Flat brown, tan or deep purple marks left behind by a breakout aren't scars. They're post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): extra pigment your skin made while it was inflamed. Your skin's texture hasn't changed, only its color.
They're Usually Not Scars
01. They're Usually Not Scars
Flat brown, tan or deep purple marks left behind by a breakout aren't scars. They're post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): extra pigment your skin made while it was inflamed. Your skin's texture hasn't changed, only its color.
You're not imagining it. PIH affects up to 65% of people with acne, and it's more common and longer-lasting in medium to deep skin tones because of more active pigment cells. Without treatment, marks can take anywhere from 3 to 24 months to fade.
Deeper Skin Tones Get Them More, and Keep Them Longer
02. Deeper Skin Tones Get Them More, and Keep Them Longer
You're not imagining it. PIH affects up to 65% of people with acne, and it's more common and longer-lasting in medium to deep skin tones because of more active pigment cells. Without treatment, marks can take anywhere from 3 to 24 months to fade.
The longer acne goes untreated, the more chances each breakout has to leave a mark. Deeper, more inflamed breakouts leave darker, more stubborn spots. If you've been told to "just wash your face" or wait it out, that advice has been costing you.
Waiting It Out Makes Them Worse
03. Waiting It Out Makes Them Worse
The longer acne goes untreated, the more chances each breakout has to leave a mark. Deeper, more inflamed breakouts leave darker, more stubborn spots. If you've been told to "just wash your face" or wait it out, that advice has been costing you.
If you're still breaking out and your marks aren't fading, over-the-counter products may not be enough. A dermatology provider can confirm what's behind your dark spots and, if it's right for you, prescribe treatment for both: oral options like isotretinoin (generic Accutane) for acne breakouts, and topicals like tretinoin, azelaic acid or a custom compound to help fade existing marks.
Rx Treatment Is Often the Answer
04. Rx Treatment Is Often the Answer
If you're still breaking out and your marks aren't fading, over-the-counter products may not be enough. A dermatology provider can confirm what's behind your dark spots and, if it's right for you, prescribe treatment for both: oral options like isotretinoin (generic Accutane) for acne breakouts, and topicals like tretinoin, azelaic acid or a custom compound to help fade existing marks.
With Honeydew, a licensed dermatology provider reviews your skin, builds a plan for your breakouts and dark spots, and adjusts it as your skin changes. We run prescriptions through insurance, handle iPLEDGE and monthly check-ins if isotretinoin is part of your plan, and your Care Team is available 24/7.
You Don’t Need An Office Visit to Get Treated
05. You Don’t Need An Office Visit to Get Treated
With Honeydew, a licensed dermatology provider reviews your skin, builds a plan for your breakouts and dark spots, and adjusts it as your skin changes. We run prescriptions through insurance, handle iPLEDGE and monthly check-ins if isotretinoin is part of your plan, and your Care Team is available 24/7.
