Acne breakouts happen out of nowhere. It is one problem to deal with acne breakout but the post breakouts become more difficult to deal with. Post acne clearance there are some marks that last longer than actual acne.
Post breakout occurs in the form of dark spots and uneven rough textured pits on the skin. They can even last longer than actual acne. It becomes frustrating and difficult to deal with post acne symptoms.
Acne marks and acne scars are two different problems that require proper post breakout care. You might need a well formulated skincare product that actively deals with your post acne breakout. An acne scar removal cream could be used for removing those rough and uneven scars from the face.
A cream to remove pimple marks if used in a right manner can be useful for reducing post breakout symptoms. You just have to select the best and safest option for your skin type that gives you results.
Understanding post-breakout marks and scars
Acne marks and scars can occur due to inflammation or wear and tear of acne. This happens generally when we pop or burst our pimples. It can also happen due to other environmental factors. There are several types of acne scars and marks and each category has different cause and care.
- Atrophic scars: They occur due to cutaneous inflammation and decreased levels of collagen in the skin.
a) Ice pick scars: They are extended deep into the skin and appear as v shaped scars that have sharp edges.
b) Rolling scars: They appear due to abnormal subcutaneous and cutaneous attachments and appear wavy and widened scars. They are not so deep and appear as orange-peel textured skin.
c) Boxcar scars: They are u-shaped scars that are round to oval in shape with vertical edges and are wider than ice pick scars at the surface.
- Keloid and hypertrophic scars: These scars arise due to excess collagen production that makes the skin raise and make it firm. They have a tendency to reoccur.
a) Keloid scars: These scars extend their original boundaries and appear as purple-reddish colored scars.
b) Hypertrophic scars: These are pink or skin colored acne scars that remain on the original acne spot and they are firm in texture.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: These are not true scars. These marks are pale and flat brown spots that occur due to excess melanin production which is triggered by skin irritation and inflammation and sends signals to melanocytes to produce melanin in higher amounts. It occurs generally in medium and dark skin types.
- Post-inflammatory erythema: These marks are pink, red or purple coloured spots that occur due to stretched and damaged capillaries which happen due to skin irritation and swelling. These are most common in fair skin types.
Ingredients that can be incorporated into an acne scar removal cream
- Niacinamide: It works by blocking melanin transfer pathway which prevents melanin from reaching the skin surface rather than directly inhibiting its secretion and prevents darkening of acne marks. Niacinamide has been beneficial for skin barrier repair.
- Liposomal tranexamic acid: It is a liposomal microsphere that delivers the acid gradually for a long time and it can penetrate deep into the skin. It is known for reducing acne marks and scars by blocking the chemical signals that are responsible for melanin secretion. It also gives results by blocking plasmin secretion, an enzyme which is responsible for post breakout inflammation and redness and brings capillaries back to their normal size.
- Alpha arbutin: It is a plant derived alternative for hydroquinone which makes it a safe and biodegradable alternative. It works by inhibiting the functioning of the tyrosinase enzyme which is accountable for melanin secretion. Thus it is helpful in reducing melanin levels and helps in fading of pimple spots.
- D-panthenol: It is a very beneficial ingredient for skin barrier repair. It helps in reducing skin irritation and supports skin healing.
- Azelaic acid: It helps in clearing out the congestion from the pores and also reduces the severeness of skin redness and irritation. It helps in calming down the inflamed skin and reduces acne scarring.
Skin routine for acne marks clearance
Step I: Cleanse – Start your skin routine by using a gentle exfoliating face cleanser. Wash your face with water and then cleanser. After that, dry your face.
Step II: Toner – Use an alcohol free toner to maintain the natural skin pH after using a cleanser.
Step III: Acne marks removal cream – Now this is the most important step. Don’t just rub it on your whole face, be smart and apply cream to remove pimple marks on the targeted areas only. Do not rub it, just dab it softly into the skin.
Step IV: Sunscreen: It is the most crucial step and cannot be missed. While moving out do not skip sunscreen.
Final thoughts
Removing pimple marks and scars takes time, it is no miracle that would happen overnight. Do not start using products soon after acne clearance let the skin heal otherwise the potent actives can sometimes even trigger the skin irritation and cause more acne. While using a cream to remove pimple marks you need to be consistent and stick to the same routine for at least 2-3 months to achieve results.