Spot-treating acne is one thing, dealing with the aftermath (read: scarring, dark spots and discoloration) is another.
But if celebs like
Olivia Munn deal can overcome it, so can we.
What's
the deal with acne scars? Typically, scarring results from persistent
bouts of inflammation in the same area. If you're breaking out in one
place all the time, your skin is not given the time to heal itself
properly. If you're dealing with just a singular scar or dark spot, you
can thank collagen, a fibrous protein, for not repairing your skin
post-pimple the way it once was.
Luckily,
the wonderful world of cosmetics science has produced a plethora of
brightening products, from creams to wipes to serums to even LED lights.
Get your bank accounts ready—oftentimes, the stuff that actually works
doesn't come cheap. Brightening ingredients such as vitamin C, kojic
acid and botanical extracts have major marketing appeal, and therefore,
comes with a premium price tag. Then, there are the surprising
ingredients you never thought to use. Grape vine sap? Centella asiatica
(used to treat C-section scars)? Depending on your scar, they can help,
too!
For the best brightening, acne-scar-fighting products, keep scrolling.
COSRX
From Korean brand Cosrx, this brightening serum is
pretty much every beauty editor's secret weapon for radiant skin. It's
packed with 20.5 percent pure vitamin C, a.k.a. the stuff that helps
lighten pigmentation. It also contains 72 percent black chokeberry,
which helps to balance out the vitamin C, so your skin also stays
hydrated. It's this editor's favorite brightening product, but if that's
not enough of a sell, the fact that it's always sold out should tell
you something, too.
Triple C Lightning Liquid, $27
Caudalie
While most brightening products swear by vitamin C or
kojic acid
to regenerate skin cells and form new dewy, more radiant skin, this
brand says grape vine sap is loads more effective than vitamin C. In
fact, its main ingredient, viniferine, slows down tyrosinase production,
which, therefore, regulates melanin—overproduction of which is the
reason behind your dark spots or discoloration.
Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, $79
Proactiv
If these single-use pads are good enough for actress and brand spokeswoman
Olivia Munn to
lighten her acne scars, it's worth a try in our book.
Mark Correcting Pads, $22.42
SkinMedica
Not familiar with this brand? It's usually found in
medical spas and dermatologist offices. This particular product is made
specifically for red or pink scars. This stuff is no joke, as it's often
used to heal scarring caused by minor injuries, cosmetic surgery or
c-sections...or perhaps in your case, crazy acne aftermath. It's pricey,
but reviewers have said they've seen significant results in less than
two weeks.
Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline, $102
Kate Somerville
Not only does the peptide-infused formula promote skin
renewal, but the rollerball in which the serum dispenses from helps
flatten out scars. Double-whammy!
D-Scar Scar Diminishing Serum, $48
Kiehl's
Yes, expect vitamin C—or Activated C, as the brand calls
it, in this formula, but you also get white birch extract, which helps
restore hydration and elasticity back into the skin's layers. Because
once you brighten those dark scars and discolorations, you still need to
smooth out your skin, too.
Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, $49.50
Clinique
Got pigment discoloration? This baby may be for you. The
non-fragrant, oil-free formula will subtlety lighten dark spots to one
to two shades lighter, over a few months, but even better, it will help
prevent existing dark spots from getting darker.
Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, $144.40
It's not a pretty subject, but we're here to help.
How do you deal with dark spots and discoloration?
No comments:
Post a Comment