I have acne scars: what should I do?

The Cause of Post-Acne Marks: Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Have you ever wondered why some pimples leave marks? It's because of the skin's natural defense mechanism.

In fact, when the skin is damaged (particularly by acne), it increases its production of melanin (the pigment that gives it its color), as this helps it repair itself more effectively.

Result: A more or less dark spot may form where the skin has been damaged. This is known aspost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This condition can affect all skin tones, but it is particularly common in people with olive and Black skin.

Acne Marks vs. Acne Scars: What's the Difference?

Before deciding how to treat acne marks or scars, it’s helpful to first be able to tell them apart:

• Acne marks are red, purplish, or brown spots left behind by pimples after they’ve cleared up. They’re caused by skin inflammation, which triggers excessive melanin production (the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation mentioned earlier in this article). Generally, if you take the right steps early on, these acne marks will fade over time. But without proper care, they can linger for a long time… or may never disappear completely.
• Acne scars, on the other hand, are deeper than simple marks. They can form when the skin has been severely damaged (for example, by picking at a pimple to pop it). When this happens, the skin is unable to heal properly, and indentations, irregularities, or small bumps appear. This is a sign that the skin tissue has been deeply damaged. These scars are very difficult to get rid of, but it’s entirely possible to improve their appearance with regular, appropriate skincare. In more severe cases, dermatological treatments may be considered to further reduce their appearance.

So, what can you do about post-acne marks?

1. Clean gently

Skin that is clean—cleansed morning and night—is healthier, clearer, and heals better.

For acne-prone skin, a gentle, unscented cleansing gel is generally recommended. It helps purify the skin while preserving the skin barrier. In fact, cleansing that is too harsh can exacerbate inflammation in pimples, slow down skin repair, worsen scarring… and lead to the appearance of new blemishes.

If you've cleared up your acne but still have acne scars on your skin, you can also use a gentle cleanser formulated to promote a radiant, even complexion. 

💡 Recommended products: the Dermo-Purifying Gel Cleanser , which purifies combination to oily skin without drying it out and helps regulate sebum production, or the Gentle Cleansing Foam for clearer, more radiant, and more even-toned skin after rinsing.

2. Exfoliate regularly

Exfoliating your skin will help stimulate cell renewal while removing dead skin cells that prevent acne scars from fading and keep your complexion from looking even.

However, you shouldn't exfoliate every day, as this can weaken your skin. To combat acne scars, exfoliating with a Gentle Scrub once or twice a week is sufficient.

On the other hand, if you have pimples or blemishes, you should use a chemical peel or a purifying mask instead.

💡 Recommended products: the Gentle Scrub or the Purifying Radiance Mask to gently remove dead skin cells with excess pigment—which are partly responsible for acne-related dark spots—refine your skin texture, and instantly restore your complexion’s radiance.

3. Act quickly with anti-dark spot treatments

Acne scars can last for several months or even several years, especially on darker skin. And once they’ve set in, it’s very difficult to get rid of them. It’s therefore important to take action as soon as possible—ideally as soon as the pimple clears up—to effectively prevent or reduce them.

To that end, using anti-dark spot treatments is highly recommended. By regulating melanin production, they will help fade existing acne marks and prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—in other words, they’ll help ensure that future breakouts don’t leave marks either.

💡 Recommended products: the Anti-Dark Spot Concentrate combined with the Anti-Dark Spot Power Factor 4 Serum for intensive correction, the Brightening Anti-Dark Spot Serum to prevent hyperpigmentation on a daily basis, as well as the Brightening Blemish Cream to enhance the serum’s effectiveness while moisturizing.

4. Moisturize every day

No matter what your skin type is, proper hydration is the foundation of any skincare routine. Dehydrated skin may produce excess sebum to compensate for the lack of water, which can lead to breakouts and worsen acne.

In addition, well-hydrated skin regenerates more effectively and is less prone to acne scars.

In your daily routine, choose a moisturizer that’s suited to your skin type and sensitivity to prevent new breakouts and blemishes.

💡 Recommended products: the Brightening Blemish Cream (to precisely target hyperpigmentation), the Hydra Intense Cream (for dehydrated skin), the Pure Radiance Cream (for very dry skin), the Replumping & Unifying Care (for anti-aging benefits), or the Matifying and Unifying Fluid (for combination to oily skin).

5. Protect from the sun

By stimulating melanin production, the sun’s UV rays promote and accentuate pigmentation spots. Applying sunscreen daily is therefore essential not only to prevent acne marks and scars from darkening further, but also to prevent them from appearing in the first place.

💡 Recommended products: a lightweight, unscented sunscreen with very high SPF, such as the Invisible Cream or the Tinted Cream SPF 50+ (available in three shades: light, medium, dark).

What Not to Do

• Scratch or pop your pimples.
• Remove the crusts.
• Rubbing the skin too hard.
• Waiting without doing anything (the sooner you take action, the more noticeable the results will be).
• Using skincare products that are too harsh or aggressive.
• Exposing yourself to the sun without protection.
  

Goodbye, acne scars 👋 ?

Acne marks and scars aren't inevitable. By following the right steps and using the right skincare products, it's entirely possible to gradually reduce them and restore a more even complexion.

Keep in mind, however, that acne is a distinct skin condition in its own right. If you have persistent, inflammatory, or painful acne—or acne that leaves noticeable scars—see a dermatologist. He or she will be able to recommend a treatment tailored to your skin and your needs.