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Tired of Myths? Discover the TRUTH About How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks FAST

My skin’s journey: from pimples to progress. 

Tired of those stubborn pimple marks? Though it’s frustrating, we all face this issue at some point.

But fret not! I’ve got dermat-approved and scientifically proven tips to help you get rid of these pimple marks ASAP.

Ready to learn how? Let’s get started! 

Disclosure: Please note this post might contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you purchase through the links, at no extra cost to you. Know that I only recommend products that I’ve used personally or believe will add value to my readers.

Why Pimple Marks Become Black?

Pimples often leave behind dark spots once they heal. Here’s why:

When a pimple pops up, your skin gets inflamed. And in the healing process, new skin cells form. 

Sometimes, these new cells contain extra melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. And this leads to dark spots, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH.

Your skin tone and the severity of acne impact how deep the marks will be.

They usually look darker in darker skin tones and reddish in lighter ones.

What to Do for Acne (Pimple) Marks?: Dos and Don’ts

Here are the things you should keep in mind while treating those pesky pimple marks. These tips are backed by science and approved by the famous Indian dermatologist, Dr. Aanchal.

Dos

• Treat pimples timely and gently to prevent pimple marks and scars. If left untreated, it’s likely that a dark spot will form.
• If you’re trying chemical peels, start with lower concentrations to avoid irritation.
• Approach your skincare holistically by maintaining good skin care along with healthy lifestyle habits.
• Dr. Aanchal emphasizes on moisturizing your skin well. Moisturizing regularly helps your skin repair and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
• Use sunscreen daily. Your skin needs protection to help fade pimple marks. Sun exposure can cause your skin to produce more melanin, making the pimple marks even darker.

Don’ts

Here are the things you should avoid when dealing with pimple marks:

• Don’t touch or pop pimples, as this can lead to dark spots and scars. Scars are pits on your skin that remain even after the pimple heals and can be difficult to treat.
• Avoid harsh chemical peels, especially if you have active acne. You should consult a dermatologist in such cases.
• Don’t use physical scrubs as they can make micro-tears in your skin. This can lead to dark spots during healing.
• Don’t let your skin be exposed to direct sun. As it can slow down the healing of pimple marks.
• Don’t irritate your skin in any way to prevent further damage.

How to Treat Pimple Marks at Home?- What to Use?

If you’re dealing with stubborn pimple marks, here are what you can use to remove them quickly:

Now here’s what Dr Aanchal advises:

• If you have active acne with dark spots, use azelaic acid creams twice a day. At night, use adapelene cream.
• For dark spots without active acne, try kojic acid, niacinamide, arbutin, or glycolic acid.
• If you have dry skin with dark spots, go for niacinamide.
• For oily skin with dark spots, use adapelene or retinol. When using adapelene, dot and lightly spread on affected areas.
• If you have sensitive skin with dark spots, stick to glycolic acid.

How to Fade Pimple Marks Fast?: Professional Treatments in Clinic

The dermatologist also suggests some treatments that can be done in a clinic to speed up the fading process of pimple marks:

Chemical Peels

These include glycolic acid, ferulic acid, azelaic acid, and lactic acid. Typically, chemical peel treatment takes 2-3 sessions with a 2-week gap between each session.

Laser Treatment

She suggests using the Q-switched NdYag laser treatment. It uses high-intensity light pulses to precisely target the pigment-causing melanin and break it down. 

Your body’s natural healing system then removes these fragmented pigments from the treated areas.
Usually, 3-4 sessions are needed with a 2-3 week gap between each session.

Pro Tip: Home peels are generally milder. Trying stronger peels used in clinics at home can cause serious damage to your skin.  These peels are of medium to deep strength and should only be performed by trained professionals in a clinical setting.

How to Remove Pimple Marks Naturally at Home?

I know as Indian girls, we love our home remedies. I’ll share two that have worked wonders for me in brightening and fading pimple spots.

Besan Face Pack

Mix gram flour (besan), yogurt or milk, and turmeric well. Some suggest adding lemon juice. But it can irritate your skin. So it’s best to skip it. Apply this face pack on a clean face and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes.

Yogurt Face Pack 

Mix yogurt and a pinch of turmeric. You may also add honey if it is pure. Apply this mixture all over your face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then wash it off while massaging gently.

Pro Tip: Remember that everyone’s skin is different and reacts differently to products. So do a patch test first before using.

How Long Does It Take for Pimple Marks to Go Away?

Experts suggest that dark spots on the upper layers of the skin, known as epidermal PIH, may last for 6–12 months. However, if the spots are deeper within the skin, it can take years.

According to Dr. Aanchal, on average it takes about 6-8 weeks for them to fade if treated correctly.

The time it takes for pimple marks to fade away depends on a few factors:

• Darker skin tones may take longer to fade, while fairer skin tones can see faster results.
• If you scratch, itch, or pop the pimple, it can stay for a longer time.
• Sun exposure without sunscreen can prolong the marks.
• Pimples on tanned skin may also take longer to fade.

Final Thoughts

“How can I remove my pimple marks?” This is a question many of us ask.

Whether you’re looking for at-home fixes or considering professional treatments, remember that there’s no magic fix for pimple marks.

Patience and the right approach to skincare are key to treating them effectively.

FAQ