Pimples are hard enough to deal with but what about the scars that are most likely left behind? You can cover them up with makeup or try one of the many over the counter scar treatments, but your best bet is to fade the scar naturally. Provenskincare.com has an awesome article on how to heal acne scars naturally and they’ve allowed me to share it with my readers.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Before we try to heal acne scars we have to understand what causes them. Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation ( PIH ) is the technical term for that dark mark left behind after the pimple heals. It starts out as a reddish color but then turns purple or dark brown over time.
Acne scars are most common in darker skin complexions and can last 5 years or more if not treated correctly We’ve all heard the warning, do not pick or pop that pimple and for good reason, a scar is most likely to be left behind if you’ve messed with the pimple due to the fact that it may trigger an inflammatory response causing more melanin to rise to the surface of your skin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for dark marks.
Types Of Acne Scars
Not all acne scars are the same. Most are dark with a flat surface and others can cause a pitted appearance which creates and uneven surface. When the surface is uneven it can be difficult to cover the scar with regular makeup.
This is why its super important to prevent acne before it starts and to heal the scars early on before the acne starts to vanish. Hypertrohpic scars which are raised and more noticeable can also form. Scarring can cause discoloration and will affect skin tone as well as skin health. Though many may turn to home remedies this is not a recommended course of action.
Best Treatment For Acne Scars
Its very important to act quickly during the healing period when the pimple is starting to flatten and heal. The key is to reduce inflammation. Hydrocortisone or other anti inflammatories can speed up the healing process by reducing inflammation. Hydrocortisone or other treatment options like Vitamin E can help prevent acne scars from forming early on in the healing process.
Avoid using AHAs or BHAs like glycolic acid or salicylic acid when the pimple is healing. This will only damage the skin more and increase inflammation, leading to darker pigment formation.
After Care For Acne Scars
After the acne scar is healed its important to continue taking proper care of the skin. After the redness is gone its best to use Vitamin C due to its strong antioxidant effect which also blocks melanogenesis ( skin darkening ) reducing the scars appearance. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen which is exactly what’s needed to even out the look of pitted scars.
For faster results, pair it with Mandelic Acid! Using Mandelic Acid for pitted scars will hasten the renewal process and help to bring fresh, radiant cells to the surface of your skin.
The Best Ingredients For Acne Scars
Another great treatment for acne scars is Azelaic Acid, which is such a gentle yet effective exfoliator that it’s even recommended for Rosacea. For severe acne scars that form keloids (raised scarring), which is more common in dark skin types, the best treatment is a combination of Retinoids and Hydroquinone.
Keeping Skin Acne Free
The most important way to take care of acne scars is to wear a sunscreen every day, all year round. An SPF of at least 90 is recommended and often reapply throughout the day. Acne scars are especially sensitive to sunlight and UV exposure will make them appear darker. After spending a great deal of time to heal your acne scars, the most important step is keeping your skin protected using sunscreen.
Begin A Consistent Skin Care Routine
As with many things being consistent is key. A daily skin care routine, morning and evening is key to keeping pimples and acne scars at bay and will keep pimples and blemishes from reappearing. Find a skin care routine best suited to your skin type and start each morning and evening with a gentle skin cleanser excess oil and dirt on the skin can cause breakouts. Cleansing is the most important first step.
Follow with an SPF-based moisturizing lotion for daytime use and a richer moisturizer for night use, as skin does replenish itself while you sleep. Exfoliating with a gentle exfoliator (no scrubbing micro beads) can be used once a week to remove dead skin cells which can leave skin looking dull. Cleansing and exfoliation will help deliver a brightening effect on skin.
See A Dermatologist Yearly
Acne scars can linger so seeing a dermatologist yearly is highly recommended keeping your skin healthy and looking great. Dermatologists can help with wound healing and can suggest treatments for acne scarring such as laser treatments or chemical peels to help the healing process. Your doctor can also recommend courses of treatment if your acne, acne scarring and even the resulting scar tissue is more severe.
We’ve always been told to never pop or pick at your skin. Don’t rest your face in your hands and keep your phone clean so it doesn’t spread germs to your face. ( use earbuds. ) Prevention is the best line of defense and will keep scarring from forming. Thank you to Provenskincare.com for letting me share these awesome tips with my readers! Check out their site linked here for everything you need to know about skin care and anti aging!
