At the risk of upsetting dermatologists everywhere, any time a pimple appears on my face, I pop it. Does it feel good? Absolutely. Is it good for me? No, and I know this because picking at those pesky little breakouts usually leads to acne scars that take forever to disappear. Why?
“As acne lesions clear, they often leave behind dark spots as a result of inflammation, which promotes increased pigment production, explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. “These dark spots can last for several months and are often more bothersome than the acne itself.”
But hope is not lost, especially when there’s a barrage of dermatologist-endorsed cleansers, serums, and treatments that reduce the appearance of scars and brighten your complexion over time. I polled a few skincare experts to figure out what products help to treat and prevent acne scars. And remember, just say no to picking and popping.
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
Stubborn marks call for a powerful cleanser. “If you have acne, consider using a cleanser that contains salicylic acid,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Aveeno’s Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser delivers salicylic acid the skin without causing excessive dryness and helps remove excess oil and exfoliate dead cells from the surface of the skin to keep the pores clear.”
Purifying Cleanser
Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at NYC’s Union Square Laser Dermatology, recommends SkinCeuticals’ Purifying Cleanser, which “encourages cell turnover without drying out the skin.” Plus, it’s formulated with glycolic acid “to wash away dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin, leaving a very clean feel and improving acne blemishing.”
Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads
Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are the essential ingredients in these exfoliating pads. ” Salicylic acid works to treat current pimples and existing scars, by increasing skin-cell turnover and declogging pores,” says Dr. Change. ” Glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the skin to even skin tone and decrease blemishes.”
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