In addition to its immediate effects on the skin, acne can cause some long-term alterations which are unpleasant. One of the most common things we see at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands caused by acne is darkening in the skin—known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These acne dark spots are especially common in people with darker complexions. Though in most cases these darkened areas are not permanent, they can last for a very long time, mimicking scarring. The good news is there are dark spot correctors to help speed their clearance from the skin.