Acne can be incredibly persistent and frustrating, and it often leads to scarring or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation are the red and brown spots that remain after a pimple has died. Acne sufferers had to deal with the actual painful bumps but now they also have to look in the mirror and see the cruel reminders of their past acne. Fortunately, these dark spots are not true "scars" and will eventually fade in time. However, there are also methods and products which will speed up the fading of these discolorations. In this article I will go over the methods and products that I believe are the most effective at treating these unwanted mementos.

Retin-A (Tretinoin)

Retin-A is the cream form of Vitamin A and commonly used for treating acne. Not only can this help with active acne it also helps with fading acne discolorations by speeding skin cell turnover and encouraging healthy and even sloughing of dead skin cells. Retin-A also helps with decreasing fine wrinkles. Retin-A is available only through a doctor's prescription.

AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a class of chemical compounds known for its cosmetic benefits, which include the reduction of wrinkles and improvement of the overall look and feel of the skin. Like Retin-A, AHAs act as chemical skin peels to reduce the prevalence of skin discolorations. The most common AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and mandelic acid. AHAs do not require a doctor's prescription.

Refining Masks including Kaolin/Skin Whiteners

Refining Masks, especially those with Kaolin, are great for fading acne marks and improving general skin tone. Kaolin, also known as china clay, is a fine, usually white clay. It works by absorbing excess oil on the skin and soothing inflammation. In the process, it also has somewhat of a "bleaching" effect on the skin, whitening the skin tone and making acne marks less noticeable. A good refining mask with Kaolin that I recommend is the one made by Proactiv. Pure skin whiteners/bleachers are also very good and much more effective than a refining mask with kaolin. Skin whiteners/bleachers do just that: they whiten/bleach your skin so your dark acne spots became lighter and less noticeable and blends in better with the surrounding plane of your skin. The best skin whitener out there right now is probably Meladerm.

Avoidance of the Sun/Applying Sun Screen

When one is determined to speed up the fading of their acne marks, it is very important that they avoid direct rays of the sun, as this will make their marks darker and delay healing. To be that much safer and productive, one should also apply sun screen on their face regularly, everyday, 1 - 3 times a day, especially if constantly outside in direct sunlight.

Lasers

Lasers are usually a last resort to treating one's acne marks. This is because the process is quite complicated and painful, not to mention very expensive. However, of all the methods and products described, lasers are probably the most effective at fading one's acne marks the most.

Remember, don't despair over acne marks! Even if you don't try the above methods and products, time, in the end, will always fade the marks.