Q: I am an African-American woman with acne. Some of the products I've tried darken my skin. Are there special acne treatment guidelines for African-Americans?
A:
Benzoyl peroxide, an effective acne treatment found in many over-the-counter acne products, can sometimes darken African-American skin. Retin-A, a prescription-only acne treatment, can sometimes lighten skin. Acne scarring also causes changes in pigmentation, so be especially gentle in washing and caring for deeply pigmented acne-prone skin. Do not squeeze pimples! Squeezing can cause scarring. When using acne treatments, start slowly to test for sensitivity and irritation. If acne or discoloration is severe, consult a dermatologist.
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