Every time a pimple appears on your face, we know what you’re thinking: This is war. But in reality, the battle really begins after you conquer the enemy (with your arsenal of skin care products). Clearing these short-lived blemishes often leaves behind long-lasting acne scars that can be the most disheartening part of clearing pimples. Read on to learn how you can get rid of the appearance of acne scars and reduce the appearance of blackheads from acne.
What are acne scars?
First of all, what exactly are acne scars and why do they scar the skin? Dermatologist Dr. Lily Talakub explains that acne scars occur when “the skin has an inflammatory response to previous acne (whiteheads, cysts, nodules, etc.) and physical interference, such as picking or popping.” Acne scars can come in many forms and it is not uncommon to suffer from multiple types of scars.
The most common types of acne scars
Acne scars usually fall into two main categories, with a third type—the raised keloid scar—occurring less frequently. The first category includes dark spots of acne, often left behind as pigmented reminders of previous breakouts. The second type includes depressed acne scars, which are indentations in the skin. These come in different shapes: scars with a wavy appearance, ice scars that are deep and narrow, and carriage scars with wider, sharper edges. Let’s unpack this further.
Black spots of acne
Acne dark spots, often called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), are flat patches of darker skin that remain after an acne lesion has healed. Dark spots of acne tend to form when the skin’s natural healing process triggers the production of excess melanin (the pigment that gives the skin its color) in response to inflammation. The discoloration it can range in color from pink to red, brown or black, depending on your skin tone and the depth of the discoloration. The length of time these spots remain visible can vary widely, from a few weeks to several months or longer. PIH can develop in all skin types, but it tends to be more severe and last longer for people with medium to dark skin, according to Very Good Health.
Acne depression scars such as rolling scars, ice pick scars and checkered scars
Scarring is caused when inflammation occurs skin tissue damaged by acne. A lack of collagen causes scar tissue to sink into the skin, resulting in textured scars. Ice scars are pointed in shape and box scars have a broad base. Rolling scars, on the other hand, are shallower and softer to the touch.
Fortunately, we have several products that help get rid of the appearance of acne scars. Advanced Acne Treatment System, Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System, and Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum are all skin care lifesavers that can help with different types of acne scars, including blackheads and depressed acne scars. Read on to learn how to use them.
How to improve the appearance of dark acne scars
After a pimple has healed, and a dark acne spot or “scar” is left behind, you can target these areas with specific treatments. Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergarshe tells us, “You want to look for ingredients that will brighten. This will go a long way in minimizing the appearance of darkness left behind by the acne condition itself.”
So, are acne scars disappearing? And how long will it take? Natalie says that depending on the level of discoloration, it can take anywhere from three to six months to see visible improvements. But using the right ingredients at the right time can make all the difference in speeding up this process. Ingredients to look for include: zinc hyaluronic, arbutin, licorice root, and antioxidants.
Here are some skin care products she recommends adding to your routine to minimize the appearance of discoloration. The advanced acne treatment system – especially the Acne Advanced Clarifying Hydrator – works powerfully to reduce the appearance of dark acne spots. Hyaluronic zinc is one of the key ingredients that reduces the appearance of irritation and scarring. Arbutin is the other powerful ingredient for targeting the appearance of blackheads associated with acne. Working together, these effective ingredients reduce the appearance of dark scars caused by problem skin.
In addition to the Advanced Acne Treatment System, the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System offers an additional way to reduce dark acne scars, using a blend of arctic berries, lingonberry seed oil, and hibiscus seed extract. The system’s powerful blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients reduces the appearance of these worrying signs and brightens the skin. Additionally, almond and citric acid ingredients gently exfoliate and minimize the appearance of darker areas.
Another skincare product, the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum, also helps balance and even out the appearance of skin tone. To reduce the appearance of dark spots, this powerful serum is formulated with vitamin C from lemons and grapefruit and vitamin E from avocado and kale.
Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum is another effective skin care product for reducing the appearance of dark spots. This powerful firming serum contains licorice and lactic acid to remove dead skin cells for a more refreshed appearance.
How to reduce the appearance of acne scars with ice
Depression acne scars are the most difficult type of acne scars to treat. For ice cream, trolley, and rolling acne scars, you need to add regular exfoliation to your routine. Natalie’s top pick is the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System. This three-step system deeply exfoliates to improve skin texture. Powerful ingredients like milled wild cherry bark and lactic acid remove dead skin cells and plump the skin’s surface, while hibiscus seed extract plumps and smoothes the skin’s appearance.
Use our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum along with the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System for extra intensity. Powered by vitamin C to improve elasticity, the serum also includes hydrolyzed botanical hyaluronic acid extracted from grass to deeply hydrate and keep skin plump for smoother skin.
Additional Tips for Preventing Acne Scars
In addition to these powerhouse products, here are more tips for preventing and improving the appearance of acne scars:
1. Visit a spa
If you struggle with acne, be sure to visit an authorized Eminence Organics Spa. A trained esthetician can assess your problematic skin and offer you professional treatments, extractions or peels, without the risk of scarring the skin.
2. No touching or picking
Since pimples can cause scarring, avoid picking or even touching your blemishes. Picking can tear the skin and force bacteria, oil and debris deeper, which can cause scarring. Even touching your face can spread bacteria, which can cause acne and lead to scarring.
3. Use SPF
Did you know that dark acne scars can worsen with sun exposure? Make sure you use SPF to protect against further darkening — explore our sun care options for more information on our SPF products.
4. Consult a Dermatologist
If you are prone to acne or scarring, consult a dermatologist who can provide personalized advice and treatment options.
What do you do to improve the appearance of acne scars? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa partner near you for a consultation.
