If you’ve dealt with persistent acne in the past, you know firsthand what a relief it is to find an effective treatment that clears up your skin and banishes breakouts for good. However, as professional dermatologists, we’ve had many patients come into our clinic that have successfully cleared their acne, only to be left with pesky skin discoloration from their previous bouts of painful breakouts. 

Especially true for those who have battled deep cystic acne or nodular acne, skin discoloration from acne is a serious side effect that continues to impact their self-esteem and overall confidence – even after their skin clears up. 

Fortunately, with continual advancements in cosmetic dermatology, several treatments have shown positive results in alleviating the look of skin discoloration from acne! Read our top 3 treatments below to get a better idea of how they can help your skin look clearer and feel smoother. 

Top 3 Treatments to Help Fix Skin Discoloration from Acne 

Microneedling – With or Without PRP Therapy

A favorite among patients, microneedling utilizes the power of self-healing by strategically producing micro-injuries to the skin with a small, pen-like device. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s healing response, which increases collagen and elastin production to repair the skin. 

So how does this fix skin discoloration from acne? 

Well, following a microneedling treatment, the body continues producing collagen and elastin over time, which benefits the skin by reducing the look of hyperpigmentation, smoothing out acne scars, and even shrinking enlarged pores. 

Microneedling can also be combined with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, which uses growth factors in your own plasma to further amplify the cosmetic benefits of microneedling and speed up treatment results. 

Retinoids

Retinoids have been used for decades in dermatology settings to help treat stubborn acne and unappealing acne scars. However, more recently retinoids have been shown to also help address skin discoloration from acne, as well as general hyperpigmentation due to sun damage or aging. 

Retinoids help the skin shed dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce discoloration by increasing cell turnover and regeneration. 

Additionally, retinoids help slow the breakdown of collagen, which is essential for healing acne scars and evening out hyperpigmentation. 

Chemical Peels 

Chemical peels are a classic cosmetic procedure that have been shown to effectively address wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, as well as scarring and skin discoloration caused by acne. 

This type of cosmetic treatment involves a physician applying a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the outermost layer to peel and shed, revealing smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin underneath. 

There are several different types of chemical peels offered in dermatology offices. To address and fix skin discoloration from acne, your physician will help determine which type is right for your unique situation and how to best achieve your desired results. 

Improve Skin Discoloration at Brentwood Dermatology 

Are you ready to improve your skin discoloration from acne with a professional dermatologist by your side? At Brentwood Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists are experts in all things skin and understand how various treatments can help improve stubborn skin discoloration due to acne. 

Get in touch with our clinic today to learn more about our top cosmetic treatments and how they can help you love the skin you’re in! 

The trusted physicians at Brentwood Dermatology can assist you with all of your general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology needs. If you would like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at (615) 377-3448.