Blemish Solutions: The Best Products to Fade Dark Spots From Acne
Here’s how to fade pimple marks fast.
As if pimples aren’t enough of a nuisance, they’re still annoying even when they’re gone—because often, they leave a dark mark on skin, a.k.a. acne blemishes or acne marks.
When you’re young, this isn’t really much of an issue. Youthful skin, though more pimple-prone, is able to repair fast, with signs of a breakout disappearing in a matter of days or a couple of weeks at most. Unfortunately, skin’s natural regenerative powers decline as we grow older, resulting in longer healing time. Some adult acne marks can take months and even up to a year or more to fade—especially without intervention.
Acne marks vs. acne scars
But first, it’s important to distinguish acne marks from acne scars. Acne marks are essentially dark spots from acne that appear flat on the skin. They’re also referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. “Dark spots can occur after a bout of inflammation on the skin,” says Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow. “Inflammation may occur for various reasons, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and injury to the skin.” When our body detects inflammation in the skin, like in cases of acne, it revs up pigment or melanin production, resulting in the discolored spot or patch where your pimple was.
Meanwhile, acne scars are formed when there’s damage to the skin, often caused by picking or popping your zit (huge no-no’s). This leads to abnormal collagen production, causing the scar to appear raised or depressed. And while acne scars can become less visible over time, they’re difficult to remove completely Dr. Navarro stresses, “This is why early signs of inflammation [and damage] must be addressed in order to prevent hyperpigmentation or dark spots and scarring.
Treating dark spots from acne
Since acne marks don’t usually indicate serious long-term damage to skin cells, they can go away completely—eventually. The good news? You can speed up the process with the help of topical products specifically designed to target hyperpigmentation.
Here are some of our derma-approved blemish solutions:
Mesoestetic Ultimate W+ Whitening Spot Eraser
Key ingredients: [Meso]white Complex® and glycolic acid
This ultra-concentrated whitening treatment doesn’t just treat acne marks on the face; it’s also recommended for pigmentation on the neck, décolleté, and the hands. Made for precise application, it stimulates cellular renewal, smoothens out the skin tone, and prevents the appearance of further excess pigmentation.
TDF Fairence T-Complex
Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and Lactobionic acid
Scientifically designed to reduce the intensity of dark spots and pigmented skin, this skin-lightening cream is powered by Xcelarev® technology, a patented delivery system that improves the penetration of brightening ingredients to the deeper skin layers.
Biretix Tri-Active Gel
Key ingredients: BIOPEP 15, RetinSphere® Technology
Prevent and correct acne marks and spots in adult skin with this facial gel that also controls oil production and improves skin texture. Its active ingredient, BIOPEP 15 (plant-based peptide technology), reduces bacterial growth while providing exfoliating and depigmenting action, whereas RetinSphere® Technology delivers retinoid benefits without sensitivity.
ZO Brightalive Skin Brightener
Key ingredients: Intelligent peptide drone, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, papain, beta glucan, licorice derivative
This technologically-advanced, non-hydroquinone, and non-retinol skin brightener is clinically proven to increase skin luminosity and improve clarity by fading the appearance of dark spots. Its powerful blend of active ingredients work together to minimize discoloration without irritation and sensitivity, and while delivering lightweight and soothing hydration.
Neoretin Discrom Control Serum Booster Fluid
Key ingredients: niacinamide, salicylic acid, kojic acid, tocopheryl acetate, retinol
This fast-absorbing formula combines depigmenting and anti-dark spot active ingredients and technologies to effectively manage pigmentation while also preventing acne breakouts. Its RetinSphere® Technology helps retexturize skin for a more uniform tone and a brighter glow.
Neostrata Illuminating Serum
Key ingredients: NeoGlucosamine, niacinamide, and, licorice root extract
This multi-action brightening serum is packed with a complex of strong brighteners that target existing discoloration and promote a more even tone. It also features NeoGlucosamine, which gently exfoliates to refresh skin and boost repair.
Evenswiss Booster No. 3 Anti-Age Spot
Key ingredients: niacinamide and arbutin
Loaded with potent but safe skin brighteners, this booster formula from Evenswiss effectively fades the appearance of dark spots—including pimple marks—on the skin. Niacinamide is a water-soluble derivative of niacin (Vitamin B3), which has been proven to decrease hyperpigmentation while delivering antioxidant benefits. Arbutin, meanwhile, is a hydroquinone derivative found in dried leaves of plants, and works to stop the overproduction of melanin and tyrosinase.
Derm Biologiques Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum
Key Ingredients: Et-VC (vitamin C derivative), oryza ferulix (brightener), vitamin E,
A do-it-all serum, this features an anti-aging, skin-brightening, and skin-rejuvenating formula packed with active ingredients to nourish and protect the skin.
Heliocare 360 Pigment Solution Fluid SPF 50+
Correct hyperpigmentation while enjoying broad-spectrum sun protection with this ultra-light fluid that shields against four types of radiation: UVB, UVA, HEV, and IRA. The best part? It contains nude pigments to instantly unify the skin and hide blemishes—no need for makeup!
Professional solutions
In case you want faster results, you can also opt for in-clinic procedures. Treatments to try include brightening facials, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels. One such peel worth considering is Mesoestetic’s Cosmelan Treatment, a world-famous solution for hyperpigmentation. (Read more about it here.)
For customized skin care recommendations, you can book a virtual or face-to-face dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow. You can also call or text the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Center via (+63) 999-887-1944. Click here to view the available skincare services.
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