Acne is one of the worst skin conditions you can experience, not only because it can be painful and can pop up at the most inconvenient times, but also because it can also leave behind unattractive scars. Unfortunately, many of us will deal with acne at some point in our lives, and many still will be fighting acne well into their adult years. But once the acne itself subsides, whether it was caused by hormones, unhealthy eating habits, or simply genetics, treating the acne scars will still be a journey all on its own. Thankfully, there are many simple steps you can take in order to help fade the hyperpigmentation on your face. Here are ten tips for treating acne scars.
One critical tip to treating acne scars is preventing them before they occur. I know it’s very hard not to try to scratch off the blemishes with your nails, you just want to get it off your face. But trust me, if you can control yourself a little here, it will save you a lot more grief than you think.
No matter what the weather is, even if you’re only going outside for five minutes and staying indoors for the rest of the day, you must wear sunscreen! This is extremely important in helping to heal acne scars and preventing them from getting darker. Even on cold winter days, you are still exposed to some degree of the sun’s rays, which can be harmful to scars and cause signs of aging. For optimal protection, be sure to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 and reapply every few hours.
One of my personal favorite skin care products and something I can never be without is my vitamin C serum. Not only does it help lighten acne scars over time, but it also helps to brighten your overall complexion – and it is packed with antioxidants!
This tip may be the less glamorous one, but using snail mucin (mucus) has been said to have powerful healing properties and has become a staple in many people’s skincare routine. Snail mucin has been praised for preventing wrinkles, keeping skin moisturized and, you guessed it, helping to fade acne scars! If you are feeling daring, you may want to try out this amazing ingredient, just make sure to do a patch test to check if you are allergic.
Even if you have oily skin, making sure your skin is hydrated is key to keeping it youthful and plump. It’s especially important when you have dry skin or are suffering hyperpigmentation, as it helps to repair your protective barrier and helps to absorb other skin products and treatments. So make sure to pack on your hydrating moisturizer and serums!
Another great tip for helping to treat acne scars is by exfoliating regularly. I saw some great results after switching from a physical exfoliant (sugar scrubs) to a chemical one. The name may sound scary, but trust me, you will not burn off your face if you use it properly and read the instructions. My personal preference is using exfoliating pads just twice a week. It has helped tremendously with fading the scars and has improved my overall texture. Just make sure not to overdo it!
I made the mistake of using a mix of lemon juice and baking soda once. I gave myself one heck of a chemical burn and learned that natural remedies are not always best. I have also used “powerful” products that have left my skin feeling dry and stiff. When treating acne scars, you must remember to be gentle above all else. Scars are still wounds that need to heal. Seek out soothing ingredients like centella asiatica, aloe, and even squalane oil. They may not help your scars look better right away, but they will definitely feel better.
Another great ingredient to use while treating acne scars is turmeric. This spice is often used in cooking and has many benefits when applied to the skin. It’s anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory and helps bring almost instant relief to irritated areas. Make a mask using a pinch of turmeric, and a bit of yogurt and honey and you will see amazing results after a few weeks. Word of caution: turmeric tends to stain the skin (and clothes) temporarily so this method is probably best used at night before a shower.
If all else has not shown any results in improving your acne scars, it may be time to consult with a dermatologist and consider trying Retin-A. You can only get Retin-A prescribed, and it may have some harsh side effects at first like drying and peeling. It also takes several months to work but the wait can definitely be worth it. An added bonus is that it can help with wrinkles too!
Above all other tips, it’s important to remain patient on your journey to great skin. Your acne scars are not going to disappear overnight, but there is no reason to stop looking in the mirror. Smile at your reflection and remember to love yourself.
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