What should you know about panoxyl for dark spots?

PanOxyl contains benzoyl peroxide, an acne treatment that can reduce bacteria and inflammation. A mark left after a spot is often post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; it is colour change after inflammation rather than an active pimple.

Dark spots can also reflect melasma, sun spots, or tinea versicolor. Their appearance, scale, location, and symptoms differ, so treating every mark as acne can delay the right care.

If you have active acne as well as marks, use PanOxyl only as directed and introduce it gradually on intact skin. Keep it away from the eyes, lips, broken skin, and sensitive folds. Moisturiser and daily sun protection can reduce dryness and help prevent new pigment from becoming more noticeable.

Do not scrub dark areas or layer several strong products without advice. If the main concern is pigment, a clinician may discuss Skin Brightening Treatment, Chemical Peel, or Picosecond Laser Treatment after identifying the cause.

Stop and seek advice for intense burning, swelling, blistering, hives, or a rash that persists. Arrange assessment when spots are changing, bleeding, scaly, widespread, or not behaving like acne, or when pigment keeps returning despite reducing irritation and light exposure.

Are these marks post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or another condition? Should I treat active acne first? Which pigment treatment is appropriate for my skin, and what should I avoid combining with benzoyl peroxide?