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How to Get Rid of Red Acne Marks

How to Get Rid of Red Acne Marks

If you struggle with acne, then you know that the trouble does not end once the blemish goes away. Often, you are left with red or dark spots, and you might even have acne scars. Therefore, fighting acne is not just about stopping and treating breakouts. You must continue to treat your skin to fight the red marks and acne scars that linger. There are ways to prevent and treat red acne marks to get a clear complexion that looks as though you never even had a blemish.

What are Red Acne Marks?

Red acne marks are a byproduct of the skin’s natural healing process. The inflammation response that occurred due to the damage to the skin creates a lingering hyperpigmentation that can be red or brown in color. This differs from actual acne scars in that it is typically only the upper layers of skin affected. True scarring occurs when there is deeper damage to the skin surface, which can take longer and be more difficult to heal. Acne scars are not just discoloring – they typically include dips or pits in the skin as well.

Read: What are the different types of acne scars?

How to Treat Red Acne Marks

The first action you should take to treat your red acne marks is to take care of the acne as it heals to reduce the amount of time that the skin will be red or discolored. Use gentle skin care products that are formulated for treating acne, both during breakouts and after. You do not want to use products that will irritate your skin, as this can lead to further breakouts and other problems. In addition to your skin care treatment, which should include washing, exfoliation, and moisturizer, you should always wear sunscreen. This protects the healing skin from further damage by UV rays.

What Not to Do When You Have Red Marks from Acne

You want to avoid using skin lightening treatments, as the red marks are not connected to melanin, which is often what those products treat. Additionally, some of the ingredients, such as kojic acid and hydroquinone, can be toxic and contribute to even more problems. Naturally soothing ingredients, such as licorice root extract, aloe and vitamin C, can promote the skin’s natural healing process and expedite the process until your skin tone is back to normal. Additionally, never pick at your blemishes, as this can contribute to scarring and other more dramatic problems.

Before you begin treating the red marks caused by acne, you should always treat the acne first. This will also help to prevent red marks from forming, as well as reduce the time it takes for them to disappear. If you have a bad problem with acne, then you should speak with a dermatologist to discover the best treatment possible to stop you from breaking out. A dermatologist can also help you to treat the red spots and acne scars that linger long after the blemishes. It may take time for your skin to properly heal, but you can expedite the process and have clear and bright skin that looks as though you have never had a blemish.

Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.

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Acne Scar Consultation – What to Expect

Acne Scar Consultation - What to Expect

Many people who have acne are embarrassed by it, and feel as though it interferes with their social lives. When you have acne, the last thing you want is a permanent reminder of it with the scars that are left behind. Fortunately there are ways to treat acne scars that can give you a much clearer complexion. The first step to any treatment begins with an acne scar consultation. If you have never had one before, you may be wondering what to expect.

Starts With a Discussion

Typically, the initial consultation will be with your dermatologist, although you might start discussing scar treatment with your general practitioner. The consultation begins with a discussion about your acne and the residual scars. Your doctor will ask questions to learn your goals, as well as your history with acne, and previous acne treatment. Before your appointment, compile a list of the medications, skin products or other treatments you have used for both your acne and the scarring, as this will help your doctor plan further treatment. Do not be shy about your feelings about your acne scars, and be honest about what you have tried. The more information your doctor has, the better he or she will be able to help you. You will also need to answer questions about your general health.

Examination

The next step in the consultation will be a skin examination. Your doctor will look closely at the acne scars and any active acne lesions you may have to better understand your specific condition. The doctor may also take pictures that can help with monitoring the efficacy of treatment.

Discussing Treatment Options

Next, your doctor will talk with you about the available treatment options. If you still have acne, your doctor will work on treating the acne before starting scar treatment. Depending on the extent and type of scarring, the treatment may include a cream, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, collagen-induction therapy, fillers, skin resurfacing using laser therapy, chemical peeling, or injections with corticosteroids or other medications. Your doctor will talk with you about the options best suited to your situation.

