How To Fight Acne Marks and Scars
1/6We tapped two skin pros for their tips on how to deal with the after-effects of acne—and how to hide them during the healing process.
2/6"Don't irritate your skin trying to scrub off marks!" Wechsler instructs. "Also, don't use cleansers with beads or eoliators daily. Treat your skin gently. If your skin starts to feel irritated, make sure to use just your fingertips to wash your face instead of a washcloth or the Clarisonic brush."
3/6"If you’ve got really stubborn dark spots, see a dermatologist for a prescription with hydroquinone, a skin lightener," advises Amy Wechsler, M.D. dramywechsler.com, a New York City-based dermatologist. "There are some over-the-counter products that contain it, but they don’t have a high enough concentration to make a difference if your spots are really persistent."
4/6"If the pimple is in the healing process and kind of scabby, dab a bit of Aquaphor on it. This will help protect and heal the area, as well as allow the makeup to adhere better," says Restrepo. "Use just a tiny bit on the spot, dab it gently with a tissue, and then begin the concealing process."
5/6"Use a brush to cover acne scars," says celebrity makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo, rebeccarestrepo.com "Brushes help give a lighter and more precise application of makeup. Opt for one with synthetic hairs, which pick up and deposit the right amount of concealer on your skin. Look for one with a smallish, tapered barrel shape for the most control."
6/6"For good coverage, I love Dermablend's Smooth Indulgence line. It's smudge- and water-resistant," says Restrepo. "Best of all, it doesn't contain any ingredients that might make your acne flare up. The key to covering dark marks or acne scars is to choose a shade that's neither too light nor too dark for your skin. If you go too light, you'll have a weird gray shadow in that area."
