How To Get Rid Of Acne Marks Part 2

Fading acne marks (whether they are red or dark/purple acne marks) is a fairly simple solution. The most difficult aspect about the whole process is dealing with time. It takes time to undo a hyperpigmented skin state, even if it is a result of simple irritation.

For me, the ultimate treatment is this:

- vitamin C (typically in the form of L-ascorbic acid). There is lots of research showing topical antioxidants like pure vitamin c can fade and completely lighten/even out acne marks incredibly well. Even better if coupled with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid (Skinceuticals C+E Ferulic). Unfortunatley not all skin types can tolerate vitamin E (acne prone specifically) but using a plain vitamin c serum is still very beneficial.

I find vitamin C is the ultimate in fading red acne marks (Vichy Bi White did a great job at this).

- Exfoliation. Typically chemical exfoliation like a peel or alpha hydroxy acid (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic and malic acid are all highly effective but I have preference for lactic acid in regards to pigmentation concerns since it has melanin inhibiting properties of its own and is more gentle). Used once or twice a week it can do wonders.

Retinoids also do a hell of a job in lightening up dark (brown or purple) acne marks because of the epidermal sloughing action.

- A good sunscreen worn daily. I mentioned in the original article that a lot of people forgo sunscreen when they get a breakout. That lack of sun protection can lead to an acne mark if you are exposed to the sun for a long period of time. Sunscreen is a great preventative and treatment (compliments vitamin c and exfoliation).

These are my 3 gold standards in treating/fading acne marks.

Generally plant based skin lighteners don't do much for acne marks. I read on many message boards where people complain skin lighteners like Makari lighten the overall complexion but don't do much for acne marks. That is because these botanical skin lightening ingredients rarely have the ability to penetrate to the level needed to correct the irregularity or reaction that caused the hyperpigmentated legion. The melanin production in a hyperpigmentated region is abnormal in comparison to skin that is surrounding it.

Some people see an uneven lightening (overall complexion lightening quickly while acne marks fade gradually). With vitamin c and exfoliation treatments, this is not the case. The lightening effect is gradual and generally pure vitamin c is in a small enough molecule to penetrate deep into the skin and correct the root issue. Vitamin C is also exfoliating on it's own so it is a 2-in-1 treatment.

Other Parts:
How To Get Rid Of Acne Marks Part 1