Inflammation caused by acne breakouts can leave behind red or dark marks that are tricky to treat. These marks, while not always permanent, can linger long after the pimples themselves have cleared. Learning how to prevent breakouts not only reduces acne but also helps avoid the long-term consequences of persistent marks and scars.
Red Marks: The Aftermath of Inflammation
When acne occurs, it typically starts with inflammation of the pilosebaceous units, the glands responsible for producing oil in the skin. The body reacts by sending increased blood flow to the area, along with white blood cells that help fight bacteria and repair the damage. Even after the breakout has cleared, the inflammation can persist, leaving a lingering red mark.
How to Treat Red Marks:
- Niacinamide-Infused Products: Niacinamide helps reduce inflammation and redness while promoting skin barrier repair. - La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum With Melasyl + Niacinamide, 30ml
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Azelaic Acid: This ingredient helps soothe inflammation and reduce discoloration, making it a great option for persistent redness. -
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, 30ml (In-Store ONLY!)
- LED Light Therapy: Red light therapy helps reduce inflammation and accelerates healing, minimizing the appearance of post-acne redness.
Dark Marks: Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Inflammation from breakouts can also trigger an increase in melanin production, especially in individuals with darker skin tones, leading to persistent dark marks. This condition is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH can take months to fade, and it can affect people with fair complexions as well, although it's more common in those with medium to dark skin.
How to Treat Dark Marks:
- Vitamin C Serums: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and reduces pigmentation over time. - Vichy LiftActiv 15% Supreme Vitamin C Serum, 20ml
- Retinoids: These promote skin cell turnover, speeding up the fading process of dark spots. - CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, 30ml
- Chemical Peels: Gentle peels using ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid can exfoliate and help lighten dark spots over time. - dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant, 59ml
Acne Scars: More Than Just Marks
Acne scars can take several forms, ranging from atrophic or depressed scars, which are difficult to treat, to hypertrophic and keloid scars, which are raised. Severe acne, particularly on the jawline, chest, and upper back, tends to lead to these more pronounced scars.
Types of Acne Scars:
- Atrophic Scars (Depressed): Often seen as pitted scars, they are the hardest to treat long-term.
- Hypertrophic Scars (Raised): These scars form when excess collagen builds up in the skin.
- Keloid Scars: These are larger, overgrown scars, particularly common along the jawline and back.
Why Prevention is Key
Preventing acne in the first place is essential to avoid these persistent marks and scars. Here's how you can maintain clear skin and prevent long-term consequences:
Use an Acne-Suitable Sunscreen
The sun is a significant factor in making dark marks worse. UV exposure can darken PIH, causing it to last longer. To avoid this, use a non-comedogenic sunscreen with a high SPF every day, even when indoors. Sunscreen can prevent hyperpigmentation and help existing marks fade faster.
We Recommend:
- Vichy Capital Soleil SPF50 Mattifying Face Fluid Dry Touch for Combination to Oily Skin, 50ml
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Gel Cream SPF 50+
- Eucerin Sun Gel-Crème Oil Control Dry Touch SPF50+, 50ml
Use a Mild Exfoliating Cleanser or Mask
Prevent blocked pores and control excess oil production with a gentle exfoliating cleanser or mask. Opt for formulas that won't strip your skin of essential fats and moisture while removing dead skin cells.
We Recommend:
- Uriage Hyséac Cleansing Gel, 150ml
- CeraVe Blemish Control Acne Cleanser, 236ml
- Eucerin DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Cleansing Gel, 150ml
Mask
Act Fast on Breakouts
If a breakout does occur, quick action can prevent inflammation from getting worse and minimize the risk of post-acne marks and scars. Avoid picking, popping, or squeezing pimples as this will only increase inflammation and lead to infections. Use targeted spot treatments designed to neutralize pimples before they get too severe.
We Recommend:
- Young Solution Wipe Out Spot Eliminating Drops, 30ml
- dermalogica clear start breakout clearing booster, 30ml
Conclusion
Acne prevention is key to avoid the persistent consequences of red and dark marks, as well as scarring. By incorporating the right products into your routine, such as a high-quality sunscreen, gentle exfoliators, and quick spot treatments, you can help keep your skin clear and avoid long-term damage.