When you discuss treatment options, be sure to ask questions so that you feel comfortable with the plan. Some important questions include: how long does the treatment take, is there any pain involved in the treatment, will there be a period of healing time after the treatment, how long will it take to see results, will the treatment even out the skin tone, and what is the cost of the treatment? Most importantly, be sure to get all your questions answered!

You have many options for acne scar treatment. Seek professional help to find the best option for you.

Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer!

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How to Get Rid of Back Acne Scars

How to Get Rid of Back Acne Scars

Although back acne scars are easier to hide than those on the face, it is still a frustrating and embarrassing problem for both men and women. You may feel you always have to wear a T-shirt, or you cannot wear bathing suits, anything backless or sleeveless, or other clothes that will expose your back. However, there is hope. You can get rid of your back acne scars so that they no longer determine what you pull out of your wardrobe.

Take Care of your Skin

The first step in reducing back acne scars is to reduce the potential for scarring. If you have back acne, you should treat it properly so that there is less chance it creates scars. Rather than picking acne lesions, use acne treatment creams to address the problem. Acne is caused by bacteria and clogged pores, hormonal imbalance, food allergies, or other medical conditions. Be sure to keep your back clean and use a treatment recommended by your doctor to reduce acne. Additionally, address any underlying conditions that can trigger acne. Once you have your acne under control, then you can work on treating the scars.

Read: What are the different types of acne scars?

You also want to take care of your skin in general to promote its natural healing, which reduces the risk of scarring. Always wear sunscreen, don’t smoke, drink plenty of water, exercise, get plenty of rest and eat healthily. A healthy diet will provide the natural nutrients your skin needs to heal, and it will also help to decrease your acne as well.

Treatment Options for Back Acne Scars

There are a few treatment options for back acne scars. For very bad scarring, your doctor may recommend microdermabrasion, laser, dermabrasion or even scar revision surgery. Start with the least invasive option and go from there.

The first step is to try a topical scar treatment cream. A stable form of vitamin C is the best ingredient to have in a scar treatment cream. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and protects the skin against free radicals. Vitamin C is also necessary for building collagen, an important component of skin cells. It will help to grow new, healthy skin cells to replace the damaged scar tissue.

When choosing an acne scar cream, be sure to avoid ingredients that can potentially irritate your skin and trigger breakouts. Avoid creams that contain preservatives and fragrances if you can as these can cause irritation, acne breakouts and even contact dermatitis.

Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.

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Acne Scars Not Healing?

Acne Scars Not Healing?

Are your acne scars not healing as well as you would like? Acne scars can sometimes be quite deep and require special attention. Acne occurs when the body’s sebaceous follicles plug up with bacteria and dead skin cells. Your body has a natural inflammatory response that often leads to skin injury and scarring. Fresh acne sscars eventually become less inflamed and begin to form flat, reddish lesions that doctors call maculae. Maculae may darken on the skin where the inflammation was. Unfortunately, some people do develop permanent acne scars at such sites. Your skin may appear to be indented or sunken. So, what to do?

Begin applying InviCible’s therapeutic scar cream to your acne scars as soon as inflammation and rawness subsides. InviCible’s ingredients were specifically chosen to help reduce acne scars and to promote the fading of acne dark spots. To further enhance and minimize your acne scar’s healing process, be sure to protect your acne or dark spots from the sun. This will darken the scars further than is absolutely necessary. If your acne is on your face or scalp, wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun. If your acne is on your back, don’t expose your back to the sun. It’s damaging, and could darken your scars further. Keep the area clean and dry.

If your acne scars are not healing, it may be because you are using the wrong scar treatment product to heal the area. Try a twice-daily application of InviCible, with Dual Vitamin C complex. Dual Vitamin C complex helps to normalize collagen production — a natural part of the healing process —improves acne scarring by making scars more flush with your healthy skin. If your acne scars tend to darken, apply InviCible to help decrease production of dark pigment. ProBiosyn-4™ is a group of ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. They include Aloe Vera and Licorice extract, which help to limit acne flare-ups. Licorice extract is especially helpful in dispersing the abnormal dark pigmentation responsible for dark acne marks.

When scars do not appear to be healing, most likely there is an agent that’s irritating the area. If you’ve been keeping the area clean and dry, then the only other possibility is your scar treatment cream. Many scar treatment creams contain ingredients that successfully lighten scars in the short term, but irritate and aggravate scar tissue over the long term such as Kojic Acid and Hydroquinone.

Believe it or not, Vitamin E does not promote speedy healing! Instead, it can promote contact dermatitis. InviCible Scars is a therapeutic combination of safe ingredients that will allow your scar to heal, finally. InviCible’s safety profile is top notch and has even been awarded the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and is one of only 300 products in compliance with the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. Daily application of safe and effective InviCible scar cream, in combination with avoidance of the sun, a healthy diet, daily exercise, will ensure a speedy reduction in scar tissue prominence and improved aesthetic appearance.

Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.

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Does Kojic Acid Work on Acne Scars?

Does Kojic Acid Work on Acne Scars?

Kojic acid is a substance produced by certain Japanese mushrooms. It is also a by-product of the fermentation process utilized in making sake (Japanese rice wine.) It is often found in scar therapies thanks to its ability to lighten skin, including dark scars and other dark spots. However, kojic acid is a potentially dangerous ingredient and individuals considering a scar therapy cream containing kojic acid should learn more about its dangers before deciding to use it.

The short answer to the question, “Does Kojic Acid Work on Acne Scars?” is yes – but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Like hydroquinone, kojic acid can lighten dark scars and spots and even improve melasma (a skin discoloration associated with pregnancy and oral contraceptive use), but its effectiveness is limited to the dark pigment of scars and it does not address other scar needs such as flattening, softening, or reducing in any way other than lightening. In addition, studies suggest some potentially serious health effects.

Heightened Skin Sensitivity and Allergic Reactions: Skin Deep, a database of thousands of cosmetics and their safety profiles, cites kojic acid as moderately to highly hazardous as a cosmetic ingredient, pointing to concerns such as allergies, increased skin sensitivity, and possible hormone disruption. Skin sensitization is a problem because it can result in allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis can cause bumps or a rash, pain, itching, blisters, and dry patches of skin. Its symptoms may mimic those of contact with poison ivy.

Increased Risk of Sun Damage: Kojic acid may also make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage. That’s because it can weaken your skin’s natural defense against harmful UV rays by reducing the amount of melanin present.

Lack of Research: Another problem with kojic acid is the lack of substantial research done to confirm its safety. Some studies suggest a possible link to cell mutation and tumor formation in mammals. Animal studies show kidney, liver, cardiovascular, respiratory, and other side effects, and extensive enough research has not been done to prove its safety for humans.

Because of these concerns, kojic acid is best avoided in scar therapies and other cosmetics. Fortunately, there is no need to trade value for safety. Look for a scar therapy that contains ingredients known to be effective and safe, such as:

Dimethicone Silicone: Promotes hydration and improves the appearance of the scar, including color and size.

Vitamin C: Normalizes collagen and lightens the scar.

ProBiosyn-4: Restores the lipid biolayer, improving hydration and skin elasticity and reducing scar visibility.

Besides kojic acid, other ingredients you should avoid in your scar therapy because they are unsafe or ineffective include hydroquinone, vitamin E, preservatives (including parabens), and fragrances. Also beware of ingredients that, while not necessarily unsafe, may have no scar healing benefits at all, such as petroleum jelly and onion extract.

Along with your scar therapy, be sure to avoid smoking, get plenty of exercise, and consume fruits, vegetables, protein, and other healthy foods for optimal scar healing.

Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.

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