What Causes Acne That Leaves Dark Marks
Dark marks after acne happen when inflammation from pimples triggers your skin to make too much melanin, the pigment that colors your skin. These flat brown or black spots, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH, are not true scars since they only change color, not texture.[1][6]
Acne starts with common triggers like excess oil clogging pores, bacteria causing swelling, and hormones shifting during cycles, pregnancy, or stress. When these lead to inflamed pimples, cysts, or nodules, your body responds by ramping up melanin production in melanocytes, the cells that make pigment. This is a natural defense, but it leaves behind discoloration, especially from deeper cystic acne.[1][2][5]
Picking, squeezing, or touching pimples makes it worse. This extra trauma spreads inflammation, telling your skin to produce even more melanin and creating darker, longer-lasting spots.[1][7]
People with medium to darker skin tones, like Fitzpatrick types III to VI, see PIH more often, with studies showing up to 65 percent affected compared to 18 percent in lighter skin. Lighter skin might show pink or red marks from dilated blood vessels instead, called post-inflammatory erythema.[1]
Sun exposure plays a big role too. UV rays darken existing marks and trigger more melanin, making spots from acne look worse and harder to fade.[3][4][8]
Hormonal changes and certain medications can fuel acne inflammation, leading to these pigment issues as well.[2][3][4]
Sources
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/acne/post-acne-hyperpigmentation-your-complete-guide
https://renotahoederm.com/when-its-time-to-see-a-dermatologist-for-acne-in-reno-nv/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro1j61PZYKQ
https://www.atlantacenterfordermatology.com/hyperpigmentation/
https://amvital.com/blogs/blog/hormonal-acne-dark-spots-what-actually-works
https://slmdskincare.com/blogs/learn/the-5-kinds-of-acne-scars-how-to-treat-each-type
https://consciouschemist.com/blogs/good-skin-blog/how-to-treat-acne-without-dark-marks-or-scars
https://rejuvadermatology.com/conditions/acne-scars-in-venice-fl/
