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Acne hyperpigmentation, if left untreated, becomes a “permanent scar”

Acne hyperpigmentation, if left untreated, becomes a “permanent scar.”

Hello, this is Dr. Bellevue. Many people struggle with the lingering red or dark marks left behind even after they have finally overcome acne, and they feel stressed every time they look in the mirror. This is due to a phenomenon called “acne hyperpigmentation.” Many people dismiss these marks as something that will fade with time, but if they are neglected, they can remain as permanent “scars.” Today, I’ll explain why acne hyperpigmentation should be treated early, before it turns into a scar, so you don’t miss the “golden time,” and I’ll also introduce procedures that can produce relatively quick results in such cases.

How acne marks become “scars”

As you know, when acne appears, an inflammatory reaction occurs in the skin. All skin trouble is inflammation. The more severe the inflammation, the more likely red or brown hyperpigmentation will appear. It is similar to ashes, building debris, and bodies left behind after a fierce battle. There are battles happening all over our bodies. Internal battles are invisible, but when a battle takes place in the skin layers, the traces remain visible. Just as war wounds take time to heal, most skin hyperpigmentation gradually fades over time. However, if inflammation damages the deeper dermal layers of the skin, the story changes.

Acne hyperpigmentation, if left untreated, becomes a “permanent scar”

Causes of acne hyperpigmentation and acne scars

When skin tissue is destroyed, the area cannot fully return to its original smooth state as it regenerates, and it changes into a depressed scar or a raised scar. Such permanent scars are very difficult to treat and usually require a great deal of time and cost.

Therefore, before hyperpigmentation worsens into a scar,

it is most important to treat it at an early stage.

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Acne hyperpigmentation, if left untreated, becomes a “permanent scar”

Effective procedures during the “golden time” for acne hyperpigmentation

When is the “golden time” for hyperpigmentation? It is the period when the marks are still red or brown and the skin surface is not yet indented. If the right procedure is performed during this stage, scars can be prevented and skin tone can recover quickly. Let’s take a look at which procedures may be helpful.

1. Laser toning & pico toning

The laser selectively destroys melanin pigment in the dermal layer of the skin, lightening hyperpigmentation. Because it removes pigment with almost no irritation to the skin, it is effective not only for acne marks but also for blemishes and melasma. In particular, pico toning delivers strong energy in a shorter amount of time, allowing for high effectiveness with fewer sessions.

2. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Using multiple wavelengths of light, it treats melanin pigment and the blood vessels that cause redness at the same time. Because it also improves the redness that often accompanies acne marks, it is very effective for evening out skin tone.

3. Peeling

By removing old dead skin cells on the skin surface, it promotes skin cell regeneration. Along with the dead skin cells, it also sheds pigment cells remaining on the surface, brightening the skin tone and improving the absorption of active ingredients in the next procedure. Depending on the skin condition, treatment can range from a mild BHA peel to a peel with stronger treatment effects.

PDT and exosomes are also very effective methods for treating acne hyperpigmentation. In addition to the laser procedures mentioned above, there are various other treatment options, and combining them can create even greater synergy. Let me tell you a bit more about the different treatment methods for acne hyperpigmentation and redness.

4. Inflammation treatment using light and medication: PDT (photodynamic therapy)

PDT is a method that improves the effectiveness of hyperpigmentation treatment by addressing the root cause of acne. After applying a special light-reactive drug (photosensitizer) to the skin, a laser of a specific wavelength is used to selectively destroy the sebaceous glands and acne-causing bacteria. It helps prevent the recurrence of inflammatory acne and reduces sebum production, preventing acne marks and redness from worsening. It also has excellent anti-inflammatory effects, making it effective for quickly soothing early red marks.

5. “Regenerative treatment” that helps the skin regenerate itself

Procedures that activate skin regeneration help relieve hyperpigmentation by repairing damaged skin tissue.

• Exosomes: A procedure in which exosomes, a key component of stem cells, are directly injected. It rapidly helps damaged cells recover and effectively reduces acne-related inflammation and redness through strong anti-inflammatory action.

• Rejuran (PN): PN extracted from salmon DNA is injected to enhance the skin’s self-regeneration ability and balance oil and moisture levels. Like exosomes, it is excellent for reducing inflammation and regenerating the skin, quickly calming red marks and sensitized skin.

3. Procedures that clean up the skin surface

By removing old dead skin cells accumulated on the skin, melanin pigment that causes hyperpigmentation is quickly shed.

• Scaling: Opens the pores of the skin to remove sebum and waste materials, and clears away old dead skin cells to enhance the effect of laser treatment.

• Aqua peel: Uses a special solution to remove sebum and blackheads inside the pores without irritation, and smooths the skin texture to create the optimal condition for the next procedure.

The most effective approach is “combination treatment”

The best method is not to insist on just one specific procedure, but to combine several procedures according to the skin condition. For example, the following combinations can create synergy.

Patient condition	Effective treatment combination
Inflammatory acne + red marks	Control acne and inflammation with PDT, then promote skin regeneration with Rejuran or exosomes to treat marks quickly.
Skin texture + hyperpigmentation	Clean the skin with Aqua Peel, destroy pigment with pico toning, and finish with exosomes to support skin regeneration.

Because the degree of acne hyperpigmentation and skin type differ from person to person, it is important to consult thoroughly with medical staff and find the most suitable combination treatment for you. In addition, consistent home care alongside these dermatology procedures can maximize the results. The most important thing in daily life is sun protection: when going outside, apply sunscreen carefully to prevent hyperpigmentation from becoming darker. Also, use whitening functional products regularly. It is good to consistently use whitening functional cosmetics containing ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and arbutin. But can cosmetics alone solve the problem? Not at all. As mentioned above, acne marks are not something that can be dismissed as a trace that will simply disappear on its own. It is better to manage them more actively at an early stage, before they settle in as unsightly scars and worsen. Even if it is inconvenient, please choose a procedure that suits your skin condition well and regain clean, healthy skin.

If you are wondering which procedure is more suitable for you, please visit Bellevue Clinic and receive a thorough consultation with our medical professionals. We will accurately diagnose your skin condition and suggest the most effective method. Thank you.

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The Mark-Vu skin diagnostic test can identify a variety of skin concerns that are difficult to see with the naked eye all at once, including skin texture, hyperpigmentation, pores, wrinkles, skin tone, dark circles, radiance, redness, melanin, sebum, and acne-causing bacteria.

At Bellevue, we scientifically analyze your skin based on this and provide a final diagnosis for the necessary procedures. Through detailed consultation, we will do our best to carry out the most effective procedure for the patient.

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