By Anupriya Jamuar
The tricky question of how to remove pimple marks and acne scars has been a long-running debate in the world of beauty. We can all agree that zits are unwelcome guests, but the patches of hyperpigmentation or pimple marks they behind as souvenirs are even more annoying.
Even though the actual pimple only lasts a few days at most, the pimple marks it leaves behind can last weeks. This is because pimples are essentially your skin pores getting clogged by sebum, dirt and dead skin cells. This makes it the ideal place for bacteria to grow and the aftermath is of course hyperpigmentation and pimple marks.
The reason behind pimple marks
Pimple marks are those pesky dark spots or scars that remain after a pimple has healed. They're a result of inflammation to the skin that happens during the formation and healing of a pimple.
When a zit forms, the body's immune system responds by sending white blood cells to fight off the bacteria, this causes redness and swelling.
Or if you pick or pop the pimple, it causes further trauma that damages the skin, leading to the development of a dark spot or scar.
So, it's always best to avoid picking or popping pimples to prevent pimple marks from forming.
What are the different types of pimple marks?
There are two different types of marks: red and dark. The red ones are temporary and usually fade within a few weeks. This is a result of inflammation and dilation of blood vessels dilation that occurs during the healing process.
On the other hand, dark marks are caused by the overproduction of melanin in the skin and takes several months to fade. These marks can range in colour from light brown to deep black and are more likely to occur in individuals with darker skin tones.
How to remove pimple marks: Apply tea tree oil
Packed with the powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, tea tree oil is ideal when you want to clarify your skin. Especially if you have acne-prone or pimple-prone skin, tea tree oil is great to keep your skin in check.
Here are some of our top picks for you:
How to remove pimple marks: Try aloe vera
Aloe vera extracts helps soothe your skin and speed up its healing process. With its anti-microbial properties, aloe vera works to fade acne marks faster and efficiently. Not to forget, using aloe vera also boosts glow in your skin giving you that dewy glow.
Channel the aloe vera goodness of these handpicked favourites:
How to remove pimple marks: Invest in a vitamin C serum
Vitamin C is a superstar ingredient that can help you tackle pimple marks and get smoother, brighter skin. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, which is responsible for those pesky dark spots, and helps your skin produce more collagen, which repairs and rejuvenates your skin.
Take your pick from these vitamin C serums:
How to remove pimple marks: Get serious about sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is an absolute must if you want to keep pimple marks at bay. The sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays can make your hyperpigmentation worse and make it harder for your pimple marks to fade.
So, make sure you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 every day to shield your skin from these damaging rays and don’t forget to reapply it every 2 hours to get maximum sun protection.
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How to remove pimple marks: The dons of acne
When you’re dealing with pimples, there are a few things you should absolutely avoid ensuring they don’t leave behind marks. Firstly, no picking, squeezing, or popping pimples—ever. This can lead to further inflammation and trauma to the skin.
Also, avoid using harsh or abrasive skincare products, they can cause irritation and inflammation. It's also important to protect your skin from the sun and wear sunscreen, as UV rays can exacerbate pimple marks and cause further damage to the skin.
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FAQs
Q. How long do pimples last?
- Pimples can last anywhere from 3-7 days on their own. But deep pimples, or under the skin pimples can also last anywhere from days to a few weeks.
Q. What causes pimples?
- One of the main reasons for pimples and breakouts are clogged pores in your skin. When excess sebum, dirt and dead skin cells clog your pores, it leads to pimples.
Q. How to remove pimple spots?
- There are several ways to fade pimple spots, for example using actives like alpha arbutin and vitamin C or regular exfoliation and proper sun protection.