9 Proven Ways to Get Rid of Acne Scars for Good
Fix acne scars with these dermatologist-approved treatments.
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Roughly 50 million Americans suffer from acne every year, and anyone who does knows about nasty scars acne can leave. Often times, these marks last way longer than the actual blemish itself and can be harder to treat. "Scars can be divided into two [categories] – dark marks that are actually a result of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and the other type which involves a change in skin texture resulting in depressed or raised scars," explains Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist in New York City.
Dark mark scars crop up generally as superficial pink, red, or brown marks. Dr. Engelman suggests looking for salicylic acid or glycolic acid peels that will help promote cellular turnover to remove the top layers of the skin. This hyperpigmentation, can be faded with brightening ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, phytic acid, and l-asorbic acid," she says, or LED or photodynamic light therapy can also help fade the mark.
Texture scars, which are raised or sunken marks on the skin, can be treated with microneedling, dermaroller, fractionated Co2, and deep chemical peels, which actually slightly damage skin to help promote collagen production and fill scars from within, says Dr. Engelman.
"Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can persist for weeks to months and is often more problematic than the underlying acne itself," says Valerie Harvey, MD, a dermatologist in Virginia. "Treating the underlying acne early and effectively is important in the prevention of PIH, and options include topical lightening creams that include ingredients such as hydroquinone, tranezamic acid, niacinamide, and kojic acid, or chemical peels."
Here are some of the best treatments for acne scars packed with skin brighteners and healers to fill deep face scars, fade dark spots, and help heal acne scars for good:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Vitamin C blocks the enzyme responsible for melanin (or pigmentation) production, which means it brightens skin and prevents hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
"This product is the gold standard for brightening skin," says Dr. Engelman. "It will noticeably reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall skin appearance."
This acne-fighting cocktail contains lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and malic acid. "Each is a natural, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that provides mild exfoliation to help enhance skin texture and reveal healthy new cells," says Dr. Engelman. Apply this after cleansing the skin and before applying your favorite moisturizer.
Micro-needling is procedure that causes tiny, controlled injuries "deep within the skin to trigger the body’s natural collagen rebuilding process," says Dr. Enelman, which fills scars from within, creating a smoother skin surface. The service is offered in a dermatologist's office, but this at-home dermaroller can help you achieve the results yourself (in your pajamas!).
Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment
There's no need to go to the dermatologist's office for LED light therapy. For ten minutes per day, treat your skin to this blemish-fighting futuristic spot treatment that you place over pesky blemishes to zap them away.
The red light reduces acne inflammation, while the blue light targets acne-causing bacteria. Additionally, the light stimulates the dermal layers of the skin and produce additional collagen. In turn, acne scars fill out and the skin looks more even-toned.
Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
Treat discoloration with a spot treatment that helps fade dark spots with the help of hydroquinone, which Dr. Engelman says can brighten hyperpigmentation. Several reviewers claim that they saw an improvement in skin tone/texture in as little as a week!
Differin Gel
"Prescription retinoids are the gold standard increasing cell turnover," says Dr. Engelman. This gentle yet effective retinoid ramps up "cell turnover, builds collagen, improves discoloration, hydrates skin and reduces acne," explains Dr. Engelman. "Topical vitamin A derivatives like retinol and RX retinoids can help to tighten the appearance of the skin and make scars less apparent."
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield
Using a sunscreen is important 365 days a year, but especially if you're trying to prevent and fix any hyperpigmentation. "This 100% mineral sunscreen provides protection while still feeling lightweight," says Dr. Engelman. "It is also oil-free, yet calming with niacinamides."
SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum
For overall brightening, use this serum with phytic acid, a proven skin brightener according to Dr. Engelman. This ingredient provides a chemical exfoliation that restores the skin's radiance, and therefore helps enhance skin texture for a flawless complexion.
In-Office Treatment: Juvederm
Best For Deep Acne Scars
Prices vary.
Another in-office option for texture scars is by creating a subcision filled with hyaluronic acid filler (Dr. Engelman recommends Juvederm) to reduce the appearance of depressions and pock marks in the skin caused by acne. Depending on how fast your metabolism is, results can last anywhere from six months to two years.
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