The battle for clear skin doesn’t end as soon as the pimples die. It gets even harder from there as the acne marks stay around longer than any live spot does. But before we start finding out how we can get rid of acne marks, we have to study the science of how they form in the first place.
Acne marks are discoloration on the skin. They are not true acne scars because they’re just pigments. And they fade away over time whether you supplement them with products or not. On the other hand, true acne scars are permanent damage to the layers of the skin. These areas have a disrupted collagen layer, which explains the lack of structural balance and uneven texture.
True acne scars don’t get better by topical treatment. In other words, no beauty product is going to restore the structure of the damaged skin layers. Meanwhile, you can still heal and fade acne marks as long as you treat the leading cause: pigment. So what causes acne marks, anyway?
The main reason why acne causes marks on the skin is that it’s a natural protective response within the skin cells. To protect the layers, the skin produces a pigment called melanin. Unfortunately, too much melanin causes acne marks, a type of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation can also cause sunspots and freckles.
It’s best to invest in the best cleansers and skincare products. Not only are they practical for your skin, but they’re also safe for your health and the environment. These are beauty products formulated without toxic ingredients; that’s why they’re considered safer. So now, what clean products can we use to fade hyperpigmentation?
Basic Cleanser
The first thing you should have to treat hyperpigmentation is a basic cleanser. Now, you don’t need anything with a lot of fancy terms and ingredients. Cleansers don’t remain on the surface of your skin long enough for many ingredients to work. Its primary purpose is for cleansing and not treatment; that’s why the best choice is to get a simple formula.
The type of cleanser you need will vary depending on your type of skin. For example, dry skin can benefit from cream cleansers because they are not as stripping as other forms of cleansers. On the other hand, you might reconsider using cleansers with harsh surfactants because this can dry out your skin. When your skin is dry, it’s more prone to damage and infection. In addition, it’s going to jumpstart your oil glands to compensate for the lack of moisture.
On the other hand, oily skin types can benefit from foam cleansers. Oily skin needs more surfactants to lift the oil and grim off the surface of the skin. In addition, they don’t dry up that easily. Just remember that you need a basic cleanser.
Serum
Serums are basically nutrient-packed moisturizers. Their primary purpose is to deliver a boost of ingredients to treat specific skin concerns. Now, since you want to get rid of dark marks, you might want to look at tyrosinase inhibitors. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that kickstarts the production of melanin. In other words, if you can stop this enzyme, you can prevent the production or worsen of dark marks.
One of the most effective tyrosinase inhibitors is alpha arbutin. This is a natural ingredient derived from plants that fade away hyperpigmentation. The best part about it is that it’s not sensitive to light. That means you can safely use it during the daytime. Research also shows no adverse effects when using alpha-arbutin for hyperpigmentation treatment. That’s why you should look for serums that are rich in them.
On the other hand, if you want a more potent ingredient, you may want to look into hydroquinone. It’s one of the most powerful skin whiteners available in the market. In contrast, it’s an artificial ingredient that treats hyperpigmentation. Unfortunately, it’s photosensitive and will degrade in the presence of light. In addition, too much hydroquinone can cause ochronosis. It’s a skin condition characterized by a spread of bluish-black pigmentation.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most critical product in any skincare regimen. The reason is that it helps protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. In addition, the sun is your nemesis when dealing with hyperpigmentation because this is actually the root cause of melanin production. Remember, your skin produces melanin because it protects itself from the sun.
The sun causes more than hyperpigmentation, too. It damages your skin cells and causes premature aging. Not only does it darken your spots, but it also makes raised and depressed scars worse. In addition, too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. The danger of skin cancer is that it can quickly spread throughout other parts of the body.
Wearing sunscreens is a must if you want to have clear and healthy skin. But it’s not enough to apply just once. Studies have shown that you should apply sunscreen at least once every two hours of exposure to the sun. In addition, it would be best if you also used it even while you’re staying inside because the UV rays can still penetrate through glass windows.
Beauty is not all about having clear skin. In fact, clear skin is step one. Then, to get closer to the skin you deserve, choose a basic cleanser, a powerful serum, and apply sunscreen. This way, your skin can be in its best condition.
