These Are The Best Skincare Ingredients That Help Treat Acne Scars
Imagine eating a dish you dislike, finishing it off only to see that it has stained your favourite white shirt! Acne scars are just like that. As if pesky pimples weren’t annoying enough, the scars they leave behind are doubly frustrating. Getting rid of acne and pigmentation is only half the battle won. What follows is the fight for smooth, even skin. But fret not, for with the right skincare products and this guide, you can bid adieu to acne scars for good.
What causes acne scars?
Acne is caused due to dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells or impurities trapped inside your pores, clogging them. This blockage of the pores causes them to swell up. It leads to the breaking of the follicle wall of the skin leading to deep and shallow lesions, or wounds in simpler terms, that stay put on the skin.
Okay, but why do some scars last longer than others and why are they all not the same? The reason is inflammation and duration. Acne is an inflammatory condition. So how high the inflammation is as well as how long it lasts decides how your scars form and look. It totally differs from time to time and certainly from person to person. Delayed acne treatments increase the potential of scarring.
Types of acne scars
Did you know that all acne scars are not the same? There are different kinds of acne scars that can occur and each of those react differently to different anti-acne ingredients.
1) Atrophic or Depressed
These are the most common types of acne scars. They are formed when acne heals but without sufficient collagen. Loss of skin tissue during this healing or regeneration process can cause atrophic scars to form. They can be divided into three categories;
- Boxcar: These have well-defined edges, are wide U shaped and can be deep or shallow.
- Rolling: Collagen that tries to close the wound post breakout, pulls the outermost layer of skin deep into inner layers of the skin causing rolling scars.
- Icepick: They are deep and narrow scars that usually develop after cysts or infections in the pores.
2) Hypertrophic
Too much collagen production during the healing process causes hypertrophic acne scars. These feel lumpy or bumpy as the extra collagen piles up, forming a heap on the skin. They are red or pink in colour.
3) Keloid
When several different skin proteins build up on top of each other on the skin, keloid acne scars are formed. These can be itchy or painful, appearing red or brown in colour.
Difference between acne scars and acne marks
Why do some spots and blemishes post-acne fade faster than others? It’s because there’s a difference between what acne leaves behind. There’s acne scars, the most commonly used term and then there are acne marks. How fast the post acne blemishes heal depends on whether they are acne spots or marks.
Acne marks: These are brown, purple or red marks that appear post inflammatory acne. Indians usually tend to get brown marks due to the higher content of melanin in the skin. These acne marks are not as deep as acne scars. They fade away faster than acne scars, over time.
Acne scars: These, on the other hand, are deep skin lesions. These are formed when we pick on or pop the pimples. Unlike acne marks, acne scars take longer to heal and can sometimes even be permanent. To remove acne scars completely, you need targeted skincare treatments.
Best ingredients to treat acne scars and pigmentation
It is a fact that acne scarring increases over time due to age. Our skin tends to produce less collagen as we age. Gradually, we may even lose collagen, making way for premature signs of ageing. Collagen is vital for the skin's healing process due to its ability to repair wounds and scars quickly. So your skin needs to produce more collagen to repair itself post-acne. The absence of enough collagen causes a scar to form. Here are some anti-acne ingredients that help reduce acne scars.
Ask a friend who suffers from eczema and psoriasis and they will talk about how centella asiatica calms their skin condition with ease. Cica or centella asiatica is known as brahmi, Indian pennywort, gotu kola or tiger grass. Brahmi is popular in Ayurveda for being an antioxidant-rich medicinal herb. It contains triterpene compounds which work wonderfully to increase collagen production as well as boost skin healing. This Korean skincare ingredient reduces hyperpigmentation and improves the appearance of acne scars.
Quench Recommends: Try this hydrating ingredient with our refreshing Mama Cica Pore Clearing Exfoliating Face Wash. Packed with the goodness of cica, Korean ginseng and ideal for oily, combination and acne-prone skin, this daily-use face wash unclogs pores, hydrates and purifies skin to prevent breakouts. The Korean ginseng in it protects skin from free radical damage and lotus root brightens complexion, lightens spots and prevents signs of ageing. The mineral rich volcanic ash in it effectively absorbs oil and the adlay seeds provide deep exfoliation.
