How to Get Rid of Pimple Marks?
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The occurrence of an unexpected, unwelcomed pimple (or maybe four) is vexing as it is, but it’s the after effects i.e. the acne scars and the stubborn dark marks that it leaves behind, that are more dreadful. Nobody, mind you, nobody likes them! An average pimple might stay for 5-7 days, but the mark it leaves behind, there’s no guarantee as to when it goes. It could even stay for forever!
While we can’t offer you a magic wand that will help you in getting rid of those stubborn pimples overnight, we’re here to alleviate your agony by making you understand what causes these marks and scars and how you can treat them. So go ahead and give it a read.
The Difference Between An Acne Mark And Acne Scar
The funda is very simple — if you want to treat them, learn about them first.
An acne mark is a light pink or a dark mark on the skin, and it’s different from an acne scar. When a pimple occurs, the inflammation in the skin causes this mark to appear. The presence of this mark is considered to be a part of the healing process. Usually, these marks fade away on their own after a few days or weeks.
On the contrary, an acne scar is formed when there is some serious damage to the skin. This further leads to abnormal collagen production, and the scar appears very bumpy and raised from the skin’s level.
These pimple marks a.k.a acne scars or marks – the occurrence of some of them is inevitable and completely outside our control whereas some can even be predetermined. Coming to the causes, there are many factors that can lead to acne or pimples apart from just the genetic factors. In fact, it’s the lifestyle habits that contribute to dark marks and scars. Now that we have given you this information, let us also tell you how you can get rid of these confidence-killing scars.
Medical Treatments That Help Get Rid Of Pimple Marks
We recommend that you consult your dermatologist to understand the nature and occurrence of your pimples and then opt for a medical treatment that is best suited to treat the pimple marks. From spot treatments to laser procedures, there are various options out there that will help you fight your pimple marks, have a look.
1. Salicylic Acid
It is a naturally occurring compound and if you notice, it’s very commonly used as an ingredient in acne skin care products. For those who live with acne, salicylic acid is an excellent addition to their skincare routine.
Salicylic acid helps to clear dirt and other debris from the pores of the skin. It also reduces the swelling and redness which helps reduce chances of scarring (1).
2. Retinoids
They work overtime continuously to increase the cell turnover which leads to fading of the hyperpigmentation. What we mean to say that there are certain topical retinoids that help cells divide rapidly by pushing out the discolored pigments that cause scars or marks (2).
Remember that retinoids leave your skin super-sensitive to the sun, therefore, wearing SPF along with it is a must!
3. Chemical Peels
It is a treatment wherein mild solutions are applied to the skin for regeneration and refinement. This process promotes cell turnover of the skin, and this helps in the formation of the new skin which evens out the skin tone. Chemical peels usually have glycolic acid as their main ingredient (3). You can get chemical peels done by a dermatologist as well as at home as there are over-the-counter chemical peels that you can lay your hands on.
4. Dermarolling
Haven’t you come across these little needle rollers, yet? They are all over social media. Turns out that they can be more helpful to us than just serving as props for a cute Insta video. Micro-needling is a technique that creates a small injury on the skin which in turn helps to boost elastin and collagen production (4). This improves the appearance of scars, fine wrinkles, and reduces hyperpigmentation.
5. Natural Home Remedies
From orange peels to coconut oil, from aloe vera to lemon juice, there are various natural ingredients available at your home that can help you get rid of the pimple marks. Make use of besan (chickpea flour), turmeric, milk, and water to make a DIY scrub that will brighten your face and lighten the marks. You’ll find many such home remedies on the Internet, pick your fav one and try it out.
Always remember that you need to be patient while you’re recovering from acne. Also, make a note to not use any harsh product on your skin during this process. Be gentle with your skin and you’ll surely see faster results. How do you get rid of your pimple marks? Let us know in the comments below.
