Acne marks are spots or patches that usually appear due to inflammation and are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). They appear flat on the surface in shades of brown, red, or purple and are not permanent if taken care of. They often disappear after a while and, if not, can be treated with anti-pigmentation ingredients to lighten and eventually vanish the spots. On the other hand, scars are deep indentations in the skin which are formed when pimples are picked on. They take longer to heal in comparison to marks and may even be permanent sometimes. In order to completely reduce your scars, medical treatment may be required on certain occasions.
There are several ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of acne marks and scars. Some of these ingredients are:
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Vitamin C: It helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
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Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): They work on all kinds of acne scars to draw out impurities, toxins, and dead skin cells that can plug the pores and provide mild exfoliation to the outer layer to remove roughness, unevenness, and discoloration.
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Retinoids: They stimulate collagen production and help to reduce the appearance of scars.
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Salicylic Acid: It removes dead skin cells that clog your pores and helps remove excess oil (sebum) that may cause breakouts.
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Azelaic Acid: It helps to stop the population of discolored skin cells.
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Glycolic Acid: It has resurfacing properties and stimulates collagen production.
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Niacinamide: It helps to reduce inflammation and redness.
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Tranexamic Acid: It helps to reduce hyperpigmentation.
When choosing a product for acne marks and scars, it is important to consider the ingredients and their effectiveness. It is also important to note that some ingredients may irritate sensitive skin types, so it is best to do a patch test before using a product. Additionally, it is recommended to use sunscreen to protect the skin from further damage and to prevent the marks and scars from getting worse.
