Post-acne marks and scars: What are they?
Post-acne marks are inflammation caused by spots that often appear as persistent red or brown dark marks on the skin.
Red post-acne marks
Spots occur due to the formation of bacteria in the skin pores. The skin reacts to bacteria by increasing blood flow to the area, carrying “soldier” white cells to fight off bugs and repair the damage. This is the formation of spots. Unfortunately, this intense reaction can persist even after the blemish itself has gone, leaving a red mark after the blemishes have cleared.
Brown post-acne marks
As your body fights off a blemish, the inflammation can provoke melanin production within the skin, creating a persistent brown mark. Post-acne marks can last for months after the spot has gone and can be more common on darker skin, although it can affect fair complexions too. Doctors call this type of post-acne mark, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH.
Treatments for red or brown marks
Products to get rid of post-acne marks
If you need to take care of post-acne red marks and dark brown spots, here’s our expert guide.
A key part of getting rid of acne marks is maintaining a consistent skincare routine, tackling all stages of the blemish cycle: oily skin, spots and post-acne marks. Opting for skin treatments with gentle exfoliants like salicylic acid can help bring fresh new skin to the surface. Four recommendations from La Roche-Posay that are worth considering;
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Moisturiser: Moisturise daily with a targeted product.
- Effaclar Duo+M triple action moisturiser, enriched with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, targets oily skin, blemishes, and post-acne marks. This bestselling formula delivers fast visible results in 8 hours*, with up to 3X less breakouts.**
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Alternatively, for adult spots and signs of ageing try Effaclar A.Z. Gel Cream, enriched with azelaic acid and salicylic acid. 74% saw fewer adult spots.***
*Consumer test, 54 subjects, after 1 application.
**Clinical Study, 70 subjects, twice daily application to face, back & chest, 42 days.
***Clinical study, 42 subjects, application twice a day during 56 days
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Serum:
A serum is great at delivering targeted ingredients to the skin. Co-developed with dermatologists and pigmentation experts, Mela B3 combines the multi-patented Melasyl™ ingredient - our active melanin trapper - with 10% Niacinamide. This formulation targets post-acne marks & PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation), fading the appearance of stubborn marks, whilst helping prevent the appearance of future dark spot discolouration. Dark spots clinically reduced for 94%.*
*50 subjects, instrumental measurement of size of overall area of dark spots after 12 weeks.
- Sunscreen: Sun exposure can increase melanin production and exacerbate the appearance of brown and red acne marks on the skin. Always ensure you’re protecting skin daily with a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen. Our Anthelios Anti-Dark Spots SPF50+ is an invisible, light-weight, non-greasy fluid specifically formulated for all skin types and those who experience hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Skincare routine for fighting adult blemishes and acne marks
When it comes to daily care for adult blemishes, be sure to follow an effective clear skin regime and use specific products to target spots and prevent them from turning into post-acne marks. La Roche-Posay has developed the Effaclar range of products specifically tested on acne-prone skin.
- Step 1: Cleanse skin gently twice a day with the Effaclar Cleansing Foaming Gel.
- Step 2: Micro-exfoliate skin to slough off dead cells with Effaclar Clarifying Lotion, which contains LHA for a daily mini-peel effect.
- Step 3: Target adult blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles, with our multi-action Effaclar A.Z Gel Cream.
- Step 4: UV radiation exacerbates the appearance of scars and dark marks, so don’t forget SPF. Discover our Anthelios Anti-Dark Spots SPF50+ specially formulated for dark Be sure to apply it frequently throughout the day.
As always, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist for expert advice on how to tackle any acne-related issue.
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