Your pimple is likely black due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), where the skin produces excess melanin as it heals after inflammation.
Understanding Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
When a pimple forms, it causes inflammation in the skin. As the skin repairs itself, it can sometimes overproduce melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color. This excess melanin leads to a darkened area where the pimple was, creating a black or dark brown spot.
Factors Contributing to Darker Pimple Marks
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Severity of Inflammation: The more inflamed the pimple was, the more likely it is to leave a darker mark. More inflammation signals a higher need for repair, potentially leading to greater melanin production.
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Picking or Popping: Squeezing or picking at pimples significantly increases inflammation. This action damages the skin further and elevates the risk of developing PIH, and potentially worse hyperpigmentation.
Key Takeaway
The "black" appearance of a pimple is typically not the pimple itself, but rather a darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) that occurs after the pimple has begun to heal due to excess melanin production, often exacerbated by picking or severe inflammation.
