Acne Scars Are A Nightmare!

Aug 19, 2016

Alycia K.

Good news, my acne is mostly cleared up! but now I'm left with terrible acne scars! there honestly so bad, even color correcting doesn't seem to work! does anyone have any methods of lightening acne scars? thank you!

Aug 19, 2016

Delara g.

Applying Greek yoghurt to my face really helped lighten up my acne blemishes and made my face glowy. I applied it all over my face for 20 mins twice a day

Aug 19, 2016

Leuca S.

If you're talking about the red marks, that's generally referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It's not technically scar tissue, which is a good thing, because if that was the case you'd need more than skincare to get rid of it.

Essentially it's the remnants of your skin turning red both on top and under the wound site of a former zit, but that redness doesn't immediately leave your skin, even well after the spot has "healed", for lack of a better term. You can think of it as your skin being stained pink/red.

The two best common things for this are exfoliation and sun protection. By exfoliation I mean chemical agents, usually glycolic and/or salicylic acid, which stimulate your skin's desquamation process, essentially telling it to shed old cells (the ones that are pink/red) and make new ones underneath that will eventually get to the surface and look much better. This is more efficient than simply buffing your face with a scrub/cloth, because this doesn't stimulate your skin in the same way a mild chemical reaction does. These acids also have the added benefit of improving your natural skin texture, and preventing future breakouts if you're using salicylic acid.

Sun protection is a must regardless of whether you are struggling with breakouts and the hyperpigmentation that results from them, but cumulative daily sun damage impedes your skin's ability to heal, in this case it's ability to get rid of those pink/red skin cells to make way for the ones that are your natural skin tone. Sun damage also increases your chance of the skin there deciding it wants to produce melanin on top of your redness, making the mark even darker than it should be.

My favorite chemical exfoliants are from Paula's Choice, as they have a range of textures and formulas to choose from. With sun protection, as long as you are getting broad spectrum protection and the formula doesn't contain irritating fragrance, alcohol, etc (all of which impede skin's ability to heal), you will see your red marks fade in time.

There isn't really a quick fix, but getting on a good skincare routine will ensure that not only do your current red marks fade well, but that you won't end up with new ones in the future!

Aug 19, 2016

Diana T.

I agree with paulas choice - I used their c15 vitamin c serum and their 2% BHA exfoliant and it really helped my acne scars - you can see the progress in the photos in my profile - they are barely noticeable now.

Aug 19, 2016

Breeze T.

I tried so many things... AHAs, BHAs, sunscreen obviously, vitamin C, and my scars were still visible. One day I got a steam facial at my esthetician to unclog my pores and I told her that I still had marks from before starting birth control... she told me that she also had the same issue and the best way in her book was a total stripdown; she stopped using exfoliating products and creams of different kinds and just stuck to moisturizing religiously.
Well, I'm not sure what did it, but maybe a combination of using exfoliants in the first period and then switching to simple Embryolisse every day later on, I have to say she was right. My acne marks are very faint and I don't even want to wear foundation anymore. Once it's not summer anymore, I'll do a bit more chemical exfoliation and I think I'll be all set by the new year :)

Aug 19, 2016

Roz X.

When you say 'scars' do you mean pitted skin in addition to discoloration or instead solely redness/discoloration..perhaps pink or brownish spots where acne was?

Are you currently on medication for acne?

Diana, you know I loved Paula's C15 and had used it for some time, but Timeless Skincare has a near dupe of her formula (with 5% more C and the fantastic addition of Ferulic Acid ). Best part is that it's only $25.

This is great for skin that wants to brighten, lighten discoloration from acne, assist in evening skin tone, etc.; it's stellar. I have sensitive skin/Psoriasis and this has not irritated my skin at all. It's quite rewarding in providing results.

Highly effective C serum that's applies like a dry oil and with the addition of vitamin e, helping keep it stable. It's in a UV bottle with a dropper to protect product integrity. I store mine in the fridge; they are made in small batches and there's many codes online to get $5 off. Bonus, that collagen gets stimulated. It uses my favorite form of C, Ascorbic Acid. (Some people have an Ascorbic C sensitivity and so I always recommend test patching.) E isn't always oily skin friendly, but for very dry to combination skin might enjoy this option.

http://www.timelessha.com/20-vitamin-c-e-ferulic-acid-serum-1-oz/

Licorice Root, C, Niacinamide these are all effective. If you're using Retin A or a product with Retinol, that will also help ...providing you are diligent in your use. Of course, Broad Spectrum protection will prevent darkening discoloration and is a must-use when on acne medication, including oral antibiotics. Not all sun protection is created equally, despite claims from companies. I am also a fan of chemical exfoliation. Alpha Skincare (formerly Alpha Hydrox) is a staple in my routine, as is Paula's BHA, which I reserve for a weekly treatment.

Cerave PM has a nice, hydrating (acne-friendly formula) with a dose of Niacinamide, but I also love Paula's Choice Booster. (This is fairly new and fabulousss..lol)

Aug 20, 2016

Alycia K.

Chemical exfoliation kinda scares me xD but I think ill look for e oil because I have dry skin. and thank you leuca for educating me! I didnt know there was a difference. thank you all!