We’ve gone over what makes you break out, so now it’s time to talk about the scars we sometimes see once the acne is gone. Read on for five tips on how to stop those scars before they start!
Getting ahead of acne is the best way to prevent the scars that it leaves behind. The best way to do this is with prescription acne treatments if you have severe breakouts, but most acne can be treated with skincare you find at your local grocery store. Retinoids, salicylic acid and azelaic acid are all good ingredients for fighting pimples and all of which a doctor may prescribe to you but at higher doses.
At the first sign of a breakout, start with calming inflammation because the more stressed out your skin is the more likely it will leave a scar. You can do this by simplifying the steps in your skincare routine and not by using harsh exfoliants. Believe it or not, but you can’t scrub off your acne no matter how hard you try, all you will do is damage is your skin barrier and make your acne worse!
Picking at your skin may feel like progress or that it will make your skin heal faster, but it won’t. All that does is introduce bacteria further into your skin and makes healing time longer because the wound is now deeper than it was before. This applies even when your acne has scabbed over, don’t pick at it! If it’s not done healing properly, you will see a much more visible scar than if you had left it alone.
If you have large acne cysts then you may to see a doctor for a cortisone shot. This is a surefire way to reduce inflammation in your skin immediately and is a great option for anyone who has had a pimple for months that won’t go away or acne that’s particularly painful. If you’re prone to hyperpigmentation or have a big event you want clear skin for this is also a great option for you.
Since scars are made by the same pigment cells that cause hyperpigmentation, you can prevent them from being activated more by protecting the skin against sun damage. Any damage to the skin will make it want to fight back and darker colored scars will form, so make sure you’re wearing as much sunscreen as you can and try using a mineral SPF to further reduce irritation.
See all TAO Clean products here
Use code: BLOG50 for $$ off