8 Options on How to Fade Acne Marks & Scars

We’ve all been there: a pesky pimple crops up (always at the least opportune time, of course). You do your best to treat it and are relieved when it finally goes away, only to then realize you’re now left with a mark where it used to be. What gives?

Acne and pimples can leave behind two different types of skin damage. First are acne marks. These spots, which tend to be either pinkish-red or brown, depending on your skin tone, are a result of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (or PIH as it’s sometimes called). These types of acne marks are simply discolored, and the skin won’t feel any different.

On the other end of the spectrum are true acne scars, defined by skin that’s either raised, depressed, or bumpy. A particularly aggressive blemish can lead to the actual destruction of skin tissue, just like a wound would. The good news is there are a number of ways on how to fade acne marks and scars without paying a visit to a dermatologist.

Below, the top acne scar treatments to try for clear skin again!

1. Zinc Sulfate & Vitamin C Ingredients

Zinc sulfate reduces inflammation, while vitamin C packs both antioxidant protection and delivers skin-brightening benefits to knock out those pesky dark marks. There’s no shortage of good-for-your-skin ingredients such as these, which helps treat not only acne and fade acne marks but also is great for healing everything from rosacea to bug bites.

2. Retinol Night Cream

Retinol remains one of the gold-standard skin care ingredients, thanks to its long list of tried-and-true benefits. When it comes to acne scarring specifically, it works in two ways. On the surface of the skin, it helps to boost skin cell turnover, improving texture and tone and fading spots. But it doesn’t stop there; it also works on the deeper layers, stimulating collagen production, helpful if your scars are deeper. Retinol is potent and can have some irritating side effects, especially if your skin is sensitive to begin with.

3. Prevent Pigmentation from Acne Scar Damage with Sunscreen

In the event you needed extra incentive to wear sunscreen daily, 365 days a year (though fingers crossed you already doing so), keep in mind that sun exposure is one of the biggest external factors that can exacerbate acne marks and scars. Not only do the sun’s rays trigger your skin to produce more pigment—making those post-pimple marks even darker—it also breaks down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping your skin strong and healthy. And less collagen can make actual acne scars (the ones that are raised or depressed) even worse and harder to treat.

The bottom line: Wearing sunscreen every day is the best way to prevent acne marks and scars. This option has both the requisite broad-spectrum SPF ​protection and an added antioxidant and DNA repair complex. Tip: Find a tinted sunscreen so if you do have a few existing dark marks, it can help create the appearance of more even skin while doing its protective duties.

4. Antioxidant Serums

Anyone and everyone can benefit from an antioxidant formula since the hefty dose offers essential protection from damaging free radicals caused by exposure to sun and pollution. It’s an especially good option if you’re trying to find out how to fade acne marks – if it also includes a high percentage of pure vitamin C to brighten your skin.

5. Back Acne Treatment

Backne happens to the best of us. (FYI, if you’re prone to breakouts on your face, you’re likely more prone to breakouts on your back, too.) Salicylic acid, which both fights existing breakouts and keeps new ones from forming while keeping dark marks at bay, is your best friend for treating back acne. Find something that is alcohol-free to avoid it drying or stripping your skin of natural oils.

6. Overnight Masks

Make the most of the overnight hours and how to fade acne marks while you snooze with a nocturnal treatment. A powerful dose of the brightening and collagen-boosting vitamin C can help to not only fade dark marks and keep new ones from forming, but also keep your skin smoother, firmer, and less wrinkled. Apply a thin layer across your entire face in lieu of your standard night cream two to three times per week.

7. Dark Spot Corrector

For dark spots, there are only a few ingredients that are powerful enough to make a mark (pun intended) on reducing them. Hydroquinone is a star ingredient, the most commonly prescribed skin-lightening ingredient by dermatologists. Counter the intense ingredient with soothing oils like sea buckthorn. Helpful tip: target the dark spots rather than your whole face!

8. Botanica Acne Facials

Now, home skin care is vital to your day to day routine. Even good genetics need a hand for keeping skin clear, youthful, and vibrant. So, while making sure to follow your skin care regimen morning and night, a monthly professional facial is also crucial, especially for troubled skin. At Botanica Day Spa, our acne facials are specifically created to treat, prevent, and heal the damage caused by those pesky (and sometimes painful) pimples.

Call us today to book your appointment at 727-441-1711 and be sure to discuss with one of our fabulous aestheticians about your concerns and hopes for your acne-prone skin during the initial consultation before the facial begins! Clear skin is possible with our Pevonia-brand products and expertise facialists!

Love,

Gen