Stubborn Discoloration: How to Combat Scarring
If you’ve noticed a sudden uptick in breakouts while in isolation, you’ll need to prepare yourself for the marks they often leave behind.
That’s the cruelest part about acne. Even when you finally manage to get rid of it, it won’t let you forget about it anytime soon.
Acne scarring is an inevitable part of breakout flareups. But luckily with time, dedication, and the right skincare products, you can help fade them away.
An important element of treating acne scars is understanding what they are. So basically, acne scars are small indentations in the skin caused by moderate to severe acne.
“Acne breakouts, depending on the severity, can affect not only the top layer of the skin but also the deeper levels as well,” says New York City dermatologist Shereene Idriss. “As the inflammation subsides and the skin tries to heal, scar tissue can ensue. Severely inflammatory acne, external factors such as picking, and delayed onset of treatment can all lead to scarring.”
If you’re dealing with stubborn scarring, let us show you how to treat it so that you can enjoy smooth, scar-less skin.
ACNE SCAR-FADING TIPS AND TRICKS
- Try Topical Treatments
When treating acne scars, it’s a good idea to address the discoloration within the scars before doing anything else. By evening out the color of the scar, you’ll notice a huge difference in the appearance of your blemish. Even if textural changes are still present, the scar will look a lot less visible.
It’s also worth taking your skin tone into account as acne has different effects on different tones.
According to dermatologist Naissan O. Wesley, “Lighter-color skin tones or skin that sunburns more easily will often produce red marks after acne, whereas darker-color skin tones or skin that tans more easily will often produce brown marks after acne.”
To fade discoloration in acne scars, try a topical treatment that contains vitamin C. Vitamin C is loaded with antioxidants that effectively address scarring and it also offers brightening effects to lighten discolored areas. What’s more, vitamin C fights free radicals caused by sun exposure, keeping your skin protected all-day long.
Retinol is another awesome scar-fading ingredient that, when slowly incorporated into your skincare routine, can significantly lessen your scars visibility.
And finally, let’s not forget about glycolic acid, a natural exfoliator that can slough away dead skin cells to reveal smoother, even-toned skin.
Try Truly’s Anti-Blemish Kit, which comes complete with retinol, glycolic acid and vitamin C-formulated face and body formulas to target acne and scarring.
- Wear Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen might not directly fade acne scars, but it is a preventative product that’ll stop them from appearing.
You probably already know it, but we’ll tell you again: wearing sunscreen daily is very important.
Besides keeping your complexion line-free and preventing skin damage, dermatologist Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa says, “Daily SPF is imperative in preventing hyperpigmentation.”
Meanwhile, dermatologist Dr. Ted Lain claims, “Sun exposure of any type can make scarring worse.” He elaborates, “A lot of women in particular rely on the sunscreen in their moisturizer or makeup rather than using a dedicated sunscreen on their face.”
Opt for an oil-free sunscreen formulated for blemish-prone skin to ensure it doesn’t cause new flareups.
- Maintain a Good Cleansing Routine
The quickest and easiest way to prevent acne scars? Don’t get acne.
“A proper twice-a-day cleansing routine is paramount in acne control,” says skincare expert Dr. Yannis Alexandrides. “The amount of product you use is key – you should use an amount equal to the size of a water bottle lid. Any less can result in breakouts as dirt and makeup debris may still be clogging pores.”
Ideally, if you’re acne-prone, you should be looking for products that contain zit-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid.
Order Truly’s Ultimate Skin Bundle to keep your skin clean, clear, and blemish-free.
- Bring in the Help of Hyaluronic Acid
It might not actively address scarring on the skin, but it will reduce its appearance. That’s because hyaluronic acid is a skin hydration powerhouse, helping to keep it smooth, healthy, and nourished. Aside from its moisturizing abilities, this ingredient can also shield your skin from outside threats like toxins and pollution.
When you’re dealing with skin scarring, maintaining high hydration levels is vital in making them look less visible.
To get your daily dose of hyaluronic acid, treat yourself to Truly’s Flawless Skincare Bundle which features three products loaded with this superstar ingredient.
- Try In-Office Treatments
If your acne is cleared but scarring is getting you down, book an appointment with your dermatologist for a professional treatment. There are many to choose from that work efficiently.
“The most effective way to rid the skin of acne scarring is through a treatment performed in clinic, such as microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing or a peel,” says Aesthetics Nurse Julie Morris.
Another great option is microneedling.
“Microneedling creates a bunch of small ‘injuries’ to the skin, which in turn can increase collagen and elastin production as they heal,” explains dermatologist David Lortscher. “This improves scars and fine wrinkles, and reduces hyperpigmentation.”
Bear in mind that scarred skin can be fragile, so be sure to speak to a skin specialist before booking an appointment.
Acne scarring can affect your self-esteem and confidence, but luckily there are ways to treat the issue and fade your scars.
Consistency is key. Make sure you’re following a solid daily skincare routine to cleanse, hydrate and protect your skin to prevent acne from occurring in the first place. Then keep up with topical or in-office treatments that gradually fade acne scars.
The process might be a long, draw-out one, but it’ll be worth it once you watch your pesky discoloration fading away.
And with such promising technology nowadays, you no longer need to suffer with the aftermath of acne.
“Acne scarring can be disfiguring, and I feel fortunate that we can do so much now to help patients treat acne scarring, hopefully making them look and feel just as beautiful on the outside as they are and feel inside,” says Dr. Wesley.
