Not Congested But Still Swelling? Explanation Of Acne Experts About The Emergence Of Black Flek

Illustration of acne painting (istockphoto)

JAKARTA - Acne that is pressed will usually cause black spots. However, acne that is not pressed can still cause black spots.

This condition turns out to be common and has a medical explanation called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

According to the professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania's Parelman School of Medicine, Dr. Susan C. Taylor, acne is a form of skin inflammation due to a buildup of dead oil and skin cells, and sometimes due to bacteria.

When acne cures, most inflammation will subside without leaving any scars. However, in deeper or longer cases of acne, the body will produce excessive melanin, and that's when black spots appear on the skin's surface.

"This reaction is actually a natural body defense mechanism, but the results often leave a brown or gray color on the skin," Taylor said.

However, not everyone is prone to black spots after acne. Taylor said that the owner of dark coolies tend to experience it more easily because they have more melanin numbers on the skin.

"People with darker skin have more melanin numbers from the start, so they are also more susceptible to producing excess melanin when the skin is inflamed," he said.

This condition makes a person bleeding from Asian, African, or Hispanic descent more often with black spots after acne, than those with bright skin.

In addition to genetic factors, exposure to sunlight can also exacerbate the appearance of black spots. When the skin is exposed to UV light, the body will produce more melanin to protect the skin from damage, so that black spots appear.

"Sunlight exposure not only deepens the color of the stains that already exist, but can also trigger the emergence of new hyperpigmentations," he added.

Therefore, the use of sunscreen must be done regularly. Not only that, even if acne is allowed to still leave black spots, it doesn't mean you can squeeze them because they can make things worse.

"Strengthening or squeezing acne can make inflammation worse and expand the hyperpigmentation area," he continued.

It is recommended to maintain cleanliness and use skin care products to treat acne and black spots. It is recommended to use skincare that contains natural lightening ingredients, such as vitamin C, licorice extract, and transexamic acid to help overcome black spots.

In addition to the active brightening material, the use of cold compresses on inflamed acne can also help reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of forming excess pigments, Taylor concluded.