Wow, I think I have them, are they just red/purple marks on your face which resemble acne but when you touch it your face is smooth?

PIH usually resolves itself in time even if you do nothing... but I know from personal experience that it can take years. This is normal and the fairer the skin the longer it takes for the marks to fade. I have a burn mark on my arm that is now approaching one year old and it is still red but eventually I know it will fade.

To speed the process up you need to get your skin to start turning over more quickly. Retinols are your friend here. They penetrate to the deeper layers of your skin and promote faster skin turnover and regeneration. Add to this a good sunscreen every day and a good moisuriser at night and you've got an effective treatment plan. This is not going to happen overnight but you could see some awesome results in 6 months. These things take time and it's important to be patient. It's inhumanely annoying having to wait but if you stick it out then your hard work will pay off. Speaking from experience here!

Avoid microdermabrasions! Clinics/salons often market this treatment as being effective in treating PIH but this is not the case, trust me on this. Microdermabrasion does not get to the deeper layers of the skin where the problem is, instead you will end up making the redness look a little worse as you're taking the top layer of skin off, thus exposing the redness more (this is temporary of course but still you don't want to waste your money on these treatments).

I've had mine for over a year now.I tried Differin,AHA,BHA and chiemical peels.

nothing beside a burn from the peels (:

IPL or PDL laser can speed things up, but you need a few treatments

it stinks, but it's better than a dark SCAR, a mark will fade, scar tissue really stinks

Hey Junior Member, and yes! The marks are where spots have previously been, but my skin is baby smooth. When I put pressure on the marks such as pressing down with my finger, the mark turns white then will go back to its usually colour.

Quirky Fox I tried Retin-A, really did not do anything apart from dry my skin into oblivion, I do not think it agreed with me, maybe I was too liberal with it like everything else (OCD unfortunately does that for me). I have not been putting anything on and the marks are getting better but my god they are SO annoying! Never had a Microderm nor do I intend to, think as you say, would be the worst thing to do! You seem to use a lot of products, do they make any difference to your marks?

Andrewbleah - Did you get any worthy results from any of those things?

And MrsRobinson, I have had several IPL laser sessions done, last year the five I had done worked great, but then I got a massive Cystic Acne breakout in January this year, had some more done at home, and my skin just did not respond to it! Infuriating I have spent so much money

Time does seem to be the best thing at the minute, I haven't really touched it and as I said it does look better. I was ill informed of what scars as I had and as a result wasted money and made my marks worse. I would strongly advise all others to thoroughly research before you invest in a "treatment".

Lemon Juice and all that crap doesn't work, ice does a little, temporarily, but then you have to be careful not to burn your skin...

I am determined for these marks to be gone by January!!!!

I can't tell if I've got hyperpigmentation or erythema. My marks are pink/red so that makes me think it is erythema. However, they don't do that fade when I push on them thing, so I just don't know. Right now I'm treating them as pigmentation and using AHA+ on them at night. They seem to have faded in the past month but they're still really noticeable. It seems like it would be easier if they were just pigmentation because there are so many at-home treatments to try for it.

Some users here have had red marks that faded and they think it is from application of an AHA, but now I'm wondering if it is more time than the acid that fades them.

I'm going for faded by January too!

I also think it is Erythema, from what I have seen, pigmentation is dark brown spots, Erythema is pink, red or purple spots. When I say spots, I mean a mark that looks like a spot, a mark which has formed as the result of damage to a spot. Erythema occurs from trauma to the skin again from what I have seen, the Capillaries are dilated as a result of trauma to the skin as this is it's way of responding to self-treatment.

I just pushed down on my marks, the vast majority do turn white, however there are two which don't. But I definitely agree with you there is so much more for Pigmentation than there is Erythema, I really don't think it is that known of, most people (Including myself) think they are scars when they in fact aren't (Kind of a relief I guess..)

What is AHA+ ? I have seen a little online but I don't know enough to comment on it. But if what I have read everywhere is correct, then I just think from know on I am going to leave my skin alone and not apply any abrasive products which I used to in bulk. If it is true that the capillaries underneath the skin are dilated because of trauma and are trying to heal, what would be the point in putting strong chemicals and products on your face which will cause the skin to act further because something is acting on it? I am just trying to let it sort itself out, and so far, it is working better than any product has.

Also I don't know if any of you struggle with Blackheads but I have loads on my nose, no where else (Weird) and have found that L'Oreal Men Expert - New Hydra Energetic Daily purifying wash "Magnetic" Effect has helped with them so much! And it hasn't even been a week

I also think it is Erythema, from what I have seen, pigmentation is dark brown spots, Erythema is pink, red or purple spots. When I say spots, I mean a mark that looks like a spot, a mark which has formed as the result of damage to a spot. Erythema occurs from trauma to the skin again from what I have seen, the Capillaries are dilated as a result of trauma to the skin as this is it's way of responding to self-treatment.

