How to Get Rid of Red Acne Scars
I am a beauty enthusiast with a slight obsession with face masks. Beauty for me is a form of self-care, to remind us to take the time to look after ourselves throughout our busy day. Most days I keep my makeup minimal, try to tame my mane of curls and throw in a cheeky bold lip at night. I am a self-confessed SPF pusher (sorry friends!) and my go-to is always Ultra Violette.
Acne can wreak havoc on your skin, and not just during a breakout, as many people experience scarring after the acne has cleared. The type of acne scarring you develop depends on the individual, the kind of acne that appears, and how it is treated.
Usually, the light red or brown marks left behind by a breakout will fade naturally on their own.
Red acne scars are most commonly found on the face, though they can also show up on the shoulders or back.
With severe acne, however, the resulting scars can form craters in the skin, including boxcar and ice-pick scars, which are often harder to heal.
Worried about permanent scarring?
It is most likely to happen if you pick or squeeze your pimples, so let your treatments do their thing and keep your hands away.
If you struggle with acne-related scarring, calming the redness is the first step toward reducing its visibility and helping it fade completely over time.
How to get rid of red acne scars: temporary options
Whether you have a hot date, a major life event, or just a day when you want to feel great about yourself, it makes perfect sense to want a fast solution to red scarring. To safely eliminate redness, try dabbing a few anti-redness eye drops directly on the affected areas. The drops won't damage or irritate your skin or cause more breakouts. The effects should be fairly immediate. Then, pop on a green-based colour-correcting primer and your favourite foundation.
Of course, these are quick fixes. If your skin is very inflamed, you’ll need the assistance of a specialised treatment.
Acne spot treatments act fast to shrink and soothe blemishes and red pigmentation. To reduce acne redness quickly, try Murad Blemish Control Rapid Relief Spot Treatment 15ml to reduce blemish size and redness fast.
How to get rid of acne scars: permanent options
Concealer is great, and a spot treatment that works immediately can feel like something of a miracle. But red acne scars tend to linger.
Left alone, red acne scars can take around 3 to 6 months to completely fade. But by consistently using targeted products, you can speed up the healing process. For deeper scars like ice-pick scars or boxcar scars, it’s recommended to see a professional for a stronger treatment.
To get rid of red acne scars with skincare products, focus on products that encourage healing and rapid exfoliation to get rid of that damaged scar tissue. Here are our favourite products to remove red acne marks.
Retinol serum for sensitive skin
Retinol is everyone’s favourite active ingredient for tackling acne scars and pigmentation. La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol B3 Serum is great for newbies wanting to dip their toes in the Retinol pool. Use in the evening to visibly resurface and renew the look of red acne scars and dark spots.
If your skin is feeling sensitive or sore from breakouts, it’s important to use products that get rid of the redness of scars and don’t make skin more reactive. NIOD Non-Acid Acid Precursor uses Amino Isolates and Probiotics to exfoliate and resurface the skin, helping brighten red acne scars without causing harsh reactions.
Night moisturiser for blemish-prone skin
It’s important to keep red acne scars hydrated. Even if you have ongoing breakouts, continue to moisturise day and night to prevent the irritation and dryness that can slow healing time. Avène Cleanance TriAcnéal Expert is an evening moisturiser that specifically targets adult acne, blemishes, and marks. Formulated with Retinaldehyde, a Vitamin A derivative, this cream for acne redness helps unblock pores and reduce residual marks from breakouts.
Soothing moisturiser to repair the skin's barrier
Another moisturising option is Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair. Formulated with Evening Primrose Oil, Oat Kernel Extract, and Ginger Root, this treatment helps soothe redness and inflammation while hydrating the skin. Apply this moisturiser daily with your other treatments or serums of choice.
Reduce redness in sensitive skin
A natural option to get rid of red acne scars, Pai Instant Calm Redness Serum contains natural anti-inflammatories to help protect against flare-ups while also helping repair damaged skin. This serum for redness and acne is formulated to soothe skin that’s prone to irritation and to help strengthen surface blood vessels to help alleviate redness.
Reduce & prevent pigmentation and dark spots
Multitasking Société Brightening Serum focuses on the prevention and reduction of pigmentation, inflammation, and signs of ageing. This gel serum nourishes and conditions all skin types for long-term improvement. Apply morning and night over face and neck.
If you suffer from chronic redness, Aspect Red-Less 21 could be your new boo. This anti-inflammatory serum has been designed for red acne flare-ups, providing instant relief to irritated and reactive complexions. This antioxidant facial oil can be applied as part of a morning or evening skincare routine and should be concentrated directly on the affected red acne scars.
Do you have severe scarring? We suggest consulting with a dermatologist or skin specialist. Professional options like lasers can remove significant scarring and redness.
Depending upon the size of the affected area, you might need just a few treatments. Though pricier than store-bought remedies, laser treatment is a permanent solution that can save you money in the long run.
Want to know more about how to heal acne scars? Check out these helpful guides...
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