You finally get rid of a pimple, only to see a scar left behind for months? If you're dealing with acne scars or post acne marks, you're definitely not alone. It can be frustrating, especially when the rest of your face looks clear, but these stubborn scars take their sweet time fading. So, before you add another item in your cart, here's what you should know about treating your skin after a breakout.
Acne Scars vs. Post Acne Marks: What's the Difference?
Acne scars and post acne marks might appear similar, but they are not the same thing, and they don't need the same approach. Let's break down the difference.
Acne Scars
Acne scars are marks that change the texture of your skin after a pimple heals. They can look like small deep holes (ice-pick scars), wider dents (boxcar scars), or soft, uneven dents (rolling scars). Some can also appear as raised marks. Since deeper scars affect the skin's texture, creams and serums usually can't remove them completely, but they can help improve how the skin looks over time.
Post Acne Marks
Post acne marks are flat spots left behind after a pimple heals. They can be brown, dark, red, pink, or purple, depending on your skin tone. Unlike acne scars, they don't change the texture of your skin, they only cause discoloration and are usually easier to fade with skincare. You can use ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol, or gentle exfoliants to help fade these marks.
How to Get Rid of Acne Scars and Post Acne Marks
Acne marks can seriously be annoying, but the good news is that with skincare and a little patience, you can improve their look and appearance and get an even tone of skin over time.
1. Don't Pick or Squeeze Pimples
When you squeeze a pimple, it can leave darker marks or even acne scars. As tempting as it may be, try to let the breakout heal on its own and focus on keeping your skin clean and calm. You can also use a pimple patch to keep yourself from picking. If you treat new pimples early, it can prevent more scars from forming.
2. Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Don't skip sunscreen if you're dealing with post acne marks. When you spend time in the sun without sun protection, it can make dark marks look more noticeable and can even slow down their fading. Always use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even when you're mostly indoors.
3. Choose the Right Ingredients
The right skincare ingredients can help you deal with post acne marks, breakouts, redness, and uneven skin. Niacinamide and Vitamin C can help fade dark marks, while Retinol can help with acne and uneven skin over time. Salicylic Acid helps clear clogged pores and prevent breakouts, while Glycolic Acid can remove dead skin and improve the look of dark marks. You don't need to use everything at once, so choose products that suit your skin and introduce new ones slowly.
4. Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple
More products don't always mean faster results when you're trying to get rid of acne scars. Stick to the basics, such as a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, treatment product, and sunscreen. Avoid using too many strong products together, as this can irritate your skin and make marks more visible. Give your routine enough time to work before switching to something new.
5. Give Your Skin Time
We know waiting isn't exactly what you want to hear, especially when you just want your skin to look clear again. But skincare takes time, and it's important not to expect results overnight. Post-acne marks can take weeks or even months to become less noticeable, and deeper scars usually take longer to improve. A pro tip: Staying consistent with your routine is more helpful than constantly changing products.
6. Incorporate Subtle Lifestyle Changes
Your skincare routine isn't the only thing that matters. Small changes in your everyday habits also support healthier-looking skin. Try to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and avoid constantly touching your face. These habits won't erase acne scars on their own, but they can support your skin while you work on fading marks.
When to Consider Professional Acne Scars Treatment:
Sometimes, no matter how carefully you follow your skincare routine, those stubborn acne scars just don't fade. If you've tried different acne scar cream options for months and still have deep dents, it may be time to consider professional treatment. A dermatologist can look at your scars and recommend an option that suits your skin and the type of scarring you have.
1. Microneedling
Microneedling uses tiny needles to create small controlled injuries in the skin, which encourages it to produce more collagen. It can help make indented acne scars look smoother and less noticeable over time. You may need several sessions to see the best results, which mostly depends on the depth of your scars.
2. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a solution to remove the outer layer of skin and reveal smoother-looking skin underneath. They can be useful for improving uneven skin tone and some mild acne scarring. The type and strength of the peel should be chosen by a professional based on your skin and the concern being treated.
3. Laser Treatments
Laser treatments work by resurfacing (removing the damaged outer layer of skin), and encouraging new skin growth. They can help reduce the appearance of certain acne scars and improve uneven texture. Since different lasers work in different ways, a dermatologist can help decide which option is suitable for your skin.
4. Subcision
Subcision is mainly used for certain indented scars that make the skin look like it is being pulled down. During the treatment, a dermatologist loosens the tissue underneath the scar so the skin can look smoother and more even. It isn't suitable for every type of scar, so a professional assessment is important.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
If you've been following a consistent skincare routine for around 8–12 weeks and you're not seeing any improvement in your acne scars, it may be worth seeing a dermatologist. Some post-acne marks can take a few months to fade, so don't worry if you don't see a big difference right away. However, deep or raised scars usually won't disappear with skincare alone and may need professional acne scar treatment. A dermatologist can look at your skin and recommend the right option instead of having you keep trying products that aren't working.
Recommended AM and PM routine:
A beneficial skincare routine doesn't mean a bathroom shelf full of products. The key is to use a few products consistently and give your skin time to respond. Here's a simple morning and night effective skincare routine:
AM Routine
1. Cleanse: Start by washing your face with the Acne Control Cleanser to remove excess oil and buildup from the skin.
2. Treat: Apply the 10% TXA 4% Serum to improve the appearance of dark acne marks and uneven skin tone.
3. Moisturize: Follow with the Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated without making it feel heavy.
4. Protect: Finish with the Ultra Sheer Daily Defence High Protection SPF 100 Sunscreen. If you're dealing with post-acne marks, don't skip sunscreen, as sun exposure can make dark spots look more noticeable. Apply it as the last step of your morning routine and reapply when needed.
PM Routine
1. Cleanse: Wash your face with the same cleanser to remove dirt and oil from the day.
2. Treat: On treatment nights, use the Niacinamide 10%+Zinc 1% Serum to target blemishes and uneven-looking skin. If you're using a retinol such as the CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum, use it on alternate nights instead of layering both treatments together.
3. Moisturize: Finish with the same moisturiser to keep your skin comfortable and support its moisture barrier.
Remember, you don't need to use every active ingredient at once. Start slowly, especially with retinol, and give your skin time to adjust.
Conclusion
Don't let a stubborn mark keep you stressed. Your skin needs time, and you don't have to keep changing your routine every time you don't see results. Give products a fair chance to work and stay consistent. If you're booking for the products mentioned in this guide, you can find them at Allure Beauty and create a routine that works for your skin. Now go give your skin the attention it deserves.
FAQs
1. How to remove acne scars?
For dark marks, use skincare with ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or retinol to fade their appearance. Keep your routine simple and don't forget sunscreen. If you have deeper acne scars, you might want to consider professional treatment.
2. How to remove acne scars naturally in a week?
Realistically speaking, you can't remove acne scars in a week. Be careful with DIY remedies like lemon juice and baking soda, as they can make things worse. Instead, stick with a gentle routine and don't fall for those “clear scars in 7 days” promises.
3. How long does it take for acne scars to fade?
There's no exact timeline because it depends on whether you're dealing with a dark mark or a deeper scar. Post acne marks may start looking lighter within several weeks, but they can take a few months to fade. Deeper scars usually take longer and may need professional treatment for noticeable improvement.
4. Which product is best for acne scars in Pakistan?
There isn't one product that works best for everyone. For dark marks, a cream for acne scars may help improve the appearance, look for ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C, and retinol, while sunscreen should be a daily must. If you're looking for skincare products in Pakistan, Allure Beauty has options from brands like CeraVe, The Ordinary, COSRX, and Anua that can fit into an acne-focused routine.