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Angela Palmer

SLU to Study Effects of New Acne Scar Treatment on those with Dark Complexions

By , About.com GuideJanuary 18, 2008

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Hyperpigmentation

St. Louis University School of Medicine is to research the effects of non-ablative lasers on acne scars, specifically in those with darker skin tones.

Treating acne scars in people with dark skin has always been a tricky situation. Certain scar treatments, such as dermabrasion and laser treatments, often leave an unwanted side effect: skin discoloration. While hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and hypopigmentation (loss of skin color) can occur in people of any skin tone, it is much more common in those with darker complexions, especially African-Americans and people of Hispanic descent.

The researchers at St. Louis University will study the effects of non-ablative lasers on acne scars in those with dark complexions. Non-ablative lasers work deeper in the skin's layers without causing damage to the epidermis, so there is less chance of developing pigmentation problems. The hope is that non-ablative lasers will smooth acne scars without causing unwanted changes in the skin's natural color.

The findings may someday help those with brown skin treat their acne scars more effectively.

Hyperpigmentation is a common side effect of many acne scar treatments. Photo © A.D.A.M.

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Comments
January 21, 2008 at 4:53 am
(1) robin says:

in my opinion using herbal medicine can be a good substitute as they are organic and don’t have any side effects, although they take time to work they are the better option.

March 2, 2008 at 6:37 am
(2) 10acne says:

Acne itself can be frustrating. And the scars that they leave behind only worsen one’s already-disheartened soul. But thanks to the advanced technology that we have nowadays, the ugly scars brought about by acne can now be treated. Read the full article on Ezinearticles: 5 Dermatologic Acne Scars Treatments

April 23, 2008 at 9:54 pm
(3) Acneway says:

I agree that using natural ways to fight acne the the best approach before turning to drugs which often cause too many harmful side effects.

June 14, 2008 at 6:16 pm
(4) cure-acne-online says:

The natural approach to treating acne is always worth doing first before looking for medications.

June 18, 2008 at 12:58 pm
(5) Acne Support says:

Acne scars are definitely a pain to treat and takes time and money. Good article.

October 14, 2008 at 2:18 pm
(6) Acne says:

I have found that using a hydroquinone cream significantly reduces the darkened skin areas left by acne scars.

October 17, 2008 at 8:24 pm
(7) Acne Scar Gal says:

The findings of acne scar treatment without causing changes in the skin’s natural color will surely helpful. Thanks for this good acne scar article! :-D

November 9, 2008 at 3:08 am
(8) Acne Treament Blogger says:

I have found that the best way to prevent and/or treat acne is by not limiting yourself to just one treatment modality (like topical treatments only, etc.) Diet and nutrition play a role, so food intake is one component. Proper skin care is another component (cleansing, hydration, etc.) And lastly, acne medication or surgery. All three should be used to make up a comprehensive acne treatment approach. Hope that helps.

December 29, 2008 at 10:13 am
(9) Skin Gal says:

Good informative post. Thanks for the information!

January 8, 2009 at 5:56 am
(10) James says:

I think nothing is best than the natural treatment to treat any skin care problems. A common example of this is skin condition Vitiligo, For which all the know treatment options has been applying. But herbal medicines have been proved better option for this skin problem.
I think it is because of the quality of natural medicines that it result no negative effects.

January 12, 2009 at 10:03 am
(11) colon says:

Thanks again!

January 26, 2009 at 11:23 am
(12) Acne says:

There have been significant improvements to the way lasers can help with acne scarring. However, these are pricey and one might be better served looking into holistic treatments.

January 26, 2009 at 11:24 am
(13) Sarah Acne says:

Good information dealing about the laser treatment!

July 12, 2009 at 2:45 pm
(14) GetRidofAcneForever says:

You know I grew up with acne on my face and back. I hated everyday I had to ensure it. I love the web because articles like this really point you in the right direction when it comes to fighting acne and understand that you have options. Thanks – Joe

October 22, 2009 at 9:27 pm
(15) robyn sears says:

I have had sever acne in the past and was left with unattractive scars on my face.

I purchased the Dr. Max Powers Scar Serum from their website online – it was medium expensive for a scar cream – because I needed a solution. The Max Powers Scar Cream does work well, but don’t expect to see results instantly. You need to apply it regularly and consistently for about a month in order to see results. It really does work though.

My scars are much more toned down and less visible.

September 22, 2010 at 11:22 pm
(16) businesscoachw says:

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March 29, 2011 at 11:44 pm
(17) SamanthaJ says:

Acne scaring is extremely prominent on African-American skin. Either I felt invisible in the world as people did their best to ignore me or I felt stigmatized when asked dumb questions like, “Did you just get over the Chicken Pox?” Or some other such non-sense. I had always thought I had a pretty face and knew that if the world could just see past my acne that they would see me too. Acne leaves teenagers and young adults–even adults in their 30s and 40s–with a terrible lack of confidence, leaving them feeling self-conscious and embarrassed almost all the time. I know that’s how I felt. I preferred social invisibility to rude, thoughtless remarks.

In May of last year (2010), a friend gave me a new bottle of the Dr. Max Powers Scar Serum. She got it from a friend, but my friend didn’t need it or want it and asked me if I wanted it. I read the packaging and gave it a try. Why not? I was at the point of trying anything to get rid of those old scars.

I noticed a remarkable improvement within two weeks. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I kept using it and staring in the mirror every chance I got. I couldn’t believe my eyes!!! By the time I finished the first bottle, I was grinning from ear-to-ear and exclaiming to my friend to look at the change in my skin tone. Even an ex-male friend–who hadn’t seen me some time–who had come to help me move asked me what had I done–indicating with a hand gesture, something about my face. Of course, I just smiled and ignored the comment.

April 14, 2011 at 1:37 am
(18) RemeVerypsype says:

Wow! Thank you! I continuously wanted to write on my site something like that. Can I implement a part of your post to my site?

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August 15, 2011 at 10:23 pm
(19) SonjaBee says:

Some of my skin discolorations from acne scars have lightened and my skin appears brighter and smooth. I use the Rosehip Hibiscus Serum from Made from Earth, which is great b/c I have oily, acne prone skin, so it doesn’t exacerbate this problem. I use it in the morning. The serum is thick, but absorbs quickly into the skin.

I use about two pumps for my entire face. Prior to buying this product, I tried Clarins Brightening Lotion SPF 20, which cost over $50 and was disappointed in the results. Compared to Clarins or the other department store brands, this product is alot better.

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