Post-acne: is it possible to get rid of them without polishing and aggressive procedures?

Post—acne is the skin changes that occur after acne heals. These may include various bumps, scars, spots, and other skin imperfections. 

Post-acne can manifest itself in various forms:

- Hyperpigmentation — darkening of the skin in the places of previous rashes.

- Atrophic scars are indented areas of the skin that form after inflammatory processes.  

- Hypertrophic scars are bulging areas that can be painful and red.

Causes of post-acne

Similar consequences may occur due to the duration of the inflammatory process. For example, if acne is not treated properly, it can lead to scarring or pigmentation. 

The risk increases if you have a habit of squeezing out pimples or mechanically damaging the skin in other ways. 

Genetic factors also have an effect: unfortunately, some people have a predisposition to scarring. 

Is it possible to get rid of post-acne without aggressive methods?

Post-acne usually does not cause physical discomfort, but it is unpleasant and undermines self—confidence. 

The good news is that you can get rid of post-acne, and it's not at all a fact that you will need aggressive methods. But the path ahead is not easy.

The effectiveness of more gentle methods depends on the type and severity of post-acne. For example, milder approaches may be effective to eliminate hyperpigmentation and red spots, whereas deep scars require intensive treatment.

How to remove post-acne without aggressive methods?

Something can be done at home on your own and by changing your lifestyle, and in some cases it is recommended to additionally visit a cosmetologist.

Cosmetics with active ingredients

To get rid of traces of post-acne, you should have products with the following active ingredients in your care.

Niacinamide reduces inflammation and redness, reduces excess sebum production, which reduces the risk of acne. It prevents the accumulation of melanin, which helps to lighten dark spots and even out the tone.

Azelaic acid stops the growth of acne-causing bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes, which prevents the spread of inflammation. It suppresses the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which reduces the production of melanin and helps to lighten the hyperpigmentation that occurs after acne. 

Retinoids (for example, retinol) stimulate the process of cellular regeneration, which helps to reduce the appearance of scars and pigmentation. They inhibit the production of melanin, which means they lighten dark spots.

Acids (AHA, BHA) are effective anti–acne agents due to their exfoliating and brightening properties. 

- Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size among AHA, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin. 

- Lactic acid has moisturizing properties and is suitable for sensitive skin. 

- Mandelic acid penetrates more slowly due to the larger size of the molecules, which minimizes irritation. 

- Salicylic acid prevents new rashes and lightens pigmentation. 

- Gluconolactone (refers to PHA acids) moisturizes the skin and helps to lighten hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin C brightens the skin, fights hyperpigmentation and has an antioxidant effect. It also suppresses the production of melanin, which helps reduce dark spots.

Cosmetologist's procedures

Non-invasive procedures in the cosmetologist's office should be connected to self-care. These are non-aggressive methods that help to achieve clean, post-acne-free skin faster. Most of them are applied by courses.

Microcurrent therapy is a non—invasive procedure that uses electrical impulses to improve skin condition. Microcurrents stop the inflammatory process and reduce the number of fresh rashes. The procedure helps to reduce the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation.

Phonophoresis — ultrasonic waves deliver active ingredients to the deep layers of the skin. This enhances their effect and promotes faster recovery. Phonophoresis is effective in combination with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and peptides. 

Mesotherapy is the injection of cocktails directly into problem areas of the skin. Reduces hyperpigmentation and scarring after acne

Biorevitalization – the introduction of hyaluronic acid into the dermis improves skin texture and enhances regeneration. Biorevitalization by itself does not remove post-acne scars, but it is often recommended after resurfacing procedures or other aggressive methods.

HydroFacial is the vacuum removal of impurities and excess sebum from the pores. Prevents the formation of new rashes, improves the microrelief of the skin, reduces the appearance of pores and hyperpigmentation.

Home care

Working with post-acne implies a comprehensive approach, so a qualitative lifestyle change will be required. 

- Avoid foods with a high glycemic index that provoke inflammation. These are white bread, potatoes, sweets and desserts, carbonated drinks.

- Drink plenty of water: skin prone to post-acne needs good hydration.

- Increase your intake of foods rich in antioxidants: berries, especially blueberries and strawberries, vegetables – with an emphasis on spinach and broccoli, walnuts and almonds, green tea, citrus fruits and pomegranates.

- Protect your skin from the sun: pigmentation can increase under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, so the use of SPF 30+ is mandatory.

- Use mild enzyme peels: they help to remove dead cells without damaging the skin.

When is it necessary to use aggressive methods?

If standard care procedures and light peels do not give the desired result, it may be necessary to switch to more aggressive methods.

Here are a few cases where it is worth discussing with a specialist options for more aggressive treatment.:

- If there are deep atrophic or hypertrophic scars on the skin. Their correction may require laser resurfacing or microneedle therapy. 

- To remove stubborn dark spots left after acne. Chemical peels or phototherapy may be required.

- In complex cases of inflammation and in the presence of active inflammatory elements. 

However, even in these cases, aggressive methods can be combined with more gentle ones. This allows for a comprehensive approach to post-acne treatment.