Pigmentation spots due to acne, but not scarring. What to do to reduce them?

Question

I finished a 6 month treatment with accutane 80mg about 1 month ago. As for the pigmentation spots, is there anything to help reduce their appearance, or will time do the trick? My skin is doing well since the treatment. No new pimples since the third month of accutane. I use a cerave moisturizing or foaming cleanser and a cutibase moisturizer with ceramides.

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello Ma'am, First of all, I would like to point out the relevance of your question! Indeed, tretinoin creams and gels can be used to treat superficial scars and spots (not for deep or elevated scars), they do however require a prescription from a doctor. They help with collagen production, helping the skin build new, unscarred tissue. Some chemical or alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peels will sometimes help to reduce mild discoloration, blemishes and improve skin tone, however, you will need to talk to your dermatologist to suggest a product that is right for your skin! Other dermatological techniques such as microdermabrasion, hyaluronic acid injections, microneedling or laser skin resurfacing can also be used. To learn more, I refer you to the Canadian Dermatology Association and the Canadian Acne and Rosacea Society website: https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/acne/ https://www.acneaction.ca/fr/take-action/traitement-des-cicatrices-causees-par-lacne/ Finally, I suggest you discuss this with your dermatologist, he or she will be able to help you determine the most optimal option for your situation Feel free to contact me with any additional questions. Happy day, Kamilia Idir, Pharmacy Intern. Supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist.