How To Fade Your Red Acne Marks

Your family history can be a factor in whether you are left with acne marks after a breakout. People with severe acne, unfairly, are also more likely to be left with acne marks, according to TeensHealth, a service of the Nemours Foundation. Your best bet is to treat your acne as soon as it appears. Visit a dermatologist, if necessary. Controlling acne will prevent more breakouts with subsequent red spots. There is good news, however, if you're prone to red acne marks. These marks look like scars, but actually are not, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The marks will eventually fade. This can take months and sometimes up to a year. You can speed the process, once your acne is under control.

Step 1

Apply an oil-free sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology. Sun make your acne spots, called "postinflammatory hyperpigmentation" by dermatologists, more apparent. Buy a product that has SPF of 30 or more and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Step 2

Visit a dermatologist and discuss treatment options for fading the spots. She may prescribe a bleaching cream with 2 to 4 percent hydroquinone. The dermatologist also could recommend dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, in which she'll remove the skin's top surface layer with a machine, laser treatment or a series of four to six chemical peels.

Step 3

Make spots lighter at home. Combine 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice, a small peeled potato, half of a small cucumber, and 1 tbsp. organic yogurt to fade spots, as recommended by the July, 2004 edition of "Acupuncture Today." Mix the ingredients into a paste in a blender. Put the paste on spots and cover the area with two hot and damp towels. Rinse off after 15 to 20 minutes. Use a moisturizer after using the paste.

Step 4

Simulate microdermabrasion treatments with baking soda. Mix 1 tsp. baking soda with 2 tsp. filtered water. Rub this on your acne scar. Rinse after 60 seconds. Use a pea-sized dollop of olive oil to moisturize after the exfoliation, recommends The American Chronicle news service. Be gentle with this home exfoliation treatment, as you can end up with new spots of discolored skin, warns the American Academy of Dermatology.

Step 5

Stay hydrated and eat foods that boost skin health. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day. Choose orange and yellow vegetables to gain vitamin A; eat green leafy vegetables for vitamin E and silica; and add salmon or use flaxseed oil to get omega-3 fatty acids. Eat beef or pork to for zinc and iron-rich foods like meat, eggs, beans, leafy greens and enriched cereals. Take in vitamin C by eating citrus fruits, strawberries or green leafy vegetables. This supports collagen growth and helps skin cell turnover.

Step 6

Prevent future breakouts. Clean skin with a mild product twice daily and after exercising. Avoid rough scrubbing pads, which can aggravate acne. Keep your hair clean, use oil-free make-up and hair care products labeled as "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic," recommends Womenshealth.gov