10 Tips for Clearing Acne in Darker Skin Tones

Acne is a persistent hormonal issue that plagues millions over the planet, but it can pose additional challenges for people with darker skin tones. Besides breakouts, acne can leave behind other persistent issues that can take years to resolve.

In this article, we explore the challenges faced by darker people that come with acne and how they can achieve clearer skin.

Additional concerns faced by people with skin of color

Acne causes pus-filled or otherwise pimples on your skin, which can appear red and angry due to bacterial infection and inflammation. The same acne triggers the release of melanin in the skin, which protects the skin from sun damage and inflammation.

• Hyperpigmentation - While all skin tones can develop discoloration, skin tones on the browner side are more susceptible due to the higher levels of melanin in their skin. As a result, dark spots, dark patches on the skin and even a lightening of skin color (hypo-pigmentation) can occur. A lot of topical products tend to worsen discoloration.

• Keloid scarring - Apart from hyperpigmentation, acne can result in keloid scarring, especially in people with darker skin tones. A keloid scar appears raised and thick and occurs when scar tissue generated is more in quantity than the original tissue. While any skin tone can get it, darker skin tones are more prone to them.

Tips for clearing acne in darker skin tones

The acne treatments available for darker skin tones are more or less the same as with lighter skin tones, with the only suggestion to be a little careful when choosing ingredients in their skincare.

• Follow a double cleansing routine - The best way to prevent acne is by controlling the oil production in your skin. Use the Carmesi Foaming Face Wash, which is a mild cleanser that effectively removes excess sebum without stripping the skin of its essential oils. Plus, if you apply makeup, use an oil-based makeup remover to clean the skin first before using a facial cleanser. This will remove all traces of makeup, oil and debris and provide a blank canvas for the rest of the products in your skincare routine.

• Try acids - A combination of benzoyl peroxide and retinoid work well for darker skin tones. While the retinoid unclogs the pores, the benzoyl peroxide kills the acne-causing bacteria. The retinoid also helps with reducing inflammation and preventing new breakouts. You can also use a combination of salicylic acid and retinol, which works better in mild acne.

• Use topical retinoids - Retinoids will remove dead skin from the surface and unclog your pores and hair follicles. It’s a safe ingredient choice for darker skin tones, and it also helps with hyperpigmentation in the process.

• Go for our hormonal acne range - Hormonal imbalances are the major cause of acne and you need effective ingredients like salicylic acid and Shatavari to cure it. Try our Hormonal Acne Range which is infused with powerful ingredients like green tea, salicylic acid, Shatavari, vitamin C and zemea, that effectively combat breakouts, scarring and discoloration.

• Opt for non-comedogenic products - Look for ingredients in your makeup and skincare that do not clog pores. If your pores get congested, you will risk breakouts further which can scar your skin.

• Take care of your hair - Dirty hair is often the cause of acne, especially if your breakouts happen more around your temple and scalp areas. Keep your hair clean and take care to shampoo on a daily basis if your hair gets dirty or oily very easily.

• Treat your dark spots with a spot corrector - The Carmesi Acne Spot Corrector is infused with effective elements like Niacinamide, vitamin C and zinc sebum, which fight against acne-causing bacteria while reducing stubborn, dark spots.

• Do not pick on your acne - The more you touch your face or pop your zits, the higher the chance of scarring and infection. Leave your acne alone and use topical products to heal them from within, instead of irritating them further.

• Don’t skip sunscreen - Having darker skin tones is never an excuse for skipping out on sunscreen. While brown skin is less prone to sun damage, it still occurs. Whenever you’re stepping out, always apply sunscreen and this will help with your acne and hyperpigmentation as well.

• See a dermatologist - If you’ve tried absolutely everything and your acne is still quite stubborn, you should visit a dermatologist to figure out the underlying cause. Persistent acne can also contribute to scarring and you should arrest it as soon as possible to reduce damage. Along with topical remedies, your dermatologist may also prescribe you oral medication to tackle your breakouts and hyperpigmentation, depending on your particular requirements.