Acne is a mere irritating bump on the skin. It might clear out but not so easily, it leaves behind marks and scars. The skin feels rough and textured, these are acne scars. Acne scars appear as pits or raised marks on the skin. Acne scars and acne marks are two different things. Acne marks appear as dark and flat spots on the skin. They are pigmented spots on the skin. Acne is not a single issue it leaves behind marks and scars that are even worse to deal with.
Aftercare of acne is important for both the scenarios. Acne marks are not the only problem, acne scars also need to be taken care of. Modern skincare contains ingredients that have properties that can protect, remove spots and scars and hydrate the skin. An effective acne scar removal cream can be useful for dealing with both issues. You just have to be careful while selecting the right acne marks reduction cream.
What are acne scars and marks?
Acne scars can occur due to several reasons. It can be an acne scar or dark spot due to acne. There are multiple types of acne marks.
- Atrophic scars: It occurs due to reduced collagen levels in the skin and cutaneous inflammation.
- Ice pick scars: These are narrow and deep scars that are v shaped. They are extended deep into the skin.
- Rolling scars: These are wider and wavy scars that occur due to abnormal subcutaneous and cutaneous attachment. They are not so deep and form an orange- peel texture on the skin.
- Boxcar scars: These are round to oval shaped scars with vertical edges and are wider than ice pick scars at the surface.
- Hypertrophic and keloid scars: These scars arise due to excess collagen production that makes the skin raise and firm. They have a tendency to reoccur.
- Hypertrophic scars: These are pink or skin colored acne scars that remain on the original acne spot and they are firm in texture.
- Keloid scars: These scars appear as reddish-purple large scars that extend their original boundaries and expand.
- Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation: These marks occur as flat dark spots that occur after acne and are not true scars. They are dark brown pale spots that occur due to excess melanin production which occurs due to inflammation.
- Post inflammatory erythema: It occurs due to dilated capillaries and purple or red persistent marks. It is more common in fair skin types.
Why do Clog prone skin need more caution?
Clog prone skin is the one that gets clogged easily due to sebum, skin debris deposit and can cause acne. This kind of skin never gets a clean slate. If one scar fades another is just appearing. This kind of skin gets more rough and difficult to deal with because of congested pores.
Mechanism behind ‘texture healing’ or acne scars and marks reduction
An acne marks reduction cream works by:
- Inhibiting melanin production: It works the same by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production. It helps in preventing further pigmentation and darkening of spots.
- Blocking melanin pathway: It works by inhibiting melanin from reaching to the skin cells by blocking its pathway and causing darkening of spots.
- Skin barrier rebuilding: It must help in repairing the damaged skin barrier which provides protection to skin and locks in skin hydration by sealing gaps.
- Fastened cell shedding: It should promote increased shedding of dead skin cells. It helps in removing pigmented cells out faster.
- Pore clearance: It should be able to clear the congested pores to bring it to its normal size.
- Collagen rebuilding: It must be able to rearrange and rebuild the collagen fibres of the skin.
Ingredients that are ideal
- Niacinamide: It does not directly inhibit melanin production but works by blocking melanin transfer pathway which prevents melanin from reaching the skin cells and prevents darkening of pimple spots. With time it also helps in fading of the spots. Niacinamide has been beneficial for skin barrier repair and promotes natural skin radiance by reducing redness.
- Liposomal tranexamic acid: It is a liposomal microsphere so it penetrates deep into the skin and helps in clearing out dark spots efficiently. It helps in reducing pimple spots by blocking the chemical signals that are responsible for melanin secretion. It also works by inhibiting plasmin, an enzyme that is responsible for post breakout inflammation and redness and brings capillaries back to their normal size.
- Alpha arbutin: This is an alternative for hydroquinone and it is derived from plants which makes it a safe and biodegradable alternative. It inhibits the functioning of the tyrosinase enzyme which is accountable for melanin secretion. Thus it is helpful in reducing melanin levels and helps in fading of pimple spots.
- D – panthenol: It is a very beneficial ingredient for skin barrier repair. It helps in reducing skin irritation and supports skin healing.
- Retinoids: They help by increasing the skin shedding process and also help in collagen rebuilding in the dermis.
- Azelaic acid: It helps in clearing out the congestion from the pores and also reduces the severeness of skin redness and irritation. It helps in calming down the inflamed skin and reduces acne scarring.
Last thoughts
An acne prone skin does not suffer from acne only, it goes through post acne symptoms like acne scars and marks. They are even more irritating to deal with. It takes both time and patience to remove these dark acne marks and scars. Both need equal care.
Scars generally need more attention than acne marks, so using an acne scar removal cream for the purpose can be helpful. For achieving a smooth skin after breakout it takes time and the right product with beneficial ingredients and smooth skin cannot be achieved in a day.