Common after-effects of acne treatment are dryness and irritation. “For people with darker skin, if the skin gets too dry, the treated area can become either lighter or much darker than the rest of their skin,” explains Dr. Teng. This is not a permanent pigment change, Teng says, and if you start to use a moisturizer and cut back on how often you use any drying acne medication, you may be able to avoid the side effects. RELATED: Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin Patience and Persistence Pay Off Developing dark spots is the leading complaint of people with darker complexions struggling to get acne under control. And unwanted and unexpected side effects such as skin discoloration can undermine an acne treatment plan before it even gets started, says Teng A typical scenario is that patients, anxious about a new treatment for acne, use too much of it and then develop side effects. Because of this, they quit the treatment too soon — the most common reason for treatment failure, Teng says. It’s important to remember that with a topical treatment — one applied on the skin — it can take two to three months before any results are visible. RELATED: Best Makeup for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin Managing Side Effects of Treatment for Acne To help you stick with your acne treatment, try these techniques:
Moisturize. This option requires the least effort and expense. The right moisturizer will even out skin tone and cut down on the dryness and irritation you may be feeling. Choose an oil-free moisturizer to avoid adding more oil to your face and look for the word “non-comedogenic” on the label, so you know it won’t clog pores and worsen acne.Lighten up dark spots. People of color who develop dark patches (called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) after acne treatment may benefit from azelaic acid (Finacea), a prescription topical that you apply to trouble spots.Correct color variations with cosmetics. You may be able to conceal some discoloration with a foundation that offers extra coverage.Have a chemical peel. A light chemical peel is an option for people who want to speed through the acne treatment process and cut down on side effects. Teng recommends these peels every three or four weeks. “Sometimes we will see dramatic improvement after six weeks or so, which is very encouraging,” she says, adding that such improvement motivates patients to stick with their acne treatment plan.
Help for Acne Scarring “Acne scarring is a concern in all skin types,” says Teng. “In people with lighter skin, acne scars are usually a very dark purple color and can have a slightly thinner appearance as well — a little indented. In people with darker skin, scars are often much darker than the rest of their skin.” It’s extremely important to talk to your dermatologist about your options for minimizing scarring during treatment and for reducing scarring later on. Using a prescription treatment to quickly bring serious acne under control can mean less opportunity for scarring to develop. Whatever your skin tone, you do not have to live with acne or its side effects. Work with your dermatologist to find the best acne treatment approach for your skin. Learn more in the Everyday Health Acne Center.