I just pushed down on my marks, the vast majority do turn white, however there are two which don't. But I definitely agree with you there is so much more for Pigmentation than there is Erythema, I really don't think it is that known of, most people (Including myself) think they are scars when they in fact aren't (Kind of a relief I guess..)

What is AHA+ ? I have seen a little online but I don't know enough to comment on it. But if what I have read everywhere is correct, then I just think from know on I am going to leave my skin alone and not apply any abrasive products which I used to in bulk. If it is true that the capillaries underneath the skin are dilated because of trauma and are trying to heal, what would be the point in putting strong chemicals and products on your face which will cause the skin to act further because something is acting on it? I am just trying to let it sort itself out, and so far, it is working better than any product has.

Also I don't know if any of you struggle with Blackheads but I have loads on my nose, no where else (Weird) and have found that L'Oreal Men Expert - New Hydra Energetic Daily purifying wash "Magnetic" Effect has helped with them so much! And it hasn't even been a week

In the past I've had small whiteheads that left small brownish-pink spots that faded. The red marks on my face now are from deep down acne that puts constant pressure on my face, so I'm quite positive it is erythema.

AHA+ is a product by Acne.org. It's a face lotion that has glycolic acid in it to exfoliate and fade marks. I figured I'd give it a shot since others seemed to have success with it and red marks and it is rather inexpensive compared to similar treatments. I think I have noticed a subtle fading since I started using it a couple of weeks ago. Not dramatic though, and now I am worried that I may be actually slowing the healing.. then again, it is rather gentle and I'm not using any microdermabrasion type treatments, so maybe it isn't setting back progress.

I'm trying to wean myself off of using BP. I never used it all over my face, but I do think that the spots I treat with it seem to leave a much darker, brighter red mark behind.

Sorry I wouldn't want to scare anyone, besides, everyone responds differently to different things. And same, the red and pink marks are from deep cystic acne spots I had, man they are the WORST, I hope I never get those things again - Does anyone even know how to get rid of them? The only thing I found to work was some cream beginning with Q in a purple and white tube which can be bought over the counter (Useful I know to not remember the name).

I have also seen similar quotes from yourself as regards to BP cream and making marks darker than they originally were, I would personally stay well clear after the reviews I have seen on the cream, but again everything works differently.

Sorry I wouldn't want to scare anyone, besides, everyone responds differently to different things. And same, the red and pink marks are from deep cystic acne spots I had, man they are the WORST, I hope I never get those things again - Does anyone even know how to get rid of them? The only thing I found to work was some cream beginning with Q in a purple and white tube which can be bought over the counter (Useful I know to not remember the name).

I have also seen similar quotes from yourself as regards to BP cream and making marks darker than they originally were, I would personally stay well clear after the reviews I have seen on the cream, but again everything works differently.

One thing I've recently realised may be helping with my erythema is witch hazel. I am using the thyme tincture recipe from a thread on this site as an alternative to BP. I noticed since starting using it that my marks seem lighter. Witch hazel is used topically for burns and to soothe the sin, so I wonder if it actually is helping the redness and it's not just my eyes tricking me. Anyway, if you want to try it out, it is cheap and won't be too harsh on your skin as an AHA preparation would be.

Yeah sounds good I may give it a try. I also use Lifeplan Aloe Vera Gel in the morning in combination with an SPF, makes such a good base for makeup, the skin looks smoother and softer and tightens a little. I also use it at night too, just by itself to keep my skin soft. Aloe Vera is also meant to be really good for burnt or irritated skin and is all natural.

Hi HCT,

I have this too, and mine are subsiding considerably. Beta glucan is very helpful. See Garden of Wisdom. I myself use New Directions Beta Glucan Liqiuid . However, it has additives I'm not thrilled about. So, I might use the Garden of Wisdom product instead once my bottle runs out. (At the moment, I have stopped skin rolling and stopped using retin a in the last 3 months as my skin needed a break to regenerate & strengthen naturally. To date, my skin is very much healed (especially from the 2nd degree peel burns I received in April this year - thanks to beta glucan and time). My problems are superficial now (i.e. just need to even out skin tone/ texture, buff away superficial lines, heal redness 100%, strengthen burnt skin, improve skin hydration/ overall clarity etc). I think using 100% lemon juice as an exfoliator and vitamin c infusion along with skin rolling really helped heal my acne scars & boost collagen. So too did the retin a. The beta glucan also really healed my skin and made it healthier.

I am now just using the Mild Cleanser from New Directions (i.e. I use is about twice per week) and the Sukin foaming cleanser once a fortnight (i.e. I don't wash my skin everyday). Daily/ over washing is really bad for red skin. You need to stay away from tap water too as much as possible. Clean sea water is great for red skin!

Basically, in the last three months, I use the beta glucan liquid about 3 x per week after washing. I also have introduced the Night Replenishing Cream by Sukin as well the Sukin facial mist to my regime. This really helps the skin rehydrate & look supple (less irritated/ red). You should see their products - it's inexpensive & effective. You could also try products for red skin from Pure Skin Junkie or Body Deli (although I haven't tried their products yet). Jess organics looks good too.

For special occasions, I wear Rimmel London "Match Perfection" cream gel foundation if I want to cover the redness etc. It really helps to cover any imperfections. However, there might be better, less toxic coverages, but this is the only one I've found so far which gives me great coverage and does not make me break out or look too made-up. Shiseido also have a green correction stick you can apply under the coverage if you need extra help. I used to wear it but don't need it anymore. (However, there are probably better coverage brands that don't use toxic ingredients, but you'll need to research).

Lastly, ensure you lightly exercise, eat very healthy organic raw wholefoods (avoid GMO/ fake foods/ junk/ takeaway/ dairy/ coffee/ tea/ artificial food & drink) and drink fresh super juices daily or as much as possible (see Synergy's Supergreen powders with Chlorella, Spirulina, Wheat Grass, Barley Grass). Avoid tap water (drink spring water) & fluoride toothpaste (see Grants herbal/ mineral toothpaste instead & use a non-toxic mouthwash like wild organic oregano oil with spring water) and avoid refined sugar/ gluten. Vitamin D from sunlight is also vital for healthy skin. I know some here advocate sunscreen but I have read they are extremely toxic & carcinogenic. You need sunlight for healthy skin, body & mind. It also prevents cancer and other illnesses (as long as you don't burn). You just need to go slightly pink i.e. get 10 - 30 minutes of direct sunlight on skin daily, even an hour if you have darker skin. You could also take a vitamin D supplement, but sunlight is best. Personally, I take a daily vitamin from Deva Nutrition and a Calcium/ Vitamin D supplement by Ostelin. I also take DHA/ EPA drops by Deva Nutrition along with chia seeds (in my gluten free muesli) for omega 3. My skin is healing very well due to this regime.

Cheers,

AS

PS I have read from others that light therapy is beneficial but I've not tried it. Argan oil is supposedly very good too, but I haven't tried this alone, only in products such as the Night Replenishing Cream by Sukin. However, by far, the most effective remedy for red skin is giving your skin ample healing time (6 months to 2 years) & living a very healthy life.

PPS I've read that using grapeseed oil in place of olive oil is good for acne prone skin. Virgin cold pressed organic coconut oil is also superior to most oils and if take taken daily (i.e 1 -3 tablespoon in a hot beverage), helps to keep your body healthy and pathogen free.

PPPS I found eating lots of green leafy vegetables (i.e. raw kale, cos lettuce, mixed green leafs, salad spinach leaves), avocado, cucumber, tomato, carrots and fresh herbs (mint, continental parsley, basil etc) in salads daily with lemon juice and grapeseed oil really helped my skin look better. You can add mixed nuts, quinoa, lentils, gherkin, semi-sundried tomato, mushroom, asparagus, vegan veggie patty or vegan veggie sausage, olives, dolmades, brown rice, flat bread, chickpeas, tempeh, peas, mixed beans, hummus, baked pumpkin or sweet potato, red onion, shallots, grated garlic, unhulled tahini, baked potato with the skin, cayenne pepper, red cabbage, red peppers/ green peppers to the salad to help increase the taste/ nutritional content. Fresh fruit is also vital like oranges (unless you are allergic to them), apples, strawberries, kiwi fruit, melons, berries etc.

PPPPS Supernatural silver could also be helpful. Haven't tried it, but colloidal silver and copper are said to be very effective on eliminating pathogens. You can use them topically. See naturalnews.com for articles.

I've had this problem since 10th grade. I went to a BUNCH of dermatologists who always said something different(you shouldnt eat spicy,oily, or sweets), tried all different kinds of topical medication and antibiotics. Healthy diet, lots of water, i'm ocd when it comes to hygiene,i use gentle skin products,and so on. Its my first year in college so its been almost 4 years. They fade sometimes and then they show up again. This is how mine looks and it sucks i'm just scared that theyre going to be little holes in my face. The best product for mine right now is la roche posays effaclar cleanser and the acne spot treatment effaclar duo. But that doesn't help always. By looking at pictures of post inflamatory erythema i find it closest to mine what do you guys think?