It can take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years for them to vanish from view. That doesn't mean you have to wait forever in hopes that your dark spots will fade. There are plenty of home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) products, and even dermatology treatments you can try to get rid of them more quickly.
If you have a red or brownish mark on your face that you got from a bad zit, it should eventually fade. However, it may take 12 months or longer. If you're upset about acne marks, talk to your doctor, who might have advice on what you can do.
Acne scars are usually permanent, so it is important to see a dermatologist if you are developing them. Acne treatment can prevent scarring by stopping more spots from forming.
Toners for acne help remove oil and impurities from the skin, preventing pores from becoming clogged. Some toners may also provide anti-inflammatory benefits and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Ingredients such as glycolic acid, witch hazel and salicylic acid are often used in toners for acne.
CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist-recommended moisturizer brand for acne*, and our new Acne Control Cleanser with 2% salicylic acid is formulated to clear acne, reduce blackheads and improve the appearance of pores, while purifying clay helps absorb excess oil.
According to Dr. Warren Shapiro, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Neutrogena, overscrubbing and using harsh scrubs can irritate your skin and make it harder for acne to clear and heal. The solution: Stay away from abrasive cleansers and scrubbing tools.
Retinol: This can unclog pores and fade dark spots. You'll find benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinol in acne products that you can buy without a prescription. Retinol is a type of retinoid. Another retinoid that may be helpful is adapalene gel 0.1%.
While existing scars cannot be waved away via magic wand, you can speed up the fading process by regularly applying certain topical creams, lotions, and gels to them. Some common ingredients in these scar treatments include aloe vera, cocoa butter, Vitamin E, honey, and other hydrating materials.
Reduces the occurrence of acne and acne scars
If this sounds like something that happens to you, a lot, then you ought to try drinking hot water every single day. It helps cleanse your system, including your pores, thereby reducing the chances of acne. This little trick will help clear out your skin in no time.
Committing to a dark-spot-correcting serum with any and all of the brightening ingredients we mentioned before (vitamin c, retinol, tranexamic acid, kojic acid)—can significantly speed up the process and help fade dark spots even faster.
Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.
I would highly recommend the CeraVe acne wash compared to the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne wash because of its gentleness and many benefits. I think CeraVe's formula is far more superior with a better combination of ingredients for the skin. I would not recommend the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne wash under any circumstances.
You should absolutely moisturize your skin even if you have active acne. It's an absolute myth that moisturizing your face will worsen your acne. In fact, moisturizers are necessary to keep acne-prone skin as relaxed as possible.
If you have acne, choosing the right cleanser can help rid your skin of the bacteria that make their way into clogged hair follicles and lead to breakouts. A thorough cleaning also removes dead cells on the surface of your skin, which makes it easier for your acne medication to be absorbed.
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum helps smooth your skin's texture by reducing the appearance of post-acne marks, minimizing the look of pores and improving your skin's surface.
Cerave is known pretty well for it's reputation as being a line with mild products that won't cause your skin to flare up or break out.
If you have blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid alone should work well to clear out your pores. If your acne tends to be inflammatory, such as papules and pustules, opt for benzoyl peroxide to stop outbreaks at the source. For sensitive skin, start with salicylic acid, since it's less likely to cause irritation.
It can even remove dark spots and pimples or acne scars. The key difference between any benzoyl peroxide product and other topical antibiotics for acne like clindamycin is that our bodies