Many of us associate acne with our teenage years. While that’s often where it starts, it can persist well into adulthood.
Adult acne is present in 50% of women and 25% of men. Dermatologists aren’t quite sure why the prevalence is so high, but it’s common for people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and older to have breakouts.
Acne can cause social anxiety, depression, and overall negatively impacts self-esteem. What’s worse, even when bad breakouts resolve, scarring can remain. Scarring is much harder to eliminate, but it’s not impossible.
Here are all the beauty tips you need to help reduce acne scarring.
Table of Contents
Prevention Is Key
Essential to any list of beauty tips are ways to prevent acne in the first place.
Not all acne scars. Whether a pimple scars depends on the type, if you picked at it, and your ability to heal. The level of inflammation present with a breakout is also a significant determining factor.
Follow this list of skin care tips to prevent acne in the first place:
- Wash your face regularly, and after sweating
- Always wash your hands before applying products to your face
- Avoid touching your face otherwise
- Frequently change face towels and pillowcases
- Avoid comedogenic (pore-clogging) products
- Avoid excess processed food
Treat Acne Immediately With OTC Products
Skincare advice 101: treat whatever acne you do get right away. This lessens the chances of it scarring.
Breakouts are inevitable for people who suffer from acne, despite your best efforts to prevent them.
Consider adding these over-the-counter products to your skincare routine to address (and help prevent) acne:
- Salicylic acid
- Azelaic acid
- Retinol
- Vitamin C
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)
Don’t Pick At Pimples
You must know by now not to pick at pimples. But it’s worth reiterating!
Picking at your breakouts makes them more likely to scar because you’re irritating that area. Leave breakouts alone. If you feel you have to pick at them, wash your hands first and the affected area afterward.
Use Sunscreen
The dark spots associated with acne scarring are caused by the same pigment cells that tan your skin. They’re called melanocytes.
Regular sunscreen use helps keep those cells less active, meaning you’re less likely to scar.
20% of Americans will develop skin cancer before 70. Acne aside, it’s still essential to wear SPF 30+ daily. Remember always to add sunscreen to your skincare routine!
Professional Treatments
If all these prevention and OTC methods aren’t working, it’s time to see a professional.
See your dermatologist for prescription-strength products that can calm your breakouts. These can include more potent retinol, antibiotics, and oral medication.
Additionally, consider laser treatment. This can be effective for mild-to-moderate acne scarring. Learn more about laser treatment for acne scars.
Beauty Tips for Reducing Acne Scarring
Hopefully, these beauty tips will help you reduce the presence of acne scarring. While scarring may be stubborn, it isn’t impossible to remedy. Hopefully, these beauty tips will help you reduce the presence of acne scarring. While scarring may be stubborn, it isn’t impossible to remedy.
If you’re interested in more tips like these, check out The PK Times’ lifestyle section. You’ll find plenty of topics to pique your interest.
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