Acne Hyperpigmentation or Acne Dark Spots Treatment in Kenya

Almasi Skincare specializes in acne dark spots treatment in Kenya (acne hyperpigmentation treatment) by using prescription medications, dermatology procedures, skincare products and lifestyle changes.

What is Acne Hyperpigmentation?

Acne hyperpigmentation are the black marks or dark patches that develop on the skin after acne heals.

Causes Of Post Acne Dark Spots

The dark spots of acne hyperpigmentation develop when the skin cells produce extra pigment when acne is healing (epidermal hypermelanosis).

Symptoms Of Acne Hyperpigmentation

Symptoms of acne hyperpigmentation include dark spots and black patches that remain on the skin after the acne pimples, cysts and nodules heal.

Acne Hyperpigmentation or Acne Dark Spots Treatment in Kenya

Acne hyperpigmentation or acne dark spots treatment in Kenya and the rest of the world depends on the patient’s age, the affected site and the severity of the condition. This treatment process usually takes several months and it includes the following:

1. Dermatology procedures

2. Prescription medications

3. Non-prescription skin care products

4. Lifestyle changes

Dermatology Procedures for Acne Dark Spots Treatment in Kenya

Dermatology procedures used to treat acne dark spots or post acne hyperpigmentation include:

Microdermabrasion for Acne Dark Spots Treatment

At Almasi Skincare we specialize in doing a special microdermabrasion procedure to reduce acne dark spots by 30-50% at each visit.

Microdermabrasion is a procedure in which a device with a diamond tip is used to remove the dead cells on the surface of the skin. This reduces the discolorations on the skin resulting in more even toned skin. Removing the dead skin cells also reveals the brighter skin below resulting in a more youthful appearance. The exfoliation of the dead skin cells also unclogs skin pores and helps them appear smaller. In addition, it also reduces breakouts in persons with acne prone skin. Removal of the dead layer of cells on the surface of the skin also enhances the absorption of skincare products by the skin. Microdermabrasion also reduces the appearance of acne scars and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin which helps the skin continue looking firmer. The gentle vacuuming pressure of microdermabrasion also boosts the circulation of blood in the skin and enhances the delivery of nutrients to the skin.

Our special microdermabrasion procedure is therefore the best treatment for the dark spots that develop after acne because in addition to working faster than all the other methods in reducing the dark spots on the skin, it also unclogs the skin pores thus preventing further breakouts and reduces the appearance of acne scars.

Chemical Peels for Acne Dark Spots Treatment

At Almasi Skincare we do excellent chemical peels to treat post acne dark spots.

Chemical peels are a procedure in which special solutions are applied to the skin to remove the top layer of dead cells by loosening the glue that holds the cells together. This helps unblock the pores and leaves the skin with a more youthful appearance. Chemical peels also stimulate collagen production and help the skin continue looking firmer. They also help other treatment and skin care products penetrate the skin better. Superficial or mild chemical peels are done with chemicals like salicylic acid which is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Medium-depth chemical peels are done with chemicals like glycolic acid which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Deep chemical peels are usually done with chemicals like trichloroacetic acid.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is used for the management of more severe post acne hyperpigmentation. This laser resurfacing or laser peels result in the skin growing back smoother and more even toned.

Prescription Medications for Post Acne Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Prescription medications are used for acne dark spots treatment in Kenya include:

Topical Retinoids

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A derivatives and they increase the rate of shedding of the skin cells. They also reduce the cohesiveness of the skin cells and this helps remove the dead cells on the surface of the cells and thus lighten the dark spots. Retinoids also prevent plugging of the skin pores by normalizing the shedding of dead skin cells. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, reduce sebum production and prevent the formation of comedones. Retinoids are best applied at night after cleansing the skin. Retinoids which are applied on the skin to treat post acne hyperpigmentation include tazarotene cream 0.1%, tretinoin 0.1% (Retin A, Renova) and adapalene (Proactie MD Adapalene Gel, Differin, Clear). Tretinoin can be used alone or combined with salicylic acid peels to treat hyperpigmentation. Tretinoin can also be used in a modified Kligman formula of hydroquinone 2%, tretinoin 0.05%, and hydrocortisone 1% to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Non-Prescription Skin Care Products for Post Acne Dark Spots Treatment

Non-prescription skin care products used to treat acne hyperpigmentation include soaps, face washes, moisturizers and gels with ingredients like vitamin C, azelaic acid, mandelic acid, kojic acid and retinols.

Adapalene 0.1% Differin Gel

Adapalene 0.1% Differin Gel is a retinoid that was previously only available by prescription for acne treatment but can now be purchased over-the-counter. It is effective for treating acne dark spots because it exfoliates the skin and increases the rate of fading of the dark patches. Differin Gel can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop.

Click here to read the Differin Gel Review

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Vitamin C Skincare Products

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid helps reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin cells from free radical damage. It also boosts collagen production. Products that you can use include the following:

Hyglow Cream

Hyglow Cream contains vitamin C, kojic acid, and glutathione. It is used to lighten dark spots from causes like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. It can be used on the face and other parts of the body. It is b est used with Hyglow Soap. Both products can be purchase from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Store.

The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid

The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid is one of the best creams for dark spots on the face in Kenya because it contains the combination of 8% ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and alpha arbutin 2%. Vitamin C lightens the dark spots and brightens the skin. Alpha arbutin reduces melanin production and helps the dark spots fade even more.

The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call/WhatsApp 0721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide.

Neutrogena Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

Neutrogena Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector is one of the best creams for dark spots on the face in Kenya because it contains the combination of retinol and vitamin C. Retinol treats hyperpigmentation and controls acne while Vitamin C clears skin discolorations and brightens the skin. Hyaluronic acid is another ingredient of this potent dark spot serum and it keeps the skin well moisturized. This advanced dark spot corrector has been specially formulated to deal with stubborn dark spots. It should be used on a daily basis and results will start being visible in 1 week. This retinol and vitamin C serum is mineral oil free and dye free.

Neutrogena Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector can be purchased from our Almasi Skincare Shop.

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum contains 7.5% ascorbic acid to lighten dark spots and brighten the skin. This formulation also contains hyaluronic acid to keep the skin moisturized. It should be applied on alternate nights after cleansing the skin and before applying a moisturizer.

TruSkin Natural Vitamin C serum contains 20% ascorbic acid and it can therefore be also used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in addition to lightening dark spots and brightening the skin. This formulation also contains hyaluronic acid to keep the skin moisturized as well as vitamin E which is another potent antioxidant that protects teh skin from free radical damage. TruSkin Vitamin C serum also contains aloe vera, jojoba and witch hazel. It can be used during the day and night before the moisturizer.

Azelaic Acid Skincare Products

Azelaic acid has been approved for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Since it is also reduces pigmentation, it is a great choice for treating post acne hyperpigmentation.

Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster contains 10% azelaic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties which help to soothe irritation and fades dark spots from acne breakouts. It also contains salicylic acid which is an acne treatment medication that also exfoliates the skin and upnlpugs the pores. Azelaic acid also improves the skin texture resulting in smooth skin. It is therefore good for persons with active acne and acne hyperpigmentation. This Paula’s Choice formulation can be used by itself or added to your moisturizer or serum. It should be used twice a day.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid contains 10% azelaic acid can be used eitehr in the morning alone or in the morning and evening to brighten the skin and improve its texture by making it smoother.

Mandelic Acid Skincare Products

Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) obtained from bitter almonds which exfoliates the skin by increasing cell turnover. It is therefore used to improve skin tone by reducing dark spots and improve skin texture by making it smoother. Mandelic acid is also used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as treat inflammatory acne. Mandelic acid is a good option for person with sensitive skin since its molecules are large than those of other AHAs and thus it penetrates the skin less deeply and causing less irritation. It is therefore less likely to cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in person with darker skin tones. It is therefore used to treat acne, skin discolorations and wrinkles in person of all skin tones.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid contains 10% mandelic acid to reduce dark spots and make the skin smoother. It also contains hyaluronic acid to keep it moisturized.

Vivant Mandeli Acid Serum contains 8% mandelic acid to reduce dark spots, reduce wrinkles and acne. It also contains lactic acid which is an AHA derived from milk that exfoliates dead skin cells, enhances cell renewal and acts as a moisture binder. Vivant Mandelic Acid Serum also contains urea which enhances skin rehydration. Sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) is another ingredient of this mandelic acid serum and it aids skin repair and repels pollutants like smoke and UV rays from the skin. This formulation is a therefore a good choice for persons with African skin and acne-prone skin and those with sensitive skin that is too sensitive to use benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid and hydroquinone.

Kojic Acid Skincare Products

Kojic acid is anatural skin brightening agent that is derived from fungus.

Evagloss Lightening Serum with Kojic Acid is used to lighten dark spots from multiple causes like melasma. It can be used on the face as well as other parts of the body that tend to dark like the knees, elbows, armpits, neck, inner thighs, nipples and other private body parts.

Hyglow Cream contains kojic acid, vitamin C and glutathione. It is used to lighten dark spots from causes like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. It can be used on the face and other parts of the body. It is b est used with Hyglow Soap. Both products can be purchase from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Store.

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Retinol Skincare Products

Retinols are obtained from vitamin A. Retinols are other non-prescription skincare products that are used to treat acne and post acne dark spots. These vitamin A derivatives are clinically proven to reduce pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. They also unclog pores to clear up acne and blackheads. In addition, they also stimulate collagen which helps fade acne scars. Over-the-counter retinols have low concentrations of 0.5% -2.5 which makes them less likely to cause adverse effects of redness, peeling and irritation.

Neutrogena Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector

Neutrogena Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector is one of the best creams for dark spots on the face in Kenya because it contains the combination of retinol and vitamin C. Retinol treats hyperpigmentation and controls acne while Vitamin C clears skin discolorations and brightens the skin. Hyaluronic acid is another ingredient of this potent dark spot serum and it keeps the skin well moisturized. This advanced dark spot corrector has been specially formulated to deal with stubborn dark spots. It should be used on a daily basis and results will start being visible in 1 week. This retinol and vitamin C serum is mineral oil free and dye free.

Neutrogena Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector can be purchased from our Almasi Skincare Shop.

Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains retinol to reduce the appearance of post acne marks. Retinol also exfoliates the skin which smoothens the skin’s texture and aids in pore refining. It also contains niacinamide which lightens th dark spots and calms the skin. It also contains licorice root which also deals with the sark spots. This retinol serum is non-comedogenic which makes it perfect for oily, acne-prone skin. It is also paraben free and fragrance free which makes it a good choice for sensitive skin. It is also suitable for dry skin. This lightweight serum should be applied at night.

Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum can be purchased from our Almasi Skincare Shop.

Amara Organics Retinol 2.5% Serum is another good retinol serum.

Lifestyle Changes for Acne Dark Spots Treatment in Kenya

Lifestyle changes that are used to manage acne hyperpigmentation include:

Use Sunscreen

Sunscreens protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ray. They are important in acne treatment since especially since some acne medications make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. They also prevent the dark marks from healed acne lesions from darkening further. When buying sunscreen, choose an oil free, noncomedogenic sunscreen which offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Aim for a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or above. We recommend:

La Roche Posay Invisible Fluid SPF 50 Sunscreen

La Roche Posay Invisible Fluid SPF 50 Sunscreen is a broad spectrum sunscreen which protects against UVA and UVB rays from the sun. It does not have a white cast. It is suitable for use by all skin types from sensitive skin to dry skin, normal skin and oily, acne-prone skin.

La Roche Posay Invisible Fluid SPF 50 Sunscreen can be purchased from our Almasi Skincare Shop.

Do Not Squeeze Pimples

Do not pick or scratch or rub or squeeze your pimples. Squeezing forces infected material deeper into the skin causing additional inflammation and infection which heals with acne scars and may leave more post acne hyperpigmentation.