Experts On How To Prevent and Tackle Acne Scars and PIH
Dealing with acne scars and those annoying dark spots (aka post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) can be a real struggle. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’m sharing some expert tips and must-know recommendations to help you prevent and tackle those pesky scars and spots for smoother, clearer skin.
In Summary:
The best way to keep them at bay is by religiously using SPF, and if you’re already dealing with them, there’s hope with some powerful actives that target melanin production. If the problem persists, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. However, here is the expert’s advice on the interim, everyday steps you can take. Wearing SPF daily was the consensus!
1. Prevent with SPF
“My top tip would be to use high SPF. When tackling PIH, a daily application of a high SPF will help those darker areas from worsening and also help against the formation of new pigmentation. – Amber Colbourn, Eucerin Training Manager UK & ROI
Amber recommends Sun Oil Control Gel-Cream SPF50+, which is her favourite SPF because it is SPF50 and designed specifically for blemish-prone skin.
“Use SPF! People with oily, blemish-prone skin can struggle with SPF as they are concerned it can block pores. Look for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog the skin as this will help prevent post inflammatory pigmentation from spots too.” – Charlotte Wood, Avene Training Consultant
Charlotte recommends Avene’s Cleanance SPF50+ tinted or non-tinted. It has an ultra-lightweight texture that is non-comedogenic (won’t block pores) and will ensure the skin stays protected from daily sun damage. It offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, and High-Energy Visible Blue light. These SPFs will not only help prevent scarring but also reduce blemishes, leaving the skin brighter and clearer.
“My top tip would be to always ensure you are using a SPF 50+ product in your acne routine to prevent any sun induced acne scarring or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation later on. Of course, sunscreen does not eliminate scars entirely but it does play a crucial role as being preventative, preventing additional damage to existing scars. UVA and UVB rays from the sun can make areas of scarring or post-inflammatory more obvious and noticeable and can contribute to their darkening which can leave someone with acne feeling even more self-conscious. So SPF 50+ needs to be applied daily to set your skin up in good stead!” – Gemma Jones Brand Trainer
Gemma recommends cleansing your face first with a well-formulated cleanser for acne-prone skin, such as Bioderma’s Sebium Foaming Gel, which helps with sebum secretion levels, or Sebium Activ Foaming Gel, which is a gentle and exfoliating cleanser for more persistent breakouts. Then, apply your daily blemish control moisturiser, such as Bioderma’s Sebium Kerato+ gel, and then go in with Bioderma’s Cicabio Cream+ SPF50+.
Cicabio Cream+ SPF50+ is a repairing multi-purpose healing cream for all types of damaged, irritated and weakened skin. Still, the SPF 50+ version has a lightweight and breathable texture that is perfect for those with acne wanting to treat their acne scarring. It contains hyaluronic acid, polyglumatic acid and collagen-boosting sugar to promote faster and better skin healing. It also has a Triple Action Anti-Hyperpigmentation Complex which protects from UVA/UVB rays and limits hyperpigmentation marks and scarring.
“Daily sun protection is a vital part of any skincare routine. It’s easy to build some sun protection into your skincare routine by using a daily SPF such as Vichy’s Capital Soleil UV Clear Daily SPF50+, formulated specifically for blemish-prone skin. It is important to use a daily SPF with a high protection factor, even on cloudy days, to protect skin from UV damage.” – Dr Alia Ahmed, Consultant Physcohdermatologist for Vichy
2. Tackle With Actives That Target The Root Cause
“If you have more mature skin (not teen), using a retinol in the evening routine such as the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum as it can help to fade dark marks/post-acne marks, while also evening skin tone and protecting the skin’s natural barrier. This can be great if you want to address pigmentation and maintain youthful looking skin.” – Emily La Roche-Posay Brand Expert
“To tackle the pigmentation and those darker areas, using our patented Thiamidol gets to the root cause of hyperpigmentation and is the best solution to even out skin tone. Our 2-step routine combining DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Cleansing Gel and the DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Serum will care, treat and reduce pigmentation over time so you can be confident throughout the day whilst our powerful, proven actives get to work fading those darker areas” – Amber Colbourn, Eucerin Training Manager UK & ROI
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