A pimple when it breaks out on the skin can cause stress and then it leaves behind some marks that are even more stressful and frustrating. It lingers on for a long time and does not go away on its own. Dealing with pimples was not enough that after it’s gone we need to deal with pimple marks.
An irritated, inflamed pimple leaves behind a spot after clearance. When you pop or burst your pimple it causes skin irritation and leaves behind a dark and pale spot. Sun exposure makes it more dark.
Creams are daily routine skincare that provide moisturization and hydration. But it is not enough to deal with other concerns. A pimple mark cannot be removed using a basic moisturizing cream, for that you need to use a specialized cream to remove pimple marks. You might need proper guidance while selecting the correct product for your skin type.
Firstly you need to understand your skin type, then you need to search for products that have ingredients which actually help in fading acne spots. Do not select any random product that does not contain any actual ingredient that helps. Also avoid products that claim to give action overnight or any miracle product.
Acne marks and the reason behind
Acne marks are the post symptoms of acne that stays after an acne clears out and looks like flat and dark marks. They can be categorized into:
- Post Inflammatory Erythema: It appears like a red, pink or purple mark that is persistent. It is caused due to stretched and damaged capillaries that are caused by swelling and irritation. It occurs mostly in fair skin types.
- Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: It looks flat and dark spots that occur after acne and are not true scars. It looks like pale and brown spots. It occurs due to excess melanin production that is triggered by skin irritation and inflammation and sends signals to melanocytes to produce melanin in higher amounts.
How does acne marks reduction cream work?
A cream for removing pimple marks works by following mechanism like
- Inhibiting melanin secretion: It does so by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production. It helps in preventing further pigmentation and darkening of spots.
- Blocking melanin pathway: It works by inhibiting melanin from transferring to the skin cells and causing darkening of spots.
- Skin barrier rebuilding: It must help in repairing the damaged skin barrier which provides protection to skin and locks in skin hydration by sealing gaps.
- Fastened cell shedding: It should promote increased shedding of dead skin cells. It helps in removing pigmented cells out faster.
- Blood vessels constriction: The cream helps in calming skin irritation and helps in bringing back capillaries to their normal size by blocking chemical inflammatory mediators like plasmin and prostaglandins.
Ingredients that can perform acne marks reduction
- Niacinamide: It does not directly inhibit melanin production but works by blocking melanin transfer pathway which prevents melanin from reaching the skin cells and prevents darkening of pimple spots. With time it also helps in fading of the spots. Niacinamide has been beneficial for skin barrier repair and promotes natural skin radiance by reducing redness.
- Liposomal tranexamic acid: It is a liposomal microsphere so it penetrates deep into the skin and helps in clearing out dark spots efficiently. It releases gradually giving a long term action. It helps in reducing pimple spots by blocking the chemical signals that are responsible for melanin secretion. It also works by inhibiting plasmin, an enzyme that is responsible for post breakout inflammation and redness and brings capillaries back to their normal size.
- Alpha arbutin: This is an alternative for hydroquinone and it is derived from plants which makes it a safe and biodegradable alternative. It inhibits the functioning of the tyrosinase enzyme which is accountable for melanin secretion. Thus it is helpful in reducing melanin levels and helps in fading of pimple spots.
Ingredients that can be avoided
- Hydroquinone: It is advised to use it with medical guidance. It can be effective in fading spots but long time use can cause ochronosis.
- Benzoyl peroxide: It is beneficial in dealing with pimples but not in fading acne marks.
- Highly fragrant ingredients: It is better to not use ingredients that impart fragrance or perfume as they are not suitable and can be quite irritating to acne prone skin and increase chances of new acne.
Skin suitability
Ingredients like niacinamide, tranexamic acid and alpha arbutin are the most suitable choice of ingredients.
The correct approach while using an acne marks reduction cream
Last thoughts
For reducing those dark spots that occur after acne you need to select the right acne marks reduction cream for your skin type. Creams are already a part of daily skincare so using a cream to remove pimple marks can be an easy step to incorporate. You have to be conscious while selecting a product and have to follow a proper routine for getting results.
Always use sunscreen to protect spots from darkening while going out. Always be cautious while choosing the right cream. Acne has been dealt with now you only need the right cream for removing those spots and then you can achieve a clean skin.
