Whether you pop a pimple or not, there’s a chance that the pimple will leave behind a dark spot on your skin even after it has cleared up. Usually, the post-blemish mark looks like a dark spot but they can also appear red in color.
The spots that appear pink or red in color are known as post-inflammatory erythema, or PIE. Spots that appear dark brown in color are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH. PIE and PIH can occur due to inflammation in the skin, which includes inflammatory acne. Typically you won’t get a red or dark spot on this skin from non-inflammatory types of pimples, like blackheads or whiteheads.
While all skin types and ages can get PIH and PIE type of post-blemish marks, PIE is more common amongst lighter skin tones and PIH is more common amongst darker skin tones.
How do dark spots appear
Given that red and dark spots occur as a result of inflammation, the source of these spots is acne, but specifically the inflammatory kind, like cystic or blind pimples.
Inflammatory acne can occur deep in the skin as dead skin, oil, and bacteria builds up in the pore. This kind of acne can be pretty annoying to deal with as it may become a bit painful to the touch and takes longer than non-inflammatory acne to clear up.
And, once the inflamed acne does finally clear up you may be left to deal with the aftermath: red or dark spots. The dark spot is triggered by an overproduction of melanin while the red spot is caused by damage to the blood vessels (giving the spot a red color).
These red and dark spots can fade on their own, but it does take a longer time for them to go away without any treatment that is meant to help fade dark spots.
How to prevent dark spots
Since red and/or dark spots occur in response to inflammatory pimples, you can help prevent or at least reduce the appearance of post-blemish marks by treating acne-prone skin to minimize breakouts.
Inflamed pimples typically occur deep in the skin and form because of a buildup of dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria. When looking for skincare that helps treat acne, it’s important to look for products that help exfoliate the skin to reduce buildup of gunk in the pores. Oil-balancing skincare can also help reduce the appearance of breakouts by limiting excess oil on the skin so there’s less of a chance of the sebum clogging up pores.
But, even with a good skincare routine it’s not always possible to fully prevent pimples from popping up. And with a fresh batch of pimples you may also get a couple of red or dark spots once the inflamed pimples have cleared up.
How to treat dark spots with the Dark Spot Brightening Patch
Our Dark Spot Brightening Patch is formulated with 2% Niacinamide, Green Tea Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, and Madecassoside to help brighten dark spots while keeping the spot hydrated.
Niacinamide and Green Tea Extract help fade the look of red and dark spots while Hyaluronic Acid keeps the skin hydrated and Madecassoside helps heal the spot. This combo of skincare ingredients works to brighten post-blemish marks without the drying effects of other spot treatments or creams that can be too harsh on the skin.
The over 165 microneedles help the skincare ingredients reach deep in the skin to better deliver the brightening effects to the spot. While microneedles may sound intimidating, the microneedles in our Dark Spot Brightening Patch are painless, won’t damage the skin, and they help stimulate the skin to heal itself faster.
To help fade dark spots, apply the Dark Spot Brightening Patch on the spot as soon as the inflamed pimple has healed (it’s best to not apply the patch on open skin). But, if you’re dealing with older dark spots, you can still use the patch, it just may take a little longer for the spot to fade.
To best use the Dark Spot Brightening Patch follow these steps:
🧼Cleanse and dry the skin
🩹Apply the patch on the dark spot and press down for 5-10 seconds
⏰Leave the patch on for 6 to 10 hours or overnight
✨Remove and replace the patch every 2 to 3 days until the spot fades
If you experience severe inflammatory acne, it’s best to contact a dermatologist for help.
