Post-blemish marks and acne scars: how to get rid of them Go to product advice Nothing is more annoying than the scars that you're left with after breakouts. Here are our tips on how to reduce the appearance of post-breakout spots and what you can do about real acne scars. What are acne scars? The spots that you may see on your skin after experiencing a breakout are hyperpigmentation that occurs as the skin repairs itself. These spots are often called scars but they often also fade by themselves. How to tackle spots left by breakouts You can speed up the process of fading these marks with the tips listed below. These tips are applicable for scars on the face and the body. 1. Use good, gentle skincare products. Don’t use abrasive scrubs or irritating ingredients. Abrasive scrubs are a waste of time because post-acne marks and breakouts in general can’t be scrubbed away. If anything, using scrubs on acne-prone skin can aggravate skin, causing micro-tears, which will make leftover hyperpigmentation marks harder to get rid of and delay bringing your skin back to normal. 2. Use a BHA exfoliant daily. Salicylic acid (BHA) exfoliates the outer layer of the skin but also penetrates down into the pores. This can dissolve the blockages and pore congestion that causes breakouts. So, BHA is really an anti-inflammatory ingredient that also helps soothe redness. So you can use the same product to reduce the likelihood of developing breakouts and speed up the repairing process afterwards. Your skin will also look younger and healthier. 3. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more every day. Unprotected exposure to UV light steadily damages skin, which means acne marks will stick around longer. Protecting your skin from UV exposure every day is critical to diminishing the look of post-acne marks. Wearing sunscreen also keeps your skin healthy-looking and when used as directed with other sun protection measures, it decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin ageing caused by sun damage – a win-win! 4. Use products loaded with antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients. These substances help protect your skin against further damage while repairing it. This reduces the risk of inflammation and your skin will also need less time to recover. Vitamin C is a true gift for spots after breakouts. Our C25 Super Booster is an innovative spot treatment containing a high concentration of 25% ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to visibly improve uneven skin tone, red marks and skin texture. 5. Opt for professional treatments. Besides a good skincare routine, you can also take care of discolouration after inflammation quickly with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments. If your skin tone is darker, then discuss an alternative laser treatment with your dermatologist. Another option is a monthly AHA or BHA peel applied by a cosmetic dermatologist. Another option to fade discolouration from scars is a monthly AHA or BHA peel applied by a cosmetic dermatologist. You can also ask your GP to prescribe an acne remedy. Types of acne scars There are different types of acne scars, some appear on the more superficial layers of the skin while others may be pitted and indented in appearance. These types of acne scars are harder to get rid of, but not impossible. What can you do if a breakout leaves a real scar? Pitted, indented scars will not go away with skincare products alone. Dermal fillers can plump them up, however for the best results, combine with AHA or BHA peels or a series of fractional laser treatments. Ask a dermatologist for advice. The important thing is to never pick your spots to reduce the risk of permanent scars. Learn more about breakouts and acne. References for this information: 1. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, May 2019, pages 454–459 2. Dermatology and Therapy, September 2017, pages 417–424 3. Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, August 2015, pages 455–461 4. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, December 2012, pages 357–364 5. Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, October 2018, pages 491-497 6. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, January 2012, pages 51–56 7. AAPS PharmSciTech, September 2011, pages 917–923 8. Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135–142 9. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, October 2009, pages 2555–2562 Beginner's Essential Acne Routine 1. Cleanse Clear Cleanser Refreshing cleansing gel gently removes excess oil, debris and pore-clogging impurities. 2. Exfoliate Clear Extra Strength 2% BHA Exfoliant Liquid exfoliant quickly penetrates deep inside pores, effectively clearing breakouts. 3. Moisturise Clear Moisturiser SPF 30 Water-light fluid minimises the appearance of pores and protects skin from the sun. 3. Moisturise Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser This oil-free night cream moisturises acne-prone skin without clogging pores or making breakouts worse. Add all products to basket Read more Four important tips for a more balanced skin Cystic acne: what is it and what can you do about it? Fight spots and wrinkles at the same time: it’s possible! What can teenagers do about spots What is acne?