How to Hide Acne Marks

How to Hide Acne Marks
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Acne scars occur when large acne blemishes damage the skin's layer. The result is a scar that can be lower or higher than the skin. Because acne scars can mar otherwise healthy skin, giving you the appearance of uneven skin, covering them up using artful makeup techniques can make acne scars almost unnoticeable. Before beginning, it's a good idea to make sure your acne is under control as much as possible. Because you will be covering your acne, you do not wish to clog pores and cause more acne to develop.

Step 1

Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser that can remove dirt, makeup and oil residue from the face. Starting with a clean surface helps to reduce the chances of clogging the pores.

Step 2

Apply a moisturizer that contains a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. If your skin is oily, you can apply an oil-control moisturizer. This moisturizer is important because it gives the skin a smoother surface on which to apply makeup and also protects the skin from sun damage from harmful rays.

Step 3

Place concealer on a concealer brush or place the concealer on your fingertip. The color you choose should be about two shades lighter than your skin if your acne scar is very dark. If it is roughly the same color as your skin, you may need only a slightly lighter shade.

Step 4

Dab the concealer on the acne scar. Be sure to dab the affected area as swiping or wiping it on could cause it to smear and may reduce its ability to cover the skin. While it can be tempting to thickly layer the concealer, your goal should be to use as little as necessary to cover the scar, according to Cosmetic Skin.

Step 5

Use a clean foundation sponge to apply foundation to the acne scar area and your entire face, if desired. The foundation sponge allows for a more even coverage area and prevents introducing bacteria from your fingers onto you skin. Be sure to utilize a foundation labeled as "non-comedogenic." This means the ingredients won't clog the pores, according to Skin Care Guide.

Step 6

Dust a light layer of powder onto the face. This helps to set the liquid foundation in place, ensuring the foundation stays on longer. The powder also helps the acne scar to better blend in with the surrounding skin, according to Love to Know.

Tips and Warnings

  • If your acne mark is red, choosing a concealer that has yellow undertones can help to neutralize red areas.

Things You'll Need

  • Cleanser
  • Moisturizer containing an SPF of 15 or higher
  • Concealer
  • Foundation
  • Powder
  • Makeup sponge
  • Concealer brush

References

Article reviewed by Lynda Moultry Belcher Last updated on: Jun 15, 2011

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