Acne scars

[kizaaa]

Hi all, lately I have been getting large cystic pimples that leave scarring on my face. The scarring has made me worried and wanted to know what products/what I should do to minimize them. Please let me know! Thank you. 

[EmzJQ]

I began getting this kind of acne two years ago, first time in my life. It was due to a food allergy I developed (cheese) and figuring that out and stopping it helped a lot.

As for the scarring, focusing on moisture will help a lot, especially if the scarring is PIE marks. Keeping your levels moisturized will help your skin heal better and faster. As for products, I’d recommend the Avene Cicalfate Scar Gel (I get it at Shoppers). For inflammation, The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Gentle Facial Exfoliating Serum for Hydration 1 oz/ 30 mL at night (apply to skin that has dried from toner, waiting 10mins to soak in then apply other steps) and The INKEY List SuperSolutions 10% Azelaic Serum 1 oz / 30 mL in the morning. Treating the inflammation can help prevent scarring and marks or at the very least, make them go away faster. 

I have heard some retinols work, however, I would suggest using lower percentages of retinol as you want to prevent irritation and drying. I would also be careful with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc. There are plenty of great acne acids and such, but using them in the wrong concentrations or too often can lead to drying and irritation that will only make the marks worse. 

[Kimqueen]

I feel you and it sucks! I’ve experienced bad cystic acne on my cheeks and chin that would last for weeks. Drink organic spearmint (not peppermint!) tea! Morning and night. This helped slow my breakouts by naturally balancing my hormones. As for skincare, get a toner with witch hazel or something with witch hazel! It kills the bacteria. I’ve also been using the Dr Dennis extra strength daily peel pads and have seen a huge improvement with my skin! Highly recommend them! Hope this helps as well as it all did for me and good luck 🙂