Pimple Marks: How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Finally the acne has healed, but now nasty pimple marks remain. What you can do against the acne scars? We will tell you!

What are pimple marks (acne scars)?

Anyone who has ever had pimples or even suffered from acne will know them: so-called pimple marks (med. postinflammatory hyperpigmentation). These are reddish to dark brownish discolored areas of skin that remain on the skin after a pimple or acne has subsided.

Compared to the actual pimple, acne scars do not show any elevation, but can become a real beauty problem for many people affected, because they make the skin look uneven even after regeneration.

How do pimple marks develop?

The cause of pimple marks is the stronger pigmentation of the skin in an inflamed state. If the tissue is injured, for example by popping the pimples too intensely, an excessive amount of melanin can accumulate at this point, leaving brownish-red pigment spots at this point.

Above all UV and/or sunlight favors the formation of pimple marks. In addition, the affected and surrounding tissue is better supplied with blood during regeneration. These vascular dilatations are only slowly reduced after the healing phase.

What you can do against pimple marks – Tips and tricks

• Zinc for acne: The zinc oxide contained in the zinc ointment promotes wound healing in the pimples, which means that less melanin can build up and dark spots can form on the skin. Best to apply as soon as the blemishes bloom.
• St. John’s wort oil helps the pimples to subside, prevents the development of acne scars and also visibly brightens pimple marks. Apply the oil to the affected area twice a day and massage in gently.
• In stubborn cases acne creams with the active ingredient benzyl peroxide help against pimple marks. Important: Use only selectively!
• Vitamin C has a brightening effect on pimple marks and at the same time ensures an even and glowing complexion.
• A peeling removes dead skin cells and stimulates skin renewal. It is important not to use peelings that are too aggressive, otherwise the regeneration of sensitive skin can be impaired. Do not use mechanical peelings with abrasive particles. Low-dose fruit acid peelings, for example, are good. If you like it natural, you can opt for a peeling with healing earth. This disinfects inflamed pimples and has a matting effect at the same time. For this, mix a little powder with water, apply to the skin and let it dry. When rubbing the healing earth off, the complexion is automatically gently exfoliated. You can also wash your hair with healing clay.

• In the case of severe pimple marks or deep acne scars, a microdermabrasion by the cosmetician or dermatologist can help. Here the skin surface is abraded with the help of fine crystals. Several sessions are necessary for visible results.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) destroy the tissue of the pigment spot and thus initiate skin renewal. Here too, several sessions with a professional are necessary to remove pimple marks.

How to prevent pimple marks

You have to pay attention to these 3 things:

1. Set on a good and thorough cleaning. This already prevents the development of skin impurities.
2. Do not forget the day care with sun protection factor! UV radiation causes increased pigment formation and thus also pimple marks.
3. Please do not pop pimples under any circumstances! This can aggravate the inflammation in the face and spread bacteria.