Acne scars are embarrassing to have at any point in your life. But your skincare routine can help. Here’s what you need to know to get rid of acne scars.
Cindy Crawford’s mole or Lucy Liu’s freckles are considered beautiful. That’s why they’re called beauty marks.
Acne marks and scars, on the other hand, are not something you brag about. That’s why those who have them either hide them under layers of makeup or try various products to get rid of them.
The good news is, if you’re struggling to get rid of acne scars, there is a way to deal with them just by tweaking your skin care routine.
First Things First
No remedy can make acne scars disappear overnight so you have to manage your expectations. There are also acne scars that cannot be treated with topical agents. You’ll need a dermatologist’s help if you have ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, and keloid scars.
Now, for blemishes that appear red or brown (aka hyperpigmentation), these usually go away on their own in three to six months. Of course, no one wants to wait that long. Which is why there are several remedies available to get rid of hyperpigmented spots.
Ingredients That Help Get Rid of Acne Scars
1. Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 or niacinamide is an antioxidant that has been proven to increase elasticity, even skin tone, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Unlike other topicals, niacinamide is very well tolerated by all skin types. That means it doesn’t make the skin more sensitive or prone to dryness, redness or irritation.
A study looking at the effect of niacinamide when it comes to reducing pigmentation showed that it was able to significantly decrease hyperpigmentation after 4 weeks of use.
This means with consistent usage, you can expect to see your post-acne marks lighten in as fast as a month.
2. Glycolic acid
The great thing about glycolic acid is you can use it to get rid of acne scars and improve your complexion at the same time. It mainly works by exfoliating dead skin cells but it’s also a great zit-buster as it has oil- and sebum-dissolving properties.
Of course, since it is an acid, you should know that using higher concentrations (30% and above) comes with risks. The best way to avoid complications is to have a professional perform the treatment if you’re considering a peel or to choose a natural product that’s guaranteed safe to use.
3. Vitamin C serum
You probably know that people who lack vitamin C could develop scurvy, which is characterized by poor wound healing.
When taken orally, vitamin C can increase the production of collagen and decrease inflammation at the site of the wound. This is why vitamin C is a common ingredient in oral therapies for bed sores and burns.
Vitamin C can also be applied to the skin. But only serums are effective at maintaining the stability of vitamin C. In creams and patches, vitamin C is unstable and easily oxidizes.
If you want to get rid of acne scars using vitamin C, make sure you opt for a serum that isn’t runny and absorbs quickly.
4. Retinol
Discovered 81 years ago by Swiss chemist Paul Karrer, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. In the 1960s, retinol was metabolized into a more stable form known as retinoic acid.
In terms of reducing hyperpigmentation and fine lines, retinoic acid works great. However, there were some side effects such as irritation and overly dry skin.
To combat these effects, researchers began looking for ways to make retinol more stable. Retinol is milder than retinoic acid but is very photosensitive, meaning it can easily be deactivated by light.
Today, retinol is widely used not only to treat acne but also to slow down signs of aging. It’s also wonderful for fading dark spots from sun exposure and/or acne.
5. Salicylic acid
You may know salicylic acid as a common ingredient in topical acne products. But did you know that it can also be used for the treatment of acne scars?
Like glycolic acid, salicylic acid is a peeling agent. Specifically, it is a beta hydroxyl acid (BHA) agent.
If you want to go for a salicylic acid peel, it’s best to have a professional do it for you. You can also use products containing salicylic acid but you have to make sure the concentration is safe to use for at-home peeling.
Additional Tips to Get Rid of Acne Scars
Aside from using products that contain ingredients for fading blemishes, you should also consider the following tips:
- Prevention is better than cure: If you have active pimples, don’t pick or pop them. You’ll just be making the resulting scars worse.
- Use sunscreen: This is non-negotiable. Without adequate sun protection, your acne scars will darken and be harder to manage.
- Try acne patches if you cannot stop yourself from picking at your pimples.
- Use a repairing mask: You’ll want something that’s packed with all-natural ingredients to help minimize pores, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production.
- Exfoliate but use cleansers that are mild on the skin: You don’t want to scrub your face too hard with abrasive cleansers. Stick to gentle products that can buff away old skin and encourage new cell growth.
Conclusion
Having breakouts at any age is hard. Dealing with post-acne scarring doesn’t have to be as difficult.
If your problem is hyperpigmentation, there are ingredients that can help fade blemishes such as niacinamide, glycolic acid, vitamin C, retinol and salicylic acid. Just remember that it’s better to try one product at a time than trying several altogether. This is to avoid interactions that may exacerbate side effects.
Aside from adding products to your skincare routine, consider the age-old saying: prevention is better than cure. Even if you don’t use products, acne marks will go away on their own. But if you traumatize your skin by picking or popping your pimples, you could end up with scars that have to be treated by dermatologists.
Products for getting rid of acne scars range from budget to high-end. But if you want premium ingredients without the premium prices, you should go for Eva Naturals.
We don’t just promise naturally healthy, younger looking skin, we will refund your money if you’re not 100% satisfied with our products.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our products. Our beauty experts are ready to help you achieve a flawless skin.