How Do You Get Rid of Acne Scars for Clearer Skin?
Acne is frustrating in and of itself, but even after you’re finally able to manage breakouts, reduce acne, and enjoy clear skin, you can still experience acne scars. Acne scars are very common, as an estimated 80% of teenagers and adults will suffer from acne, and every one out of five people will have scarring afterward. The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone, and there are solutions.
Social media and the skincare world promise a variety of solutions to acne scarring and dark spots. However, many over-the-counter products often contain harsh chemicals and ingredients that involve complicated skincare routines filled with salicylic acid and retinol serums. Also, they don’t work to address both the underlying causes and the appearance of skin at the same time. They might also require trip after trip to the dermatologist for pretty intense procedures involving laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and tiny needles. But there are other options for acne treatments.
At Journ, we’re different. Read on to learn more about how to help get rid of different types of acne scars with just a few simple steps.
What Causes Acne Scars?
What exactly are acne scars anyway, and why are they so common? Let’s take a closer look. Acne scarring occurs when your acne blemishes swell and become inflamed. Some inflammatory acne is mild and heals quickly, while others can leave scars that last for years.
This also damages your pores as the swelling can lead to breakdown and further scarring. If you can’t resist the urge to pop pimples or pick at your blemishes while the wounds are healing, you may end up making scarring worse. It doesn’t matter whether you’re dealing with whiteheads, blackheads, or another form of acne—try your best not to touch them! This is because the oils and contents of your pimples can contaminate your other pores and acne scars, leading to more intense scars and dark marks.
Will your skin ever heal from acne scars? Yes, but it can take a long time for the discoloration to go away. Skin is an expert at repairing damages, and it’s no different with acne scars. Our skin boosts collagen production to help repair the areas where there’s scar tissue and return our skin to the smooth, even-toned texture we once enjoyed.
However, this process looks different for everyone, as skin cell turnover is a unique process, and it doesn’t often work on a fast timeline. Without using the right skincare products and regularly using sunscreen, it can be years before you notice your extra pigmentation fading and your skin’s texture smoothing out. Luckily, there are a few great acne scar treatments that won’t take quite that long.
Best Ways to Get Rid of Acne Scars
Believe it or not, the best way to minimize the appearance of acne scars is with a color corrector. Color correctors help neutralize unwanted colors on the top layer of skin like redness, blemishes, or hyperpigmentation. Some color correctors, like the ones we carry here at Journ, also include ingredients with skincare benefits that will help your underlying skin concerns over time.
Color correctors work based on the color wheel theory to cancel out color and even out skin tone. In other words, depending on the colors you’re looking to correct with, you can use an opposing or neutralizing color to help even your skin tone out and create a seamless appearance instead.
For example, blue and purple acne scarring or hyperpigmentation are best concealed with orangish-red correcting colors. On the other hand, reddish acne scars and blemishes are best concealed with green correcting colors. Depending on your skin tone, your skin concerns, and what color your acne scars are, you may prefer a different correcting color.
They’re easy to use and often don’t require any foundation or concealer. Goodbye, cakey, heavy makeup! The color corrector that’s best for you has to do with what color your acne scars are. For instance, acne scars can be on the reddish side, but over time they may fade to a brownish color with hints of blue and purple. Depending on the undertones of your acne scars, you’ll need a different color corrector to neutralize them.
Kauai
For acne scars that have blue or purple undertones, our Kauai color corrector can help reduce their appearance. Made with White Lily, Kukui Nut, and Noni, Kauai is not only packed with nutrients that benefit skin, but it’s also an effective way to get rid of acne scars and neutralize dark circles, spots, and hyperpigmentation over time. Kauai is designed for those who have light to medium skin tones.
To understand how it works to neutralize color, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients of Kauai and how they work together to benefit our skin!
White Lily
White Lily is a rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidants have a number of benefits for the skin and can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, spots, hyperpigmentation to neutralize color over time.
Kukui Nut
Packed with vitamin A and E, Kukui Nut is great for skin and helps hydrate, rejuvenate, and tone the appearance of your skin. Linoleic acid also benefits the skin and can help your skin look smooth.
Noni
Noni contains vitamin B3 and C to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and promote clearer-looking skin. It also helps reduce the appearance of the signs of aging.
Marrakech
For those who have medium to deep skin tones, our Marrakech color corrector can help fade your acne scars over time. It’s formulated with Sweet Almond, Carrot Seed, and Rose to neutralize acne scars and minimize the appearance of dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and spots on the skin. If you’re looking for an easy way to even out your skin without caking on makeup, Marrakech is an excellent option.
Below are some of the main ingredients in Marrakech and what they do.
Sweet Almond
Sweet Almond helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and unwanted spots because of the Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids it contains.
Carrot Seed
You’ve likely heard that carrots are great for your eyes, but what about skin? Carrot seed is another ingredient in Marrakech that has a range of benefits for the skin. It’s rich in Beta-Carotene, a vitamin that’s converted to vitamin A in the body. Beta-Carotene helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and blemish scars, especially on skin with more melanin.
Rose
Rose is a rich source of vitamin A, B3, C, and E. It helps rejuvenate skin, nourish it with moisture, and support skin’s elasticity for healthy-looking skin.
Matcha
If your skin concerns include acne as well as reddish acne scars or hyperpigmentation, Matcha can help neutralize your skin tone and reduce the appearance of acne and acne scars. Because of the green color, it works to balance out redness and promote clearer-looking skin! Plus, it can help address the underlying causes of acne and support clearer-looking skin.
Matcha color corrects while also helping to minimize the appearance of pores, dry out spots, and reduce the appearance of acne scars over time. It’s an excellent option for those of all skin types and skin tones. Below are three vital ingredients that make up Matcha and what they do for your skin.
Matcha is also included in our specially designed formula for its soothing properties derived from caffeine. Matcha is also rich in vitamin A and C that can help dry out spots and support clear skin.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus contains alpha-hydroxy acids that can benefit those with acne by helping to control breakouts. Hibiscus also helps minimize the appearance of pores.
Seaweed
Transport yourself to the days of spas and seaweed wraps with Matcha as it’s rich in seaweed and the vitamins it contains. These include vitamins A, B, and C that help reverse the signs of skin damage and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Color Correcting Routine
We’re big fans of simplicity, so we made sure Kauai, Marrakech, and Matcha are easy to use and incorporate into your skincare routine. Here are a few easy steps to follow.
- Clean your skin and moisturize.
- Place an apple seed-sized drop of product on the back of your hand and warm it up using your fingertip for about 7-10 seconds.
- Pat on your skin wherever you’d like to neutralize the appearance of hyperpigmentation and get rid of acne scars. You can use your fingers, a concealer brush, or a sponge to blend outwards onto the skin.
- Continue the process and reapply if needed until you reach your desired results.
Our color correctors are more than makeup. The ingredients in each help nourish skin and address your underlying skin concerns while also working to neutralize color in the moment.
Acne Scars? No Thanks
Acne scars are one of the most common skin concerns of those with acne and can remain on the skin for dozens of years. While so many beauty companies promise the perfect glycolic acid serum or a lactic acid mask that can hide unwanted blemishes, they don’t always prioritize skin health or work to address your underlying skin concerns either. Journ is different.
We learn more each day about how the skin works and all the ways we can promote skin health while enhancing your natural beauty. Plus, we like to do it in just a few easy steps. Say goodbye to your complicated, twelve-step skincare routine and say hello to simplicity.
Sources:
Beta Carotene (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names | Mayo Clinic
Acne Scars: Causes, Diagnosis, Types & Treatment | Mayo Clinic
Crash Course in Color Correction | Tricoci University