In this article, we break down the inner workings of acne scar cream to help you keep an eye out for ingredients that are proven to reduce acne scarring.
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States and affects 50 million people a year. Acne can be distressing and can knock our self-confidence down a few notches. Not to mention breakouts can result in an acne scar aftermath. (A gift that keeps on giving, eh?)
While there are millions of products on the market claiming to be the “be-all-end-all” acne scar cream, we wanted to break down the inner workings of scar creams to help you keep an eye out for ingredients that are proven to help reduce acne scarring. That way, the next time you are bombarded with acne scar cream options, you know what is the real deal.
Keep your eyes on the fine print when investing in acne scar products. If you are trying to fade acne scars or hyperpigmentation, these 5 ingredients are proven to aid in the fading of scars.
Retinoids can be used for a wide variety of things like reducing wrinkles, evening out skin tone, treating acne, as well as treating acne scars. Retinoids are a part of an array of chemical compounds derived from Vitamin A. Two great chemical compounds found in the retinoid family are Retinol and Tretinoin.
These are very similar chemicals, however, tretinoin is more powerful than retinol and is prescription-only. Vitamin A increases cell turnover and boosts collagen production. This means, when using as an acne scar treatment, retinoids resurface your skin over time. Eventually revealing newer, smoother skin.
The increased cell turnover and the boost in collagen make for younger-looking skin. This is why you might find retinoids in anti-aging products. However, these benefits can help to reduce acne scars as well.
Read Related: Retin A vs Tretinoin & Retinol vs Retin A: What’s The Difference?
Azelaic acid is found naturally in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. This acid is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial - acne’s match made in heaven. Azelaic acid encourages cell turn over and prevents the skin’s ability to produce skin pigments.
So azelaic acid works by fading current acne scars and preventing future discolorations. In a recent study, azelaic acid has also been found to help in the improvement of active acne.
While many of us might think of a glass of orange juice when we think of Vitamin C, it is actually a very powerful naturally occurring antioxidant. When used topically, ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, increases collagen production, stabilizes collagen fibers, and decreases in collagen degradation all of which aid in healing from an acne breakout. Vitamin C also interferes with melanin production, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration caused by acne breakouts.
We know dealing with skin discoloration, raised skin texture and pink or brown marks can be upsetting. There are a lot of great options available when it comes to treating acne and acne scars, but navigating it all can be confusing. Hopefully, narrowing down a few proven remedies can help to focus your acne scar cream shopping.
Melanin production is the enemy of healing skin. Melanin is just a harmless skin pigment. However, when the skin is healing from trauma (like acne) the body wants to send increased amounts of melanin for protection. But, this tends to leave discoloration. Wearing sunscreen protects from any further melanin production or darkening of scars.
Chemicals that are resurfacing are acids like glycolic acid (BHA), lactic acid (AHA), and tretinoin. But, use them sparingly, these are very powerful ingredients.
Unfortunately, using these scar-reducing products will not change your skin overnight. They will have to be used for sustained periods of time. Like with any healing, it’s all a process.
Your skin is going through a lot. Try supplementing your acne-fading treatments with skin-soothing treatments like all-natural aloe vera gel or anti-inflammatory treatments like using a facial ice roller.
Here at Strut, we offer free online consultations with our licensed medical doctors.
We treat a range of medical issues, active acne, and acne scar fading included. If you’ve experienced scarring from acne breakouts, you might be a good candidate for Strut Acne Scar Formula.
Our prescription blend accelerates skin cell turnover and reduces discoloration to help fade and heal acne scars for good.
.png)
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
