking will only make it worse (and spread bacteria). It’s also important to know that sun exposure can also darken discolouration.

Those with darker skin tones are more susceptible to post-acne hyperpigmentation, and your natural exfoliation rate also has an impact. As this slows down as you age, post-acne marks will often stick around for longer in more mature skin. (Hint: speeding up skin cell turnover with Exfoliating Acids and Retinol can help!)

HOW TO FADE ACNE HYPERPIGMENTATION AT HOME

Most at-home treatments for acne hyperpigmentation focus on fading marks. Chemical exfoliants such as glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids can be very beneficial for this, as these alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids help accelerate skin cell turnover.

By gently speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation processes, these acids can help move on discolouration sooner. If you regularly experience acne, they can also help reduce breakout recurrence by removing the dead skin cells from pores that cause blockages.

At La Roche-Posay, we look at the root cause of your skin concerns, not just the symptoms. Formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, our Effaclar products combine pore-purging, mattifying and anti-redness ingredients, as well as AHAs, BHAs, and other efficacious ingredients to target acne marks and brighten the complexion.

STEP 1: CLEANSE (AM & PM)

Acne-prone skin requires gentle yet thorough cleansing. With soothing La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water and anti-bacterial zinc PCA, Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser removes impurities and excess sebum, while helping minimise shine. Massage the cleanser into damp skin and rinse, morning and night.

STEP 2: APPLY A REFINING, MICRO-EXFOLIATING SERUM (PM ONLY)

After cleansing, apply a few drops of Effaclar Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Serum to the face at night. Once absorbed, follow with the Effaclar Duo (+) Anti-Acne Moisturiser.

STEP 3: USE A TAILORED MOISTURISER (AM & PM)

Effaclar Duo (+) Anti-Acne Moisturiser is an unclogging moisturiser that targets pores, blemishes, blackheads and marks. Ultra-light and hydrating, it instantly mattifies oily skin, with a visible reduction in redness after 12 hours.

As LHA and salicylic acid slough off dead skin cells, zinc PCA helps balance excess sebum production, and niacinamide (Vitamin B3) teams up with Procerad™ and Mannose to brighten skin and help prevent the appearance of marks. It also boasts prebiotic Aqua Posae Filiformis to help restore balance to the skin microbiome. Apply morning and night, after cleansing and before Face Sunscreens.