Acne scars and been trying everything

[instatrotskii]

Hi Im 21 with dark and super dry skin. Over the summer i developed a ton of acne around my forehead and right cheek and chin and now i have a load of dark scars. Ive tried everything— the natural way with turmeric, honey, oats etc to some sephora products like the murad anti aging acne scar removing serum (which was a disaster and gave me small pimples now). My diet is overall healthy (been eating veggies and stuff and low on sugar) and i work out. Ive been depressed after dealing with a personal tragedy recently but this has really lowered my self esteem. I cant leave the house without using concealer. And yes i drink water. Lol i almost break down crying to every sephora worker about this and no one knows what really works for me. Any advice please? Good sensitive skin friendly Products for my skin?

[WildPeony]

I would say dont waste your money on topical creams. if you have true acne scars , not just discoloration you ll need medical procedure to see improvement. I unfortunately was poping a lot of pimples on my face and have depressed acne scar which are the worst. make appointment with cosmetic dermatologist and see what is the best treatment available for the type of scars you have . you ll need to do your research, of course , to find experienced doctor , there are many who specialize in acne scars. go with your doctor advice and meantime make sure you use sunscreen . Do not concentrate or obsess about your acne and scars don't let it bring your mood down remeber it is only temporary .

[ZakiyaBT]

Hi @instatrotskii,

I have acne scars on my chin and neck and they used to be worse on cheeks and forehead. Over the years I tried everything to clear my skin. What I noticed worked the best are charcoal products such as the Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser. I also use tea tree oil and Aloe Vera straight from the plant and apply it to my face. Also exfoliating twice a week helps remove the dead skin as well. It is a process but it does clear over time. I agree with @flamingolegs with the Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. I have not tried it myself but I have heard that it works wonders. I hope that these suggestions help and please send me a PM if you have any questions or concerns. I am always happy to help. 

Best,

Zakiya

[flamingolegs]

One more thing--my husband has dark spots from sun damage and about two months ago began using Kiehl's Since 1851 Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Correcting Serum and we saw a noticeable difference after two weeks. I'd try to get a sample from your local store and give it a try.

[flamingolegs]

I received a 1/2" long cut on my face just over my upper lip last summer.  The ER couldn't get a plastic surgeon to come in on a Saturday afternoon, so they glued it together as they felt it would be less of a scar than having a regular ER doc stitch it.  It still left a nasty jagged scar.

I've been using KATE SOMERVILLE - D-Scar™ Scar Diminishing Serumsince about three weeks after (had to wait for the wound to be healed enough first) and the results have been remarkable.  The scar is now barely noticeable without makeup, and completely concealed with makeup--and I use no foundation or concealer, just lightly tinted SMASHBOX - Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer and a setting powder.

D-Scar is expensive, but a little goes a long way.  I still have half a tube left after four months use.

[MissPuff]

@instatrotskii What's your regular skin type? Are you still have acne breakouts or are you just concerned with fading scars at this point?

I totally understand how scarring and spots can make you feel self-conscious, especially if you're already stressed in general. Fading spots takes some time, and the general idea is to encourage cell turnover that will replace the darkened skin. This can be acheieved in a variety of ways, but I'll just tell you what has worked for me in the past (east asian, combo/dry skin, dark spots and hyperpigmentation)

- Firstly, facial oils are a wonder, especially in the winter. They can help balance the oils in your skin and help with breakouts/dry patches/redness. My two current faves: Kiehl's Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil and BIOSSANCE - Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil . 

- Chemical exfoliation - To encourage new cell growth, you need to remove old and full skin, best done with exfoliation. My holy grail are the Dr. Dennis Gross pads, they not only exfoliate, but more or less reset my skin - no flakes, no redness, no breakouts. They come in three strengths, gentle, regular, and extra (what I use). If you're only going to try one thing, I'd recommend picking up a 5 pack of this two-step peel. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads 30 Treatments + 5 BonusDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads 30 Treatments + 5 Bonus. Other nighttime treatments with AHA's (for exfoliation) that have worked for me are the OLEHENRIKSEN - Invigorating Night Transformation™ Geland FARMACY - Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum with Echinacea GreenEnvy™

- Serums - The other product that has really helped fade my dark spots have been target serums. CAUDALIE - Vinoperfect Radiance Serumis outstanding, gives me soft, radiant skin with fading over time, it's pricey but I am never without it in my routine. If you're most budgeted, I would suggest checking out Deciem/The Ordinary, specifically the Alpha-Arbutin = HA, a water-based serum that I've also used and fades dark spots relatively quickly (though I find it might possibly lighten my complexion a little as well...you might want to test experiment a little with this).

- Vitamin C - This is the standard ingredient that's meant ot prompt healthy skin growth and fade dark spots, however, I cannot personally recommend any Vit C products since my face is super sensitive and I do not have any of this category of product in my routine. BUT, it is something to consider if your skin is good with it.

Sample, sample, sample if you've got sensitive skin! The last thing you want is to breakout more so absolutely look for foils, ask for samples from sephora to see how a product will react before committing to the whole bottle (pricey serums especially!).

Good luck!