• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Water’s Edge Dermatology
The Vein Center Logo
  • Partner with Us
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Patient Portal
  • Medical Records Request
  • phone icon header
  • shopping cart icon header
  • Services
    • Medical
      Dermatology

      Overview

      Skin Growths

      Skin Rashes

      Skin Infections

      Dry Skin & Related Conditions

      Facial Skin Conditions

      Hair & Nail Disorders

      Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

    • Surgical
      Dermatology

      Overview

      Skin Growths

      Mohs Surgery

      Plastic Surgery

      Skin Conditions

      • Pediatric
        Dermatology

        Overview

        Acne

        Birthmarks

        Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

        Hemangiomas

        Molluscum Contagiosum

        Warts

    • Cosmetic
      Dermatology

      Overview

      MediSpa & Aesthetic Skin Care

      Wrinkle Reducers, Fillers, & Hydrating Injectable

      PRP Treatments

      Thread Lift

      Laser Treatments

      Body Contouring

      PRX Derm Perfexion

      Intimate Health & Wellness

      Special Offers

      Ask the Cosmetics Experts

    • Skin Cancer
      Treatment

      Overview

      Mohs Surgery

      Electron Beam Therapy (Radiation)

      Skin Cancer Prevention

    • Plastic
      Surgery

      Overview

      Facial Procedures

      Breast Procedures

      Body Procedures

      Reconstructive
      Surgery

    • AQUA Vein
      Center

      Overview

  • Locations
  • Our Providers
  • Resources
    • Patient Education

      Patient Library

      Wederm Videos

      Insurances Accepted

      Patient Information

      Patient Care Instructions

    • For Patients

      Patient Portal

      New Patients: Info & Forms

      Patient Rights & Responsibilities

      Prescription Refills

      Pay Your Bill

      Medical Records Request

    • Community

      Press Releases

      Blog

      Events

      Patient Stories & Reviews

    • Shop

      Special Offers

      Shop Skin Care Products

      Sign Up for Emails

  • Products
    • Wederm

      ZO Skin Health

      EltaMD

      SkinBetter Science

      DefenAge

      Silagen

      SkinCeuticals

      Dermaka

  • Join Us
    • Careers

      Partner with Us

      Provider Opportunities

  • About
    • Our Story

      Our History & Care Philosophy

      Our Leadership

      Patient Stories and Reviews

  • Blog
  • Bill Pay
  • Services
    • Medical Dermatology
      • Overview
      • Skin Growths
      • Skin Rashes
      • Skin Infections
      • Dry Skin & Related Conditions
      • Facial Skin Conditions
      • Hair & Nail Disorders
      • Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
    • Surgical Dermatology
      • Overview
      • Skin Growths
      • Mohs Micrographic Surgery
      • Plastic Surgery
      • Skin Conditions
    • Cosmetic Dermatology
      • Overview
      • MedSpa & Aesthetic Skin Care
      • Wrinkle Reducers, Fillers, & Hydrating Injectable
      • PRP Treatments
      • Thread Lift
      • Laser Treatments
      • Body Contouring
      • PRX Derm Perfexion
      • Intimate Health & Wellness
      • Special Offers
      • Ask the Cosmetics Experts
    • Skin Cancer Treatment
      • Overview
      • Mohs Micrographic Surgery
      • Electron Beam Therapy (Radiation)
      • Skin Cancer Prevention
    • Plastic Surgery
      • Overview
      • Facial Procedures
      • Breast Procedures
      • Body Procedures
      • Reconstructive Surgery
    • AQUA Vein Center
    • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Locations
  • Our Providers
  • Resources
    • Patient Education
      • Patient Library
      • WEderm Videos
      • Insurance Accepted
      • Patient Information
      • Patient Care Instructions
    • For Patients
      • Patient Portal
      • New Patients
      • Prescription Refills
      • Pay Your Bill
      • Medical Records Request
    • Community
      • Press Releases
      • Blog
      • Events
      • Patient Stories & Reviews
    • Shop
      • Special Offers
      • Shop Skin Care Products
      • Sign Up for Email
  • Products
    • WEderm
    • ZO Skin Health
    • EltaMD
    • SkinBetter Science
    • DefenAge
    • Silagen
    • SkinCeuticals
    • Dermaka
  • Join Us
    • Careers
    • Partner with Us
    • Provider Opportunities
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our History & Care Philosophy
    • Our Leadership
    • Patient Stories & Reviews
  • Blog
  • Bill Pay
  • Water’s Edge Dermatology
  • The Vein Center
  • phone icon Shopping Cart Icon Mobile



Call (877) 900-3223

  • Book an Appointment
  • Our Services
  • Find a Location
  • Meet Our Providers
  • Insurance Accepted

Treating Acne in Dark Skin

September 1, 2020

Acne is no fun for anyone, but acne in Black skin and other skin of color often poses a special challenge. Inflammation from inflammatory acne — or even some harsh products used to treat acne — can leave behind dark spots, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which often last longer than the acne itself.

“Sometimes the treatment can cause PIH if the wrong product is used or if the patient is being treated by someone who isn’t experienced in treating acne in skin of color,” said Kimberly Van Keuren, director of cosmetic services at Water’s Edge Dermatology.

Dark skin, seen in people of African, Asian, Hispanic, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Native American descent, contains more melanin, the natural pigment that gives skin its color. Inflammation can trigger the skin to produce additional melanin, potentially leading to dark spots.

The solution, said Van Keuren, is to treat the acne early, before it gets bad, and start with the gentlest of acne products, working in partnership with your skin-care provider to limit inflammation from both the acne and the acne treatment. Read on to discover more advice for treating acne in Black skin and other skin of color.

RELATED: How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Consult with a skin-care provider

“I like to think of the treatment of acne as a partnership between the provider and patient,” said Van Keuren. Because each person’s skin is unique, treating acne requires a customized plan, which may involve a combination of different products and other treatments — and some trial and error.

“What works for your sister or friend may be too harsh for you and cause further skin damage,” said Van Keuren.

During follow-up appointments, the provider can help you adjust your at-home regimen and may recommend an in-office treatment, such as enzyme or chemical exfoliation, to keep your skin looking its best.

“Chemical and enzyme peels help to even skin tone and smooth texture,” said Dr. Rachelle Lacey, a board-certified dermatologist at Water’s Edge Dermatology. “I find that superficial to medium-depth peels such glycolic acid peels can help fade the dark marks left behind by inflammatory acne.”

It is important to consult with a skin care provider who has significant experience treating skin of color before having a chemical peel, microdermabrasion or laser therapy because certain treatments can cause hyperpigmentation in darker skin.

Start with gentler products

Using a harsh acne product, such as one that contains a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide, can backfire.

“The treatment for acne may reverse or shorten breakouts, but on the other hand, it can dry out and irritate the skin. It’s a vicious cycle that can leave some people feeling defeated,” said Van Keuren.

Many experts advise treating mild acne with a low-dose retinoid to unclog pores, reduce inflammation and help prevent new breakouts (retinoids can also help fade dark spots), and benzoyl peroxide to get rid of the bacteria that cause acne.

“The staples in my regimen include a benzoyl peroxide product and a retinoid such as adapalene or tretinoin,” said Dr. Lacey. “Both of these medications target different problems in the acne pathway and work quite well together.”

Start with a 2.5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide. (Don’t worry, it may bleach clothing and towels but it won’t bleach your skin.) If that’s too strong, try using it every other day.

In addition to benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, Van Keuren likes toning pads containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid. These gentle acids help unclog pores and prevent new acne breakouts.

Also think gentle when it comes to choosing a cleanser, and don’t scrub. Apply it with your fingertips using a circular motion.

Protect yourself from the sun

“For some reason there is a myth that people of color can’t get sunburns or skin cancer,” said Van Keuren. But these aren’t the only risks of sun exposure. “The sun on active, inflamed acne creates new hyperpigmentation. It can also darken existing hyperpigmentation.”

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily can help fade dark spots left behind by acne while also protecting against future ones, according to Dr. Lacey. She recommends choosing a sunscreen carefully, as not all are friendly to acne-prone skin.

“When selecting an SPF, look for words such as ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘oil free,'” Dr. Lacey advised. “La Roche-Posay, Avene and CeraVe are great choices.”

Check your hair products and makeup

If your acne is limited to your upper forehead and/or temples, one of your hair products may be to blame. For example, oil- or cream-based hair serums and pomades are common culprits. Shampoos that contain sulfates may also trigger acne in some people. Try switching hair products and see if it helps.

If you use makeup to cover dark spots, your makeup could be making your acne worse. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests choosing mineral makeup or makeup labeled “non-comedogenic.”

“There are some great, natural-looking, non-comedogenic makeup products that work well,” said Van Keuren. “I’ve yet to find one that matches my skin tone, so I combine a couple of products to get the best color match.”

Resist the urge to pop pimples

As tempting as being your own Dr. Pimple Popper can be, resist the urge to pop pimples. Popping a pimple can push bacteria deeper into the skin and increase the risk for swelling, redness and scarring.

Treating dark spots

Skin lighteners can gradually fade dark spots and also brighten the skin. Ingredients to look for include hydroquinone, vitamin C and a retinoid such as retinol, tretinoin, adapalene or tazarotene.

“We seem to be re-discovering and combining different lightening agents all the time,” said Dr. Lacey. “My favorite lightening product at the moment is the SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, which contains 3% tranexamic acid, 1% kojic acid and 5% niacinamide. It is great for slowly fading discoloration left by acne.”

As with acne treatments, skin lighteners need time to work, so be patient. It could take months to being seeing results.

Acne and the dark spots that linger afterward aren’t insurmountable. With some diligence and the help of an experienced skin-care provider, you can achieve the clear, even-toned skin you long for.

 

Article Written By: Sheryl Kraft, a freelance journalist specializing in health and wellness. Sheryl’s work has appeared in CNBC, Parade Magazine, PBS Next Avenue, Everyday Health and Weight Watchers. She’s also written for Jenny Craig, Prevention and many others.
Medical Review By: Rachelle Lacey, MD

Footer

Schedule an Appointment:
(877) 900-3223

  • Water’s Edge Dermatology.
  • The Vein Center
    • Contact Us Call (877) 900-3223Call 561-489-6257
    • social icon
    • social icon
    • social icon
    • shopping cart icon footer

Sign Up For Special Offers

© 2025 Water's Edge Dermatology | All Rights Reserved | Notice of Privacy Practices | Website Privacy Policy | Website Accessibility
  • Special Offers
  • Patient Portal
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Services
  • Sitemap
  • The Vein Center Overview
  • Patient Resources
  • Blog
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Skin Care Products
  • Locations
  • Find a Vein Center
  • Our Vein Providers
  • Our Providers
  • Insurance Accepted
  • Join Us
© 2025 Water's Edge Dermatology | All Rights Reserved | Notice of Privacy Practices | Website Privacy Policy | Website Accessibility

Water’s Edge Dermatology is a leading full service dermatology practice providing medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and plastic surgery, and Vein Centers. Water’s Edge Dermatology has 37 office locations throughout Florida.

Water's Edge Dermatology is a proud member of the AQUA family of practices.
Aqua Dermatology Footer Logo
Scroll to top