Ointments and creams that will really help with acne scars

Most people first encounter acne or acne during adolescence - hormonal changes during puberty do not have the best effect on the skin. Acne can also occur in adults; the cause of its occurrence cannot always be determined.

Doctors have learned to cope with acne, treatment is long, requires patience and careful adherence to recommendations.

In mild forms of the disease, no traces of rashes remain on the skin. In other cases, healed acne on the face is reminiscent of enlarged pores or blood vessels, stagnant spots, pigmentation, and, most often, scars or cicatrices.

They can be atrophic, with a low level of collagen in the skin, or hypertrophic, where it is high; such scars sometimes grow. All this is post-acne, it causes a lot of inconvenience and reduces the quality of life. Post-acne is treated depending on the nature of the manifestations:

• pigmentation - chemical peelings;
• for stagnant and vascular spots - vasoconstrictor cosmetics;
• Scars and enlarged pores can be treated with peeling or laser, injections of hyaluronic acid.

Most procedures can only be performed in a beauty salon; it is much easier to cure post-acne using hardware procedures.

But a lot can be done at home using special anti-acne products. The fight against acne marks is carried out with the help of whitening and skin-smoothing cosmetics.

What properties should a scar cream have?

In more than 70% of cases, acne on the face goes away even with improper treatment, but after squeezing it out, it can leave behind a large number of marks - scars. However, about 85% of people primarily use creams or ointments to remove scars. Only if these measures are ineffective are radical methods suggested by a plastic surgeon used.

A cream for acne scars should have the following properties:

• prevention and elimination of inflammatory processes;
• moisturizing, preventing the removal of moisture from the layers of the epithelium;
• healing, regeneration;
• whitening, cleansing;
• strengthening, nutrition, protection;
• restoration of elasticity and collagen fibers.

Restoring collagen in the epithelium is not always useful - if colloid scars have formed, increased production of this protein will only worsen the situation.

If acne scars remain on the face, it is necessary to use a cream or ointment for sensitive skin, otherwise inflammation or allergic reactions cannot be avoided.

Important! When choosing a drug for scars, it is best to rely on the professionalism of a dermatologist; only he can offer the most effective and safe remedies.

Features of therapy

To cope with post-acne, it is very important to provide the skin with complete care. To do this, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

• It is forbidden to squeeze out acne yourself,
• The product should be applied to cleansed and dried skin,
• It is recommended to treat stains in summer or autumn,
• during therapy, the affected areas of the dermis should be protected from ultraviolet radiation,
• In addition to ointments, it is useful to use products containing vitamin C.

To speed up the skin restoration process, you should review your diet. The menu should predominantly consist of fresh fruits and vegetables. At the same time, it is better to avoid smoked meats, fatty and fried foods.

Creams

You need to get rid of post-acne when there is no inflammation on the skin and pimples are cured. But this doesn’t always happen, so post-acne creams should contain anti-inflammatory components and acids that gently exfoliate the skin.

Mizon Mizon Acence Mark X Blemish After Cream – with propolis

Many consider this product a failure of Korean cosmetologists. But is this really so? Most failures are due to improper use of the cream. It is applied at night only pointwise in two stages: first, rub the product into problem areas until it is completely absorbed, then apply again to form a film.

When used correctly, the effect is noticeable quite quickly: the size of dark spots decreases and they become lighter. But you won’t be able to completely get rid of them. To enhance skin regeneration, the cream contains Asian centella.

Inflammation is treated with propolis, its concentration is 12.5%. This beekeeping product has proven antibacterial properties, which is why its effect on the skin is almost instantaneous: pimples disappear overnight, leaving no traces.

For this alone, the cream can be recommended for use. The essential oils and plant extracts contained in the composition have a beneficial effect on the skin; allantoin and hyaluronic acid soothe it and promote regeneration, which also moisturizes it.

Advantages:

• suitable for any skin type;
• does not cause peeling;
• the light yellow substance is quite dense, so it is used sparingly;
• allowed for use by pregnant women.

Flaws:

• sometimes causes allergies - testing is required before use;
• It is not effective against acne scars.

The cream will be useful for those who constantly develop new rashes.

Noreva laboratories Exfoliac Acnomega 200 – with salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates skin cells through an acid peel.

Salicylic acid penetrates lipids well, making it suitable for exfoliation for people with oily skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid are used to relieve breakouts and prevent new ones from appearing.

The French laboratory Merck Medicasion Familiar has improved the formula of the famous 15 exfoliac cream and created an innovative complex of hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids. They have a prolonged keratolytic and keratoregulating effect. By relieving inflammation and regulating sebum secretion, they do not irritate the skin.

Its tone and relief are evened out, pores are narrowed, blackheads are reduced. The consistency of the cream is thick, viscous, it has a pale yellow color, dense and sticky. The smell is weak, peculiar, and disappears quickly. The cream is packaged in a 30ml tube.

Advantages:

• mattifies the skin;
• reduces the depth of wrinkles;
• single application during the day;
• Suitable for combination and oily skin.

Flaws:

• does not always clear up rashes;
• Application in summer requires additional UV protection.

The cream is especially suitable for those who have closed comedones on their skin.

Bioderma Sebium Global – removes post-acne

An innovation from the Bioderma laboratory - Sebium Global cream is created for problem skin. It successfully combines anti-inflammatory and regenerating components.

AHA acids successfully cope with exfoliation, salicylic acid penetrates oily skin and affects both inflammation itself and post-acne. The cream contains a high concentration of acids - up to 10%, which ensures their activity. Zinc gluconate is an anti-inflammatory reagent.

Enoxolon heals microdamages well. Bakuquinol has antibacterial activity and controls sebum production; it is a good antioxidant. The cream has a gel consistency, it is absorbed slowly, and the sensations are quite unpleasant: itching, redness, burning.

There is no need to be scared - this is exactly how glycolic peeling works on the face. If you have not used this product before, it is better to start with spot application to monitor the skin reaction. The cream is packaged in soft plastic tubes with an elongated spout, which is protected by a foil coating.

Advantages:

• effectiveness, included in the top best creams;
• does not dry the skin;
• removes blackheads;
• tightens pores;
• mattifies;
• eliminates inflammation.

Flaws:

• rolls down;
• does not go under makeup;
• Requires UV protection.

One of the best anti-acne creams, suitable for skin accustomed to acid peeling.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo(+) - with double effect

The innovative formula of the cream is ensured by the addition of 2 new active ingredients: La Roche-Posay thermal water, rich in selenium, soothing irritated skin and mannose, a conditioner that retains moisture.

That is why after a single application of the cream, the skin remains moisturized for 24 hours. The company's patented ceramide Prokerad acts at all stages of the development of inflammation, so post-acne in the form of dark or red spots does not appear, and those that already exist after acne fade within a day after the start of use.

The manufacturer guarantees that they will noticeably shrink after 8 days, and after 4 weeks, sebum production will normalize, pores will cleanse, and the skin will noticeably smooth out. The cream is suitable as a base for makeup and can be applied once a day.

The texture of the product is gel, light, white cream, absorbed instantly. Its consumption is reduced if, after washing, you use thermal water and, without listening to your face, apply cream, avoiding the area around the eyes. The product is contained in a white soft plastic tube with a volume of 40 ml.

Advantages:

• hydration;
• matting;
• reduces skin imperfections;
• easy application.

Flaws:

• not suitable for everyone;
• high price.

The cream is recommended for problem skin with severe imperfections and clogged pores.

AVENE Cleanance HYDRA - for sensitive skin

AVENE cosmetics are designed for dry and irritated skin. This is exactly what happens after acne treatment. They cope with its imperfections by adding healing thermal water.

AVENE Cleanance HY cream contains cocoa, shea butter, and jojoba butter for nutrition. Bisabolol, obtained from chamomile, soothes irritated skin, reduces redness, leads to lightening, regenerates tissue, has an antimicrobial effect, and improves the penetration of nutrients into the dermis. Zinc gluconate dries out inflammation and regulates sebum production.

Thanks to bisabolol, the cream has a light floral scent that quickly dissipates. The 40 ml soft plastic package contains a substance similar in texture to a cream and a gel at the same time; it is easily applied and absorbed in 10 minutes.

Advantages:

• moisturizes;
• nourishes;
• calms;
• reduces redness;
• does not create a feeling of greasy;
• non-comedogenic.

Flaws:

• during long-term storage it delaminates;
• not suitable as a base for makeup.

The cream is intended for sensitive and allergenic skin.

ONmacabim Multi Function Black Cream - against post-acne, comedones, acne

The Japanese were the first to use innovative cosmetics with volcanic ash. Now it is included in the beauty products of many famous brands. The Israeli company ONmacabim did not stand aside either. In Multi Function Black Cream, volcanic ash is one of the main ingredients.

It perfectly cleanses the skin of the face, as it easily absorbs the minerals, organic compounds and trace elements it contains, including iodine, selenium, boron and rubidium. Ash has antibacterial and antiparasitic properties, controls the functioning of the sebaceous glands, cleanses pores and narrows them.

Thanks to it, the mineral balance of the skin is restored, inflammation is relieved, redness fades, and blood circulation improves. The cream contains medicinal plant extracts with antibacterial activity, they reduce inflammation and improve local immunity.

Ascorbic acid is added to the cream as an antioxidant, and a whole complex of acids is added for exfoliation: salicylic, lactic, azelaic. The enzyme of marine microflora (Thiopeptide) fights the pathological manifestations of acne and post-acne. Apply the cream to the skin after cleansing with gel and lotion at night.

Advantages:

• innovative composition;
• clinically proven effectiveness;
• softens the skin;
• helps with age-related problems.

Flaws:

• high price.

The cream helps eliminate the imperfections of problematic oily skin.

Uriage Hyseac 3-regul - with complex action

This healing ointment-cream from the famous French cosmetic company Uriage is easiest to buy at a pharmacy, since it rarely appears in cosmetic stores. Its main task is to fight acne and its manifestations. It is solved comprehensively:

• The MPA-regul complex reduces the pathogenicity of P.acnes bacteria, which most often cause acne;
• The TLR2-Regul complex affects inflammation in the early stages;
• licorice extract regulates sebum secretion, reducing the size of the sebaceous glands;
• a complex of acids acts keratolytically - exfoliates dead cells, reducing the thickness of the epidermis and leveling it;
• piroctone olamine has antifungal activity;
• Lentil extract reduces pores;
• Uriage thermal water stabilizes the skin barrier, soothes and moisturizes;
• Powder particles are added for matting.

The product has a delicate texture and is easy to apply. For mild peeling, use it every other day, for moderate peeling – daily.

Advantages:

• mattifies;
• moderate peeling;
• Suitable as a base for makeup.

Flaws:

• small bottle volume;
• price.

The cream is suitable for caring for skin with excess oiliness, dull color and post-acne.

Peelings to get rid of post-acne

Peeling is the exfoliation and dissolution of surface cells (or layers) of the skin in order to smooth out the relief of the face. Superficial peeling is more suitable for daily facial care procedures - its effect on the skin is very gentle. This exfoliation involves the use of fruit and lactic acids.

To combat scars, medium and deep types of peels are used. The main active ingredient in the first case is trichloroacetic acid of varying concentrations (it is selected by the doctor depending on the severity of post-acne). It dissolves the epidermal layers of the skin, allowing it to even out its surface (areas with scars and healthy skin).

Medium peels are done during periods of inactive sun, because in the process they remove the protective layer of the skin. And its internal structures remain defenseless against the effects of ultraviolet radiation. To avoid hyperpigmentation, peelings are recommended in early spring and late autumn.

This procedure is also traumatic. As the superficial layers of the epidermis dissolve, controlled damage to the skin occurs. Redness and swelling appear. After this, the processes of regeneration and renewal are launched - young cells are created to replace the destroyed ones. Synthesis of collagen framework fibers occurs, which can fill the “dips” at the site of acne.

Deep peeling is carried out using phenol compounds. They completely destroy the epidermis, and the deep layers of the dermis are partially affected. This type of peeling requires full anesthesia and a long recovery period. After the procedure, the patient seems to grow “new” skin. It is used for severe skin lesions when other treatments are ineffective.

Priztin

Cream against stretch marks, scars and other skin imperfections. Manufacturer – India. Priztin is made based on Ayurvedic teachings. The cream is distinguished not only by its effectiveness, but also by its cost - only from 150 to 300 rubles.

It effectively eliminates stretch marks and scars after surgery, as well as acne scars, spots on the face or chest.

The drug should be applied twice a day, the course of treatment should not exceed 6 months.

It contains medicinal herbs growing in India, so it should be used with caution for sensitive skin and during pregnancy. Cannot be used on open wounds.

Scars as one of the types of post-acne

Acne scars are the most common occurrence. They cause great inconvenience to their owner, especially if it is a girl or woman.

Depending on their nature, they are divided into three types:

• atrophic (after skin damage, cells fail to completely “replace” the affected area - a depression is formed);
• hypertrophic (the opposite situation, when too much new tissue is formed and it begins to rise above the surface of the skin);
• keloid (similar to hypertrophic, their main difference is that the keloid scar rises above the skin and extends beyond the affected area).

Several methods are used to get rid of scars. The most famous among them are peelings, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing.

Consequences of acne

A pimple is an inflammatory formation that can open on its own and heal without spots on the body. But for certain reasons, an infection can penetrate inside it. As a result, an ordinary pimple becomes large and red, and purulent contents form inside it.

The body does everything to get rid of bacteria and heal the wound. Granulation tissue appears at the site of the pimple and melanin production increases. The place where the acne was is filled with elastin and collagen. As a result, an area of ​​healthy skin becomes covered with age spots and scars. Pigmentation at the site of acne intensifies when exposed to the sun, so if you have post-acne, you need to use sunscreen.

How a pimple mark will behave in the future depends on many factors:

• skin type;
• features of the skin;
• correct care;
• use of treatment;
• carrying out prevention.

A standard physiological scar resolves after some time, but hypertrophied and atrophic marks can form pits and bumps that will never disappear.

Laser methods for treating scars:

Ablative

(carbon dioxide (CO2) laser; erbium laser (Er:YAG - yttrium aluminum garnet crystal doped with erbium))

— intense but short-term laser pulses heat the water contained in the surface layers of the skin (epidermis). As a result of this, water, and with it the cells of the epidermis, evaporate. Each time the laser beam passes over the surface of the skin, it destroys a certain number of epidermal cells at a strictly controlled depth.

Non-ablative

(diode laser 1450 nm; neodymium laser (Nd:YAG - yttrium aluminum garnet crystal doped with neodymium 1320 nm or 1064 nm, epitaxial erbium glass laser 1540 nm)

- work with lower levels of light energy, so their exposure causes less damage to the skin. The main effect of laser beams is realized in the deep dermal layer of the skin, while the epidermis remains untouched. This reduces the recovery time after laser skin resurfacing and reduces the number of possible complications

ProFractional laser (powered by Sciton Joule)

— Fractional erbium laser 2940 nm. The scanner makes narrow microchannels deep into the skin, covering the entire treated surface with such channels, not completely, but fractionally (partially). This technique is also called fractional thermolysis.

• With fractional thermolysis, adjacent areas of the skin remain intact (untouched), which speeds up the healing process.
• The diameter of the dots (fractional laser channels) generated by the ProFractional laser is 430 microns, and the density of their distribution over the surface is adjustable from 5.5% to 26%.
• ProFractional technology can vaporize tissue (ablation) to depths from 25 microns to 1500 microns in a single pass

Contour TRL laser (on Sciton Joule platform)

— dual-mode erbium laser (Er:YAG) with a wavelength of 2940 nm for laser resurfacing with customizable procedure parameters

• Operating modes: from superficial laser peeling NanoPeel™ (4 - 10 microns of evaporation), MicroLaserPeel™ (from 10 to 50 microns of evaporation) to deep grinding (up to 200 microns of evaporation in one pass with different levels of coagulation).
• Skin resurfacing with a full beam - the surface layer of the epidermis is evaporated in a continuous area to varying depths

Preventing acne marks

You won't have to deal with the effects of breakouts if you prevent acne. To do this, you must follow the following recommendations:

1. As soon as you notice a new pimple, treat it with an antiseptic composition. Don't wait for it to grow to gigantic proportions - act immediately. Both store-bought pencils and lotions and homemade alcohol tinctures will help here.
2. If you have moderate or severe acne, be sure to visit a specialist. He will prescribe you the appropriate treatment - tablets, gels, ointments, etc.
3. Cleanse your skin 2 times a day – morning and evening. Wash your face, remove makeup and wipe your skin with degreasing compounds. Read: - Japanese face wash: complete step-by-step instructions - Korean facial skin care - 10-step system
4. Never squeeze pimples. To clean problem skin, visit a cosmetologist.
5. Touch your face less often.
6. Don't hide acne behind makeup. It only worsens the condition of the skin as it clogs the pores.
7. Do not pick off the crusts that have formed over the opened pimple. They should fall off on their own.
8. Eat right. Problem skin will become covered with acne even faster if you eat spicy, fatty foods, sweets and drink alcohol.
9. Choose cosmetics strictly according to your skin type.