Acne has become a problematic skin condition for many people. A pimple that pops out of nowhere becomes very annoying and frustrating, but it gets worse when it leaves behind a dark spot or scar. The American Academy of Dermatology considers acne scars to be part of the healing process where the skin tries to repair what was damaged by the breakout. The process involves the production of collagen, which allows the skin to regenerate.
Acne has become a problematic skin condition for many people. A pimple that pops out of nowhere becomes very annoying and frustrating, but it gets worse when it leaves behind a dark spot or scar. The American Academy of Dermatology considers acne scars to be part of the healing process where the skin tries to repair what was damaged by the breakout. The process involves the production of collagen, which allows the skin to regenerate.
Some people are lucky enough to have breakouts that come and go without leaving a scar. But for most people, with these scars, Guest Posting becomes quite stubborn and leads to emotional, loss, and eventually becomes a reason for self-doubt and embarrassment.
Wondering how to get clear skin back and get rid of those scars? There is nothing to worry about as there are several ways to lighten them. You have to be consistent because all of these treatment options take time to work.
Let's walk through the process of lightening acne scars!
Sunscreen is a must
The very first rule is to get good sunscreen. Many dermatologists agree that visible light and UV rays from the sun further darken acne scars. Also, if you are on an acne treatment that usually includes ingredients like salicylic acid and retinoids, your skin becomes more susceptible and vulnerable to UV rays and sunburn. Therefore, it is very important to use sunscreen daily. However, the sunscreen you choose for your acne-prone skin should be non-greasy, light, oil-free, and non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores). A bad product can make the situation worse. Therefore, use sunscreen recommended by a dermatologist.
Ingredients that can help lighten acne scars
There are several active ingredients you can use that have been proven to lighten stubborn acne scars:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and reduces redness. Its healing properties accelerate the formation of collagen and increase cell turnover, thereby lightening scars.
Retinol
Topical retinol or retinoid is very helpful in lightening acne scars because it blocks inflammation, reduces acne lesions, and accelerates cell regeneration. The production of new cells fades acne marks and helps prevent hyperpigmentation.
Azelaic acid
It is a natural acid found in grains such as wheat and barley. It is very helpful in treating acne and its scars. It works by reducing inflammation, unclogging pores, and increasing cell turnover, so your skin is on the verge of rapid healing and reduces the signs of acne.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is another ingredient you can look to for fading acne scars. It treats post-acne hyperpigmentation by preventing the transfer of melanin to the surface of the skin. Unlike other products, it is very soothing and is not affected by light, oxidizing agents, or moisture.
PIH or PIE
The time it takes and the effectiveness of the product also depend on the type and nature of the scars. These can be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) causing brown or black patches usually in people with dark skin tones and post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) producing red patches in people with fair skin tones. It is very important to identify the correct scar and treat it accordingly. There is no shortcut to getting rid of acne scars, but a long process that depends on the effectiveness of the serum you apply, the current state of your acne, and your age. Overall, any good product takes at least 3 to 6 months to heal acne and fade scars. So take your time and be consistent!
Some people choose to treat their scars with a clinical process that includes lasers, chemical peels, fillers, micro-needling (collagen induction therapy), injections, surgery, etc. However, for many, this can become cost-prohibitive. A proper skincare routine, including sunscreen and a good product with the ingredients mentioned above, can do the same and deal with acne effectively and cheaply. It is worth noting here to avoid physical exfoliators rather than chemical exfoliators as mentioned above, as physical exfoliation can worsen the marks by even darkening them and can also be very harsh on the skin.
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