Just like your body needs vitamin C to boost the immune system, your skin needs it too. The powerful antioxidant vitamin C has a ton of benefits for dull complexion. It helps counteract the impact of free radicals as well as reduce redness and swelling. Vitamin C has great healing properties that aid with increased collagen production and significantly improves the appearance of acne scars by repairing the skin. Firmer and smoother skin with vitamin C is a dream come true. These reasons make it evident why citrus fruits and foods packed with vitamin C are a favourite among skincare-lovers.
Quench Recommends: To add vitamin C to your skincare routine, opt for the fast-absorbing, concentrated Mama Cica Dark Spot Correcting Ampoule. It contains lotus root, an excellent source of vitamin C that brightens complexion, lightens spots and prevents signs of ageing. It has skin purifying tamanu oil that can help treat skin conditions like dermatitis, acne and eczema. Perfect for pesky spots and breakouts, our bestselling ampoule is a perfect addition in your nighttime skincare routine. Pour 3-4 drops on the areas of concern post cleansing your skin and gently press onto skin. Use 2-3 times a week for best results!
This secret ingredient has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is a great treatment for breakouts and acne spots. It is naturally occuring in barley, wheat or rye. It encourages the skin to heal faster as well as ensure minimal scarring, making it a perfect match for acne-prone, irritated skin. This ingredient helps stop hyperpigmentation caused due to inflammation.
A common BHA, salicylic acid is used in spot treatments, exfoliators, cleansers and more. It’s a great treatment for all kinds of acne scars. Salicylic acid deep cleanses the pores and reduces swelling and redness. It is a gentle exfoliator that removes dead skin cells, dirt and impurities that clog the pores. These exfoliating properties of salicylic acid boost skin cell renewal which, in turn, stimulate collagen production.
Quench Recommends: The lightweight, non-greasy Chialeader Zit Fix Serum contains the goodness of salicylic acid. This potent ingredient helps exfoliate dead skin cells, minimizes pore size and reduces oiliness. And it leaves behind spotless, clear and smooth skin. The serum has chia seeds that are loaded with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, making it a hero ingredient for anti-ageing. The cactus water has astringent properties that tighten pores, eliminating the root cause of acne. It also contains rosemary leaf oil that lightens spots and tea tree leaf that’s known for its skin purifying and soothing benefits.
Read Here: Salicylic Acid For Skin: Everything You Need To Know
Rosehip oil contains linoleic acid, a bioactive form of Vitamin A. This anti-acne ingredient is well-known for its anti-ageing properties. It helps boost collagen and elastin production. Along with that, it aids in reducing redness, inflammation and acne scars. Since it speeds up cell regeneration, it is effective in minimizing all types of scars.
One of the most well-known and widely used alpha-hydroxy acids in skincare, glycolic acid has a ton of benefits. Along with proving to be beneficial in treating several skin problems, it boosts collagen production. Considered to be the golden standard of AHAs, it exfoliates dead skin cells from the skin's surface, making way for more radiant and even-toned skin.
Quench Recommends: If you want to include this marvellous ingredient in your daily skincare routine, try the Mama Cica Zit Away Treatment Patches. These small, circular hydrocolloid adhesive patches conceal acne, pimples and calm inflammation. The glycolic acid and salicylic acid in them gently exfoliate, unclog pores and soothe any redness. These acne patches also contain tea tree leaf oil that is super beneficial for oily, acne prone skin and witch hazel extract that has skin soothing and astringent properties. The product is enriched with the goodness of Korean ginseng, cica and lotus root extracts.
Read Here: AHAs Vs BHAs: What Acids Should You Include In Your Skincare?
One of the most popular anti-fungal and anti-acne ingredients, most of us are aware of tea tree oil and it’s benefits. This oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help heal acne. Since acne scars form deep within the skin, they can get worse with sun exposure and age. Tea tree oil can combat these effects as well as minimizes pore and work against uneven skin tone and pigmentation.
Quench Recommends: You can easily welcome tea tree oil into your skincare routine with the Mama Cica Rejuvenating Face Mist. The tea tree oil in this formula helps balance oily skin and controls breakouts, making it oily, acne-prone skin-friendly. This facial mist has a lightweight, alcohol-free and non-comedogenic formula and is enriched with cica, Korean ginseng and lotus root as well as niacinamide. The combination of these ingredients makes it refreshing and just what your skin needs.
Niacinamide, the amide form of niacin or vitamin B3, is the ticket to glowing skin. It helps fade pigmentation, even out skin tone and enhance the skin's elasticity. Niacinamide boosts the production of collagen in the skin when it is damaged or compromised, like after a breakout.
Quench Recommends: If adding niacinamide to your skincare routine is your goal, try the Mon Cherry Ultra Light Moisturizing Gel. It is power-packed with 2% niacinamide, making it a saviour for uneven skin tone, clogged pores, dullness and premature signs of ageing. This daily-use moisturizer contains skin-loving ingredients such as cherry blossom, grapefruit and pear extracts. These anti-acne ingredients revive dull, dry skin, deep cleanse, promote cellular repair, enhance radiance and improve skin elasticity. The moringa seed oil purifies, smoothens fine lines and enhances skin texture. Add a refreshing glow to your skin with this moisturizing gel!
Read Here: Niacinamide Is The Skincare Secret You Need To Know
AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a gift to skincare. This potent ingredient sloughs off dead skin cells and promotes new cell turnover. This helps in reducing the hyperpigmentation and uneven texture caused by acne scars. They are mild exfoliators that get rid of impurities and toxins from the skin. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and mandelic acid are all AHAs.
Quench Recommends: Citric acid is an effective and gentle AHA that helps to exfoliate skin without stripping off natural oils and unclogs pores. Our Mon Cherry Brightening Foam Cleanser is a unique foam + oil-based cleanser that removes all makeup, impurities from your skin. It also contains skin-soothing ingredients like cherry blossom, grapefruit, pearl and babassu seed oil. Made for all skin types, this facial cleanser is an ideal first step in your double-cleansing routine!
Bakuchiol is a gentle, plant-based skincare ingredient derived from the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant. Most importantly, it boosts skin cell turnover and regeneration and also stimulates collagen production.
Quench Recommends: Give the potent Bravocado Intense Brightening Serum a try and experience the benefits of skin-soothing bakuchiol. This serum helps smoothen fine lines, even skin tone, enhance skin firmness and protects it from free radical damage. Our multi-tasking serum also contains skin firming ingredients like arginine, allantoin and hyaluronic acid to help support collagen production. It also has the natural goodness of avocado, pomegranate, rice water, bakuchiol and 2% niacinamide.
If you are looking for a potent solution for acne, retinol or vitamin A is a good match. It well-known ingredient used in anti-ageing products. It effectively works to treat acne and acne-scarred skin.
Read Here: Bakuchiol: The Plant-Based Retinol Alternative That Will Transform Your Skin
Other ways to prevent and treat acne scars and pigmentation
Not limited to anti-acne ingredients, you can get rid of acne scars in a variety of ways.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is effective in treating acne scars closer to the surface as well as deep below the skin’s surface. A rapidly rotating device provides deep exfoliation to the skin's top layer. This technique is used to combat age spots and wrinkles as well.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels make use of acids with exfoliating properties to remove dead skin, oil, and scars deep below the skin. The condition of the scars as well as your skin type helps determine which acid suits you the best. Milder versions of chemical peels are available for at-home use too.
Microneedling
This process uses fine needles that prick your skin to boost collagen production. This technique is effective in reducing the depth of the scars. It helps diminish the acne scars by smoothening your skin.
Laser treatments
A laser treatment works in two ways to remove acne scarring. At first, the heat from the laser aids the removal of the top most layer of the skin. This makes the skin appear smoother while minimizing the appearance of acne scars. Then, this technique encourages new, healthy skin cells to grow.
Tip: Before you proceed with any of these treatments, consult your dermatologist.
Some additional tips to treat, care and prevent acne scars
1. Manage Inflammation
Blemishes that get large and inflamed cause deep acne scars. Other than using topical treatments, avoid doing anything like aggressive scrubbing and using harsh skincare products that will further irritate your skin.
2. Stop picking at acne
The bacteria and dirt from your hand gets transferred to the skin and worsens your skin.
3. Don’t forget sunscreen
Sun exposure makes acne scars worse. Make sure you apply sunscreen before you step out.
Tackling acne issues doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Give Quench Botanics acne treatment products a try and experience smooth, spot-free and glowing skin!
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.