We all want beautiful, smooth skin. Sometimes imperfections get in the way of a perfect complexion. There are a number of common issues that can marr skin such as pimples, blackheads, flakiness, sagging, wrinkles, oiliness, dryness, large pores, acne marks, and more.
One of the biggest skin complaints is acne. Zits are continually a cause for embarrassment, causing many women to layer on makeup to hide bumps and inflammation. I’ve shared in previous blogs about how to prevent and clear up existing acne. But what about marks from previous breakouts? Even if you’re doing everything right in your current routine, it is possible to face a breakout or an acne mark that won’t go away quickly.
How To Get Rid Of Pesky Acne Marks
The Difference Between Acne Marks and Acne Scars
The first step is to determine what type of skin issue you’re facing. While commonly used interchangeably, acne marks and acne scars are not the same thing. They are separate skin ailments and need to be treated differently.
Examine your skin carefully. An acne mark will be a discolored spot on the skin, while a scar will change the skin’s texture. This is an important distinction to make, since scars can be permanent but acne marks are temporary.
If you see a darkened pink, red, or purple mark, it is not an acne scar. This hyperpigmented mark is inflammation from a previous pimple. The inflammation sparks pigment production, which can leave behind a stain as part of the skin’s natural healing process. After a deep pimple pops, you can be left with discoloration that lasts months.
While the skin is healing, which is a good thing, you probably don’t want to live with the dark spots that are left behind. While most acne marks will fade over the course of several months to a year, there are several things you can do to speed their healing.
How to Get Rid of Acne Marks
Wear Sunscreen
With summer and sunny weather coming, I have to say it. Wear sunscreen! This is the single thing you can do to protect your skin from future damage and to speed the healing process of current skin issues. It doesn’t matter if you think it looks cloudy or you don’t think you’ll spend that much time outside. Your skin gets sunlight when you drive in a car, sit by a window, walk outside on your lunch break, and any number of ways. Wear sunscreen daily to protect yourself ultraviolet rays.
We all know that sun exposure can lead to sunburns and melanoma. But did you know that exposing your skin to the sun can make acne marks worse? If you have a breakout or marks, sun exposure can make spots darker, prolong their appearance on your skin, and make it more difficult to get rid of them.
It’s crucial to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from long-lasting acne marks. If you’ve been avoiding sunscreen because you’re concerned that it will clog your pores and lead to acne, it’s time to explore new options.
HD Defend is a chemical-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic sunscreen. The formula was specially created for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. It’s even safe for patients that are pre- or post-laser and other cosmetic treatments. In addition to offer 30+ SPF, Defend reduces redness and calms skin. I recommend wearing it daily as a makeup primer or lightweight foundation.
Use a Spot Treatment
If you have a large pimple, it can be helpful to use a targeted acne product. Using a spot treatment with Salicylic Acid on the area can help prevent the breakout from worsening and hasten the healing process. The faster the pimple heals, the less likely you will be tempted to pick at it and cause deeper damage. A targeted spot treatment like HD Spark reduces redness and swelling of blemishes, while minimizing the risk of post-acne scarring. Be sure to use it directly on the affected area and discontinue if the inflammation gets worse.
Use a Vitamin C Serum
When you think of Vitamin C, you might think of eating oranges. While citrus is delicious, we also recommend using Vitamin C topically to brighten your complexion and even skin tone. Serums containing this powerhouse ingredient can brighten dark spots, calm redness, reduce inflammation, and minimize breakouts. That’s a hardworking antioxidant!
I recommend wearing a serum with Vitamin C daily, especially when trying to reduce darkened acne marks. You can find a powerful concentration in HD Revitalize 7 in 1 Rejuvinator. This product can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Use Retinoids
If you’ve looked into anti-aging skincare (and everyone should — it’s better to start early and prevent damage before it happens!) then you’ve probably heard of retinoids. Retinoids are popular to combat signs of aging because they encourage collagen production and cell turnover. When skin cells turn over, dry and dead skin can be exfoliated, leaving behind a fresh and hydrated complexion.
Retinoids are useful for fading acne marks for the same reason. Using a product like HD Vibrant Retinol Advanced + can help minimize hyperpigmentation left by acne and tackle signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin at the same time. That’s a hard working serum!
Use a Chemical Peel
A chemical peel sounds like a serious undertaking, but you can give yourself this treatment from the comfort of your own home! It involves applying a quality chemical peel product, allowing the treatment to settle into your pores, and rinsing off per the instructions.
For example, the HD Reappear Resurfacing Gel contains a pure medical-grade glycolic acid that penetrates pores deeply, clearing out build-up, and encourages cell turnover. This chemical peel promotes skin regeneration, evens skin tone, and fades dark marks.
Try Dermarolling
Have you heard of dermarolling? Also called microneedling, this process uses a dermaroller to puncture the skin with small, acupuncture-like needles. By causing tiny injuries, the dermaroller cna increase elastin and collagen production. New skin cell production and cell regeneration can improve fine lines and minimize hyperpigmentation.
This is an exciting new treatment that people can try at home with a dermaroller, but I want to encourage you to be cautious. While there can be positive effects, it’s easy to go too far and hurt yourself. If you have any questions regarding how to dermaroll or your particular skin, ask! I’m happy to set up an appointment for a virtual consultation.
Look at your face and determine if spots are acne marks or scars. If they are marks, there is a number of treatment options available to promote fading. You don’t have to live with dark spots! In fact, you can do all of these suggestions at home with products you can buy online. It’s never been easier to get rid of hyperpigmentation. Try these tips to get rid of the pesky marks.
