Acne, or acne vulgaris, is the most common skin condition affecting people in America, states the American Academy of Dermatology. It causes different types of blemishes such as blackheads, whiteheads, cysts or nodules. The amount of inflammation involved determines the type of blemish you'll develop, explains the AAD. When these blemishes go away you're usually left with scars or marks that can be difficult to fade. Scarring may also be more likely if you pick or squeeze a pimple. Fortunately, you have several options available to help fade acne marks.
Step 1
Wash your face with a mild exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and speed up skin cell turnover. Choose a scrub that contains polyethylene beads or sodium tetraborate decahydrate granules as these ingredients are less likely to irritate and scar skin, explains the AAD.
Step 2
Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 whenever you are going outdoors to prevent your skin in general---and the marks---from becoming even darker.
Step 3
Apply an over-the-counter hydroquinone cream or gel directly to the mark, but not to the surrounding tissue. Use a cotton-tipped swab for application. Consult a dermatologist or doctor if you have very dark, persistent scars and need a prescription-strength hydroquinone topical treatment.
Step 4
Consult a dermatologist about getting a chemical peel or microdermabrasion treatment for more persistent scarring. A chemical peel uses various acids such as glycolic, lactic or salicylic. For dermabrasion, a dermatologist uses a rapidly rotating brush to remove scars.
Step 5
Eat foods rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin C and protein---all nutrients essential for repairing skin and keeping it healthy.
Tips and Warnings
- When using a hydroquinone cream or after a chemical peel or dermabrasion, you should avoid the sun as much as possible, or use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. For chemical peels and dermabrasion you may need more than one treatment for the best results. If you try at-home facial peels to remove acne marks, make sure you get advice from a dermatologist first.
- Hydroquinone topical treatments must be used as directed. They can seriously damage your skin when used in excess, resulting in darker marks or complete loss of melanin on the area of skin where you apply it.
Things You'll Need
- Mild facial scrub
- Hydroquinone cream
- Chemical peel
- Sunscreen
- Essential fatty acids
- Vitamin C
- Protein
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