How To Get Rid Of Acne Marks

One of the most common pigmentation issues is acne marks. There are 2 different kinds of acne marks: red marks, and dark (hyperpigmentation) marks. Generally, people of color are prone to getting pigmented acne marks, as opposed to red marks, however both can still be present in all skin tones.

Acne marks are a result of either irritation, inflammation, free radical damage or a combination of both. All three pretaining to the aftermath of acne (pimple, whitehead, cysts etc.). Left untreated or uncared for, acne marks can seriously and negatively alter someone's physical self-esteem and make the overall complexion seem blotchy.

Red acne marks are almost always caused by irritation left behind from a pimple, or a harsh product like a scrub. They are not caused by the trigger of increased melanin, but of superficial irritation. Red acne marks are much easier to treat and fade in comparison to hyperpigmentation marks (dark marks). Usually daily sunscreen use and retinoids, or AHAs of some kind can completley fade those in a matter of 3-5 weeks.

Dark acne marks (hyperpigmentation) are a result of inflammation that has occured that has prompted an increase in melanin production. Usually exposure to UVA/UVB rays darkens the mark, as well as using pro-oxidant products like Benzoyl Peroxide.

Benzoyl Peroxide should never be used on the skin. I do not recommend it at all. Products like Pro Activ and many others that promise to clear skin, may help with acne to some degree but actually contribute to acne marks and darker acne marks. Benzoyl Peroxide is the opposite of an anti-oxidant (Vitamin C). It attracts free radicals which damage and mutate skin cells and cause increased melanin resulting in deeper, darker hyperpigmentation. Benzoyl Peroxide is a huge no-no when on a skin lightening regimen, or any regimen for that matter. There is nothing healthy about using a pro-oxidant on the skin.

The best way to combat dark acne marks (hyperpigmentation) is to be gentle but at the same time use effective, powerful products. First things first, you must wear sunscreen. Many people think that once they get acne marks, they won't put anything on their face in fear of getting a breakout. Well, my answer to that is try to find a sunscreen that doesn't break you out (there are tons out there: Olay Complete SPF 30, Banana Boat Dri-Block SPF 30, Hawaiian Tropics Oil-Free Faces, Sofina Perfect UV (personal favorite), Shiseido SPF 55, Vichy SPF 20 Fast Drying Fluid etc.) or avoid the sun altogether (which can be unrealistic).

Either way, sunscreen prevents further darkening and actually gives the skin the time and ability to heal itself and fade the acne mark.

Avoid using harsh scrubs, as these can trigger inflammation and irritation and I have mentioned many times, that does more harm than good. It will only further darken hyperpigmentation and further make red acne marks more red. If you like scrubs, use a gentle one with synthetic beads not abrasive nut shells (i.e. St. Ives Apircot Scrub is terrible!). Or use a gentle peel or exfoliating mask (something that has glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid etc). Believe it or not, regular masks like Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask do wonders on acne marks over time.

Retinoids are fantastic at fading acne marks. In fact ALL my acne marks are gone, completley because of retinoids (as well as using Vitamin C). Retinoids treat the skin from deep within the stratum correum, and correct irregular melanin production. The rapid sloughing off dead skin cells, and reversal of damaged DNA will produce fast results. I absolutley owe a lot of my fading of acne marks to using retinoids (and I'm not just referring to Retin-A or prescription ones, OTC retinoids like Avene Diacneal are awesome at fading scars/acne marks).

I should note, that just like with scrubs, be gentle and don't over use a retinoid on your acne marks. Just apply it normally (size of a pea or more) over your face, don't start applying spot treatments on your acne marks as that can cause irritation and will only darken/redden it and make it larger.

Forget relying on skin lighteners for lightening red or dark acne marks. Skin lighteners like Makari and Otentika lighten the overall skin, but do very little for post-inflammatory legions like acne marks. Instead, stick with daily sunscreen use, retinoids/or peels/AHA products and a Vitamin C serum like DHC Acerola line or Vichy Bi White (works amazingly on red and dark acne marks).

The key thing to remember is be patient. Acne marks (as frustrating as they are) take a bit of time, but if you are deligent and follow some of these tips I guarentee you will see a dramatic improvement in 4-6 weeks.

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