FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: All About Post- Acne Marks (Treatments and Tips)

What a warm yet happy Friday, isn't it? We've got one very cool topic today, and this post is something that would be of use to a lot of women--we're going to talk about (dundundundun) POST-ACNE MARKS! Thanks Dio for this lovely question!

Hi Martha! 

What's the best treatment for acne scars? 

Dio

Hey Dio!

To be honest, I have only tried two post- acne mark treatments in my entire life, but it's good to know that they delivered! Well, the effect actually depends on your skin's reaction, but there's no other way to know but to try, right? :)

Here are the treatments I'm talking about. By the way, these are for Brownish marks/scars. For Red Marks or in scientific terms, Post- Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, (PIH) the suggested treatments are more or less the same with the former.

KIEHL'S CLEARLY CORRECTIVE DARK SPOT SOLUTION

- The cheapest post- acne mark treatment there is. It gets the job done in 1-2 months, and it's the slowest treatment I have used. If you want something affordable, but don't mind the waiting time, this is perfect.

SHISEIDO WHITE LUCENT INTENSIVE SPOT- TARGETING SERUM+ AND POWER BRIGHTENING MASK

A little pricey, but hands down to its rapid lightening powers. The fastest treatment I have used, lightening scars significantly in as little as 7 days. In my opinion, it's best used with the mask as they compliment each other's ingredients very well. If you have to minimize the appearance of your marks pronto, get this.

ESTEE LAUDER CYBERWHITE HD ADVANCED SPOT- CORRECTING ESSENCE

Currently, I'm using Estee Lauder's CyberWhite HD Advanced Spot- Correcting Essence. I'm only on my first week of usage-no differences observed so far. Will get back to you guys with a detailed review.

CLINIQUE CLEARLY CORRECTIVE DARK SPOT CORRECTOR

I haven't tried this yet, but a lot of beauty blogs have positive reviews on this. This could be another option, and its price is in between Shiseido's and Kiehl's treatments.

To spice up this post for a little bit, I will just dish out some tips on how to deal with post- acne marks. Click READ MORE and see the rest of the post.

HOW TO DEAL WITH POST- ACNE MARKS

EXFOLIATE RELIGIOUSLY

I'm sure some of you know already that discoloration happens at the basal area of the skin, but surface dead skin cells can aggravate their look from the outside. Moreover, dead skin cells inhibit proper absorption of your topical treatments. Make sure you exfoliate at least twice a week to help your skin optimize the effects of your treatments.

DON'T SKIMP ON SUNBLOCK

UV rays stimulate melanin production, and it is definitely counterproductive for the lightening process of your scars so follow the sage, old advice: WEAR SUNBLOCK

OPT FOR SPECIALIZED SPOT TREATMENTS

On another level, you can help treat hyperpigmentation at its course. When a pimple develops, melanin production starts underneath and when the former is healed, you're left with an ugly battle scar. In my experience, Kiehl's Clearly Dermatologist Solutions Blemish Control Daily Skin- Clearing Treatment can totally prevent hyperpigmentation or lessen its appearance, at the very least, depending on the severity of the melanin concentration. I'm sure there are a lot of treatments that's the same as this, but so far, this is the only kind I know.

SAY NO TO BENZOYL PEROXIDE

I'm sure you know by now too that Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the causes of brown spots on the skin, so choose a spot treatment that doesn't have it as an ingredient such as Kiehl's Blue Herbal Spot Treatment.

SERUMS CAN HELP

Brightening serums, to be more specific. We all know that serums are concentrated forms of skin care, and using one that has brightening properties can help boost whatever spot treatment you're using.

Photo credits: 123rf.com; drgangemi.com

NATURAL THERAPIES

Sunflower Oil and Vitamin E, oils that are known for their lightening and restorative properties, are the cheapest and most natural remedies for post- acne marks, albeit they may take longer to produce their effects. Word of caution though, most pure substances are non- stabilized, hence they may cause negative reactions to the skin such as irritation. Like what I'd always say: Before anything else, conduct a patch test first!

Here are the suggested dermatological procedures for Brown/Red marks:

1. Glycolic Peels

2. Microdermabrasion

3. Laser

But wait, there's more. Brown and Red marks is just one story. There's still another story called Pitted Scars.

Photo credits: platicsurgeryindia.com

Pitted scars are quite hard to eradicate as we're talking about some serious damage on the skin. These are usually left by cystic pimples, especially those with deep pustules. Traditional skin care may work in regenerating the upper layers of the skin, but it will take months to achieve, or even years.

Photo Credits: allure-skincare.com

A popular and effective way to get rid of Pitted Scars quickly is through Dermaroller procedures. At first, it was a treatment exclusive to dermatological clinics only, but recently, at- home Dermaroller kits were developed to cater to those who don't have the time and patience to visit clinics. A Dermaroller is a small, rolling pin- type of tool surrounded with mini needles that create small lesions on the skin. The science behind this is, creating tears on the skin induces it to produce more and more collagen to renew itself from the inside out. The end of story is, you regain your previous, smooth and even- looking skin surface. Dermaroller apparently imparts pricking sensations to the skin and those who can't tolerate it opt for laser treatments instead. 

But bear in mind that in all things skin care even with Dermarollers, it will still require some time before you see your desired effects.

That's all! Please let me know if you have further questions. Hope you all liked this post! Have a fantastic weekend! :)

**Got a burning question about makeups, skin care products, beauty, dieting, and health tips, relationships, and whatever? Just send them to martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com or shoot 'em up at The Beauty Junkee's FB Fan Page via the MESSAGE button and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. (Please, do not send me Math- related queries. :D)