TAGS: SUNSCREEN, MINERAL SUNSCREEN, SPF 50, VITAMIN C SERUM, SKIN DISCOLORATION, DARK SPOT CORRECTOR, SKIN SERUM

How to Prevent and Correct Post-Acne Skin Discoloration

1. Anti-acne skincare
2. Prevent post-acne discoloration
3. Targeted treatments for skin discoloration
4. Professional treatments

The battle with one's skin and acne is not quite finished once the blemishes are gone. Post-acne discoloration in the form of brown or red marks can linger after acne has healed. Yet it’s important to understand that these spots aren’t technically scars, but rather areas of increased pigment that form as the skin’s response to inflammation; therefore, we are dealing with skin discoloration on face. Follow these simple steps to overcome acne discoloration.

1. Uneven skin tone

Acne prone skin requires a personalized, targetting routine to ensure pores are not clogged. An anti-acne regimen should include gentle exfoliation with ingredients like lipo-hydroxy and salicylic acids, as well as targeted acne spot treatments that help minimize excess oil. Retinol can be another useful ingredient, since this vitamin A derivative works double-duty by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells that can potentially clog pores while helping to improve the appearance of skin discoloration.

2. Aging and sun damage

It’s also important to take steps that can help prevent post-acne discoloration as you get your complexion under control. Perhaps the most important rule is to avoid picking active blemishes or scabs that may form as the skin heals. In addition, a daily antioxidant vitamin C serum such as our Phloretin CF may be the best choice for those with normal, oily, and combination skin that’s prone to breakouts. In addition to L-ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C) and ferulic acid, this antioxidant cocktail features a plant-derived antioxidant called phloretin that has been shown to provide protection against the free-radical damage that may contribute to skin discoloration while improving existing uneven skin tone.

The easiest implementation to prevent acne discoloration would be using a mineral sunscreen. And not just once every two weeks: daily use. UV rays play a major role in the development of skin pigment and protecting the skin from sun exposure can help minimize the appearance of stubborn post-acne marks once blemishes have healed. We offer several SPF 50 mineral sunscreen options, including radiance-enhancing and mattifying formulas that instantly improve the appearance of skin tone and help absorb excess oil throughout the day.

3. Melasma

Although several effective ingredients for acne-prone skin can help improve the appearance of post-acne marks as well, products that are specifically formulated to address skin discoloration can help achieve the best possible results—and often in less time.

Integrate a dark spot corrector to target and reduce the signs of acne discoloration. A lightweight daily-use serum, Discoloration Defense has been shown to significantly reduce the appearance of visible skin discoloration, including red and brown post-acne marks. Featuring 3% tranexamic acid, 1% kojic acid, 5% niacinamide, and 5% HEPES (a sulfonic acid that promotes the skin’s natural exfoliation process), this potent cocktail of anti-discoloration ingredients works synergistically to promote even skin tone, help prevent new dark spots on face from forming, reduce the appearance of discoloration and improve skin brightness—and improvement can be seen in as little as two weeks. Furthermore, this daily dark spot corrector has been shown to provide 81% average improvement in the appearance of post-blemish marks, 59% average improvement in the appearance of discoloration, and 60% average reduction in the appearance of recurring discoloration after 12 weeks.

Adults with acne-prone skin may also be concerned about visible signs of aging in addition to skin discoloration and uneven skin texture—and our Blemish + Age Defense is a skin serum designed to address all of these issues at once. With a unique blend of dioic, alpha-, and beta-hydroxy acids, this oil-free serum gently exfoliates to help decongest pores, minimize acne and oil production, and smooth surface texture. As an added plus, Blemish + Age Defense also helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blotchiness, and uneven skin tone—without the excessive dryness or irritation commonly associated with traditional acne treatments.

3. Professional treatments

Professional, office-based treatments such as chemical peels and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can offer significant improvement for post-acne skin discoloration. Chemical peels promote an even-toned complexion by exfoliating the skin’s uppermost layers and revealing fresh, healthy-looking skin. IPL is a light-based treatment that sends high-intensity light into the deeper layers of the skin to help fade visible pigment. However, this treatment may not be appropriate for those with darker skin, which is why it’s important to consult with a SkinCeuticals skincare professional who can recommend the ideal office-based solution and at-home skincare for your post-acne skin discoloration.