Why Do Breakouts Leave Dark Marks
Breakouts, like pimples and acne, often leave behind dark marks on the skin because of something called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH. This happens when inflammation from a breakout triggers the skin to produce extra melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color[1][2].
When you get a breakout, your skin gets inflamed deep down in the layers. The body sends cells called melanocytes to the area to protect it, but they overreact and make too much melanin. This extra pigment settles in the spot where the pimple was, creating a flat, dark patch that looks like a shadow[1][2][3].
Picking or squeezing pimples makes it worse. That extra trauma ramps up the inflammation, so more melanin gets produced and the mark turns darker or lasts longer[1][2][5]. Sun exposure is another big factor. UV rays from the sun hit those healing spots and stimulate even more melanin, darkening the marks and slowing down fading[1][2][3].
Darker skin tones see these marks more often because they naturally have more active melanocytes that respond strongly to any irritation[1][2]. The marks are not true scars with dents or texture; they are just pigment changes that can fade over time with the right care[2][5].
Healing takes patience. Skin cells turn over every few weeks, so the dark top layers shed naturally, but it can take months without help[2][5]. Keeping breakouts under control early stops new marks from forming[3][5].
Sources
https://www.bebeautiful.in/all-things-skin/everyday/treating-dark-spots-on-the-face
https://www.kins-clinic.com/blogs/acne-marks-or-acne-scars-understanding-the-difference-and-management-options
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro1j61PZYKQ
https://www.pristyncare.com/consult/acne-scars-why-do-they-form-and-what-are-the-common-causes/
https://slmdskincare.com/blogs/learn/the-5-kinds-of-acne-scars-how-to-treat-each-type
