How to Get Rid of Dark Skin Scars
1. Use a spot treatment after the potential scar appears.
Once that pimple clears and leaves behind a potential scar, apply a targeted healer to the area. Pick something with salicylic acid, which can prevent further breakouts and promote rapid cellular turnover. But use it sparingly, and discontinue if you experience any additional inflammation, and try to avoid using it directly on active acne.
If your skin is especially receptive to them, you may even be able to do a full-face "peel" with a salicylic acid mask.
Naturopathica salicylic acid spot treatment
Perfect Image TCA 15% Skin Peel serum
With a high concentration of TCA, plus the addition of salicylic acid, you've got yourself one helluva face peel.
2. For hyperpigmentation, try azelaic acid or niacinamide.
If you're targeting the dark marks that linger after acne clears (and which overstay their welcome by months and months…) then you can try one of two key ingredients.
First, Lortscher often prescribes azelaic acid, a topical cream and gel, to his acne-prone patients. "Azelaic acid works by lightening any dark spots left by acne scarring or sun exposure," he says. "It slows the production of melanin, and blocks abnormal melanocytes, which are the pigment-producing cells that have gone haywire at the site of scarring." Azelaic acid is available only by prescription, so you do need to see your dermatologist in order to get any. (And don't put all your eggs in the one basket: It's only right for you if your doc says so.)
The second option, topical niacinamide, is more readily available. "It blocks the pigment from surfacing on the outer layer of skin," says Lortscher. Apply it daily, and dark spots fade because the pigment supply runs low.
Paula's Choice niacinamide serum
3. Boost collagen and elastin with microneedling.
One thing that many doctors suggest to their acne-scarred patients is to try microneedling. For this, you'll need a device called a dermaroller. It punctures the skin with tiny needles wrapped around a wheel, and kind of works like mini acupuncture for the skin. "Microneedling creates a bunch of small 'injuries' to the skin, which in turn can increase collagen and elastin production as they heal," Lortscher says. The body responds to these microscopic wounds by producing an excess of its healing agent. "This improves scars and fine wrinkles, and reduces hyperpigmentation." Lortscher strongly advises asking your doctor for a recommended dermaroller, since she or he will consider factors like sterility and regulation. (Do not get a product that isn't FDA-approved.) It's also easy to over-treat oneself with a dermaroller, so it is imperative to get a doctor's advice for your particular case. For this reason, we won't recommend any one device here.
4. Use ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Ceramides are another ingredient to look out for to reduce the appearance of acne scars. They restore the skin's moisture barrier and work to keep it smooth, healthy, and hydrated—as well as shielded against outside threats like pollution and toxins.
Dr. Jart ceramide cream
Secondly, hyaluronic acid is one of the most hydrating ingredients you can feed your skin, as it helps the skin retain moisture and also boosts collagen production to give the skin a firm, smooth appearance.
OSEA hyaluronic acid + algae serum
This serum is rich in skin-brightening vitamins that further assist hyaluronic acid.
5. Ask your doc about other, more serious treatments
There are more medically advanced options out there, ranging from laser treatments to injections of dermal fillers, but you'll need to see a professional to get the tailored advice that you need—in addition to the treatments themselves.
How to Get Rid of Dark Skin Scars
Source: https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-get-rid-of-acne-scars