How to Get Rid of Dark Spots from Acne

Co-authored by Aanand Geria, MD

Last Updated: July 24, 2024 Approved

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You can end up with dark spots from mild, moderate, or severe acne, although they are relatively uncommon in cases of mild acne. Some over-the-counter products can help lighten dark spots. Generally, though, it's best to see a dermatologist to get a professional treatment.^{[1]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} Consider trying some approaches at home, then consult a professional if you can't clear up the condition yourself.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Getting a Professional Treatment

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1
See a dermatologist. Make an appointment with a dermatologist, which is a doctor who specializes in skin and hair. Let them examine your skin and get a detailed medical history. They might ask about your skincare routine, too.
- Ask your dermatologist about a skin lightening cream like hydroquinone, which is available in OTC-strength (2%) and prescription-strength (4%) formulas.^{[2]
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  Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.}
2
Get a chemical peel or acid treatment for indented scars. The name for these indentations is atrophic scars. If you've got these, your dermatologist might suggest a chemical peel or a treatment using glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, or salicylic acid. Microdermabrasion, in which your skin is buffed down, and laser treatments also work well for these kinds of scars.^{[3]
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- Fillers are another option for atrophic scars.^{[4]
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Try silicone gel or cryotherapy for raised scars. Raised scars are called hypertrophic scars. They respond better to silicone gel, steroid therapy, and cryotherapy (freezing). A pulsed dye laser treatment also works well for hypertrophic scars. See which your dermatologist recommends.^{[5]
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- Injections can also help flatten raised scars.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Treating Dark Spots at Home

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1
Deal with the acne first. Treating the acne also treats the dark spots and prevents new ones from forming.^{[7]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} Wash your skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser and rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid touching or picking at your blemishes and protect your skin from the sun.^{[8]
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- Use products that contain salicylic acid and/or a retinoid to help clear up your skin.^{[9]
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- Sometimes you may be left with dark spots after your acne heals, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH can occur in anyone, but tends to occur in darker-skinned individuals.^{[10]
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  Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.}
Head to the pharmacy and pick up a 2% hydroquinone cream. Apply it twice a day by dabbing a little bit on each dark spot.^{[11]
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The combination of these 2 ingredients can help lighten dark spots.^{[12]
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Research source} Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. Look for a cream containing these ingredients and use it according to the instructions.
4
Apply a vitamin C serum to the dark spots. A serum made with vitamin C can help fade the marks.^{[13]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} Pick one up from your local pharmacy and apply it as directed.
- Keep in mind that vitamin C can irritate your skin, and it may cause your skin to burn if you go out in the sun after you use it.^{[14]
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  Aanand Geria, MD
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  Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.}
Put on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher each day.^{[15]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can make dark spots worse. Additionally, some dark-spot treatments can make you more sensitive to the sun.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What is the best dark spot remover?

Aanand Geria, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Aanand Geria is a board certified dermatologist, a clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai, and the owner of Geria Dermatology based in Rutherford, New Jersey. Dr. Geria's work has been featured in Allure, The Zoe Report, NewBeauty, and Fashionista, and he has peer-reviewed work for the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Cutis, and Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. He holds a BS from the Penn State University and an MD from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Geria then finished an internship at Lehigh Valley Health Network and a dermatology residency at the Howard University College of Medicine.

Aanand Geria, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

A chemical peel could help. Chemical peels remove the hyperpigmented top layer of your skin. They can be very effective, but they typically require several treatments, and they may leave you sensitive to the sun for a while. It's best to schedule these treatments in the fall and winter, when the sun's rays aren't as strong.

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Question

How do I get rid of dark spots due to pimples?

Aanand Geria, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Aanand Geria is a board certified dermatologist, a clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai, and the owner of Geria Dermatology based in Rutherford, New Jersey. Dr. Geria's work has been featured in Allure, The Zoe Report, NewBeauty, and Fashionista, and he has peer-reviewed work for the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Cutis, and Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. He holds a BS from the Penn State University and an MD from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Geria then finished an internship at Lehigh Valley Health Network and a dermatology residency at the Howard University College of Medicine.

Aanand Geria, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

For over-the-counter treatments, ask your dermatologist about using a vitamin C serum or a 2% hydroquinone cream. Your dermatologist may also prescribe a stronger 4% hydroquinone cream, or they may recommend a procedure like a chemical peel.

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Tips

Be gentle, no matter what method you choose. The dark spots are essentially the result of skin irritation and vigorous rubbing will potentially darken the spots even more.

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Warnings

Avoid using lemon juice, bleach, or abrasive rubs on your skin. While you might see these and other "home remedies" online, they can actually do more harm than good.^{[16]
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