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Dealing with pimples and breakouts? Well, you are not alone. For an issue that is stereotypically thought of as just a teenage issue, acne and breakouts are just as persistent in your adulthood. In fact, research from the International Dermal Institute showed that 40 to 55% of adults aged from 20 to 40 experience acne and oily skin. Whatever the reason be, whether it's a last-minute zit that you really and we mean REALLY had to pop or the whiteheads that refuse to break up with the tip of your nose, all of us at some point have searched for ‘how to get rid of acne’.
Honestly speaking, no matter how many layers of concealer we apply to that notorious little menace, pimples always finds a way to show up. To really wipe this issue off from its root, one definitely needs a holistic approach – more like a thorough skincare regimen, the right treatment products, and a healthy lifestyle.
I’ve battled acne all through high school and college till my mid-20s, and while Accutane was nothing short of a blessing in disguise, medical intervention could only do so much, especially if you’re on a tight budget like I was. Active acne – often treatable via topical applicants or, in more dire cases, prescription drugs – is just one matter to deal with. Let’s not forget the trauma reminder it leaves behind, i.e. acne scars and pits, which is a different story altogether.
Trust dermatologists to throw beauty jargon at you – fractional laser, chemical peels, microdermabrasion – I’ve been through it all. And while exorbitantly priced procedures can go far in eliminating scarring, it won’t hurt to give topical treatments a shot. But bear in mind, if you possess sensitive, acne-prone skin, you must always consult a professional before intervening. Avoid resorting to drugstore formulations or allopathy without sound medical advice.
We hear your woes, and acne-skin girlies, which is why we’ve put together customer-recommended spot correctors, elixirs, and creams to remove those pesky pimple marks. Remember to run them by your dermatologist before use. Did you know myriad factors aggravate or precipitate acne? Discuss the possible causes of your acne at your next dermatologist visit. Read further to finally say bye-bye to those spots for good.
Causes Of Pimple Marks
If there’s anything more stubborn than acne, it's the gift they leave behind, acne marks. These pimple marks are those lingering spots that last longer than their parent acne. What majorly causes these marks is inflammation and any skin damage during the post-acne healing process. When a pimple shows up, the skin gets inflamed as one's body is trying to fight bacteria, dead skin cells, and excess oil. This inflammation sometimes goes to such an extent as to damage the deeper layers of your skin, giving you dark spots or even scars.
If you have ever felt the impulse to pop a pimple, you are definitely not the only one. However, this may just worsen the situation. When you squeeze a pimple, the risk of infection increases, and you push bacteria and debris deeper into the skin. This not only prolongs the healing process but also sometimes evokes the birth of acne scars.
Another reason for the cause of pimple marks would be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or the skin formulating excess melanin as a response to the first step, inflammation. This would cause dark marks that would not fade away until long after the pimple will go away.
But here’s some good news, these are not permanent marks! Fading can be faded back with the right skincare regime, prudent exfoliation, and shielding from the sun over time.
How to Remove Pimple Marks
Need a medical way to treat your acne scars? You can always go for the trusted method, the medicated creams. Lightening agents, such as azelaic acid or kojic acid in spot treatments, can help fade scars. Salicylic acid works just as well since it reduces swelling and inflammation, making the scars less visible while also preventing new breakouts. AHAs, such as lactic, azelaic, or glycolic acid, work by exfoliating the skin, increasing cell turnover, and revealing new skin that is more uniform in tone from underneath. Retinol works in a similar manner by promoting cell regeneration.
If you are interested in whittling away acne scars at home, scrubbing your skin mildly two to three times a week will get you on your way to an even-toned look. And for those really stubborn spots, you might just need some topical treatments to help lighten them. Just make sure not to do any scrubbing at all if you have active acne that can be spread from such rubbing actions, leading to more breakouts. Those looking for an at-home DIY scrub for brightening the skin and fading pimple marks are a mix of gram flour (besan), turmeric powder, lime juice, milk, and water. Just make a paste out of these ingredients and apply it to your face; leave it for about 30 minutes and wash it off. Turmeric provides its anti-acne properties and besan acts as the exfoliant for the skin, while the lactic acid in milk and the lime juice exfoliate the skin and bring back the glow. The alternate side may be applying plain tomato pulp on the facial skin in order to cut away residue oils and gift late-time brightness post-acne to dull skin.
You can also take an ice cube and wrap it in cloth. Gently dab this onto your face, especially on the pimple. Apply the ice for about 30 to 50 seconds. Doing this can help eventually reduce the size of the pimple quicker than usual and relax the area. This works best if done once or twice a day. If you do not want the hassle of drips, then you could just use a cold compress on the acne instead.
Anveya 24K Gold Goodbye Acne Facial Cleanser
First up, we have a breakout-and-blemish prevention cleanser. Anveya’s skin-soothing formulation boasts superior anti-acne agents that deal with the root cause while addressing a gamut of pimple problems. From curbing sebum secretion to clearing acne scars, this zinc and azelaic acid-infused face wash is your one-stop solution for pesky pimples. Fret not; it’s free of nasties and safe for sensitive skin just ask the customers who gave it a 4.5/5 rating.
Vaadi Herbals Anti-Acne Scar Removal Serum
Meet this concentrated formula that fights hyperpigmentation and scarring head-on. Vaadi Herbals’ potent potion improves the texture of your skin by fading stubborn acne scars and retaining lost moisture. A blend of natural oils and botanical extracts, this serum also heals damaged, sun-exposed skin reeling from oxidative stress. This 3.7/5 rated, paraben and preservative-free product made using plant-based ingredients is safe for sensitive skin.
I AM LOVE Pit Scar Gel
Invite this gel-based wonder formulation to your anti-acne skincare routine. I AM LOVE’s Pit Scar Gel shrinks pores and repairs acne pits while promoting collagen to regenerate your skin’s elasticity and has also been given a customer rating of 4.5. After sixteen-week use of this 100% drug-free, tri-peptide collagen gel, 82% of consumers reported scar lightning, while 94% noticed diminished pigmentation and scarring. Priced at INR 490, this one’s a gamble I’d be willing to take.
Man Matters Defend Acne Spot Correction Gel
While women are more likely to report having acne vulgaris, men aren’t excused from this prevalent skin condition. Specifically formulated for him, Man Matters’ Defend Acne Spot Correction Gel – enriched with AHA, BHA, arginine, and niacinamide – addresses pimples and the scars they tend to leave behind. Healing the skin and lightening blemishes, perhaps this 4.3/5 rated is the perfect gift from you to him.
ENN Beauty Eraser Spot Corrector Oil
Bid farewell to not just acne-causing bacteria but pimple scars and dark spots. Meant to be applied directly to the problem areas on your face, ENN’s Eraser Spot Corrector Oil is designed to combat active acne, control sebum overproduction, reduce inflammation and redness, and promote blemish healing. With a customer rating of 4.9/5, it facilitates holistic skin health, it nips your acne problem in the bud.
Bionova Vitasoft Natural Vitamin E Cream
This versatile, vitamin E-infused cream diminishes the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and mature lines. The high-performance formula also provides intense hydration and UV protection, blocking free radical activity to keep breakouts at bay and has been given a 4.5/5 rating by its customers. Free from harmful additives, this rich cream can be used by men and women of all ages, neutralising oxidative stress and promoting an even-toned, spotless complexion.
Aminu Skin Perfecting Serum
Aminu Skin Perfecting Serum makes all the difference with active ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, and multi-active hyaluronic acid, known to boost growth factor production for accelerated healing. This 4.5/5 serum is going to strengthen your skin barrier to make it healthy even while accelerating tissue repair through advanced epigenetic techniques. It's an all-around formula that goes well with people with oily skin who tend for acne to brighten and balance oil production. Its lightweight, oil-free texture, without a sticky after-feeling, quickly penetrates while it acts on refining the pores and enhancing skin brilliance.
Conclusion:
If anything we’ve learnt from our forever-long relationship with acne is that, whatever we do, the pimple will take its own sweet time. And no matter how much we resist popping that zit, it will still manage to leave behind the proof of its existence in even worse shades of reds and browns. So sit back and trust the process while we assure you of every way to remove that pimple.
FAQs
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How to get rid of pimple marks?
While our first advice is to avoid touching your face in order to maintain hygiene, keeping your skin clean, oil-free, and well-moisturised is a major step toward ridding yourself of pimples. Having products rich in antibacterial and skin-healing ingredients, such as Tea Tree, Apple Cider Vinegar, Mulberry Extract, Turmeric, Aloe Vera, Neem, and Vitamin C really makes a big difference. You may also try some effective home remedies, which include ice packs or a paste made from turmeric and honey to reduce inflammation and pimples.
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Can ice get rid of pimple marks?
If used properly, you may treat your pimples with ice once a day. When applied carefully, it may help in reducing redness and swelling. But don't overdo it, as too much ice might irritate or even harm your skin.
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Does lemon help acne?
Absolutely! Facial blemishes and acne marks on your face may be very hard to get rid of, but the citric acid contained in lemons is able to help such blemishes fade away and even out your skin tone. Besides this, it reduces excessive oil and sebum that cause further breakouts.
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How do I cover up a pimple?
Well, to work on acne scars, which appear dark, pink or red, the use of colour-correcting concealer can rescue one from the situation. To help blemishes or red scars, a concealer that is green in colour will help to balance the colour.
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How to get rid of pimples quickly?
Apply some benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or even a pimple patch to help that process along. If you have a deep, painful pimple, then your dermatologist can give you a cortisone shot to help it heal faster. Oh, and whatever you do, resist the urge to pick or pop it—it'll only get worse with redness, inflammation, and possible scarring.