Acne is the pits. As if the actual breakouts weren’t embarrassing enough, inflammation can linger beneath the skin for weeks or even months after a breakout, leading to unsightly dark spots. If acne is severe, it can leave behind permanent depressions or raised bumps known as acne scars. Whatever marks your acne has left behind, one thing is for sure - you want them to disappear quickly. While there is no magical solution that will clear dark spots and acne scars overnight, it is possible to lighten and fade the blemishes over time to restore a smooth, even, glowing complexion.
What causes acne scars and dark spots?
Annoying as they may be, scars are the skin’s natural response to injury or trauma. While it takes time, most surface level acne heals without leaving a trace. But when the dermis is damaged, it can leave behind a permanent reminder of your breakout. An acne scar is the product of an inflamed blemish, which happens when the pore becomes filled with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. When the pore swells and causes a deep break in the follicle wall, all of the infected gunk overflows into the dermis and destroys healthy tissue.
As the skin produces new collagen to repair the damage, it doesn’t look quite as perfect as your skin did prior to the “injury.” This results in a depressed or raised mark that permanently affects the texture and appearance of your skin.
Unlike acne scars, dark spots are not permanent. They can, however, last up to several months depending on the level of inflammation in the skin. Inflammation occurs when the body’s natural healing process is interrupted, like when you pop a pimple. Inflammation boosts pigment production, leaving a stain on the skin as it heals. Even if you are able to resist the urge to pop, pimples can still leave behind dark spots on the skin.
How to get rid of acne scars and dark spots
The good news is that dark spots caused by picking your pimples will fade over time. The bad news: it can take up to six months for them to completely disappear. In the meantime, there are some measures you can take to speed up the healing process. Always wear sunscreen on your face (at least SPF 30) - even when it’s cloudy. Wearing sunscreen will prevent dark spots from getting darker in the sun. You can also apply vitamin C serum to encourage the healing process. Our Vitamin C Brightening Serum encourages your skin to repair itself by stimulating collagen production. It also fights hyperpigmentation by impairing melanin production. Chemical peels and microneedling can also make dark spots fade faster.
Acne scars are a bit trickier to get rid of on your own. In fact, we recommend talking to your dermatologist since they often require more intense procedures. Steroid injections can flatten raised acne scars, while dermal fillers can plump dented areas left by an acne breakout. Lasers have become a popular choice for remodeling collagen. These treatments won’t completely get rid of your acne scars, but they can greatly improve the appearance.
Because it’s tricky to determine why some people suffer from acne scars and dark spots and others don’t, the best way to avoid breakouts all together is with a consistent skincare routine.
An multi-step acne solution for all skin types
The best way to treat acne scars and dark spots is by preventing acne from occurring in the first place. To do this, it’s important to implement a complete skincare routine and stick to it twice daily. An exfoliating cleanser, like our Exfoliating Deep Pore Enzyme Cleanser, will remove excess oil and makeup while dissolving dead skin cells to leave your skin fresh and clean. Our Exfoliating Pore Refining Ginseng Toner will tighten your pores and prevent clogging so acne doesn’t stand a chance. If you do suffer a breakout, our Vitamin C Brightening Serum impairs melanin production, which will help prevent dark spots.
It might seem counterintuitive to apply moisturizer if you already have oily skin, but hydration is key for preventing breakouts. When your skin is moisturized, it sends a signal to your oil glands that they don’t have to work overtime. Our Collagen-Peptide Firming Treatment Cream creates a protective layer of moisture on your skin and inhibits melanin production to minimize dark spots and brighten your complexion.
Decel skincare products are designed to work together as a system to address your biggest skin concerns and promote a glowing, healthy complexion. Our Maintenance Kit has everything you need to get started today.
