What Makes Acne Marks Darker? Reasons and Treatments

It is a skin condition caused by clogged hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells, resulting in whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and potentially deeper cysts. It occurs due to hormonal change in teenage years mostly, but can also occur in other age groups. Acne leads to different types of breakout such as pimples, blackheads, painful bumps etc.


One of the main reasons for dark acne marks is sun exposure. When the skin is healing it produce melanin to heal itself but when we go out in sun, it triggers more melanin results in making dark spots more dark. The marks become more noticeable and slower to fade.

Picking, squeezing or scratching a pimple can create additional skin trauma. Inflammation increases because of this which signals skin to produce more pigment. Large dark marks and slower healing are effects of it.

Using harsh or irritating skincare products can also cause dark spots after acne as irritation can also arisen inflammation. Consequences are new dark spots and existing dark spots become more dark.

It is one of the main reasons for high production of melanin. During puberty, pregnancy or hormonal acne, PIH can appear darker than usual or form more easily than usual.



Applying sunscreen everyday is the most effective way to prevent marks from getting darker. The best sunscreens are tinted sunscreens for extra pigment protection, non- comedogenic formulas and mineral SPF.

Vitamin C is a brightening antioxidant that helps in removing dark spots by improving skin radiance, boosting collagen or by reducing melanin production.

Treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, laser treatment or prescribed creams by dermatologists can also help if the acne marks are stubborn.

A soothing and brightening ingredient which can help in healing by reducing inflammation, preventing pigmentation and also helps in strengthening skin barrier.

Acnes are challenging but one can definitely remove it completely by patiently applying the sunscreen or by using other things mentioned above to get a clear skin.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. What is the hardest acne scar to remove?Ice pick scars are the most difficult to treat because of their deep, narrow, and V-shaped structure that can penetrate far into the skin.
2. What are common skincare mistakes for acne scars?Some common skincare mistakes are sharing makeup or brushes with others,skipping SPF,overwashing or overexfoliating your face etc.
3. What are depressed acne scars?Sometimes the acne scars are depressed or sunken due to loss of tissues, these scars are depressed acne scars.
4. Is acne linked to mental health?Yes, for many people acne not only affects their appearance but also contributes in spoiling their mental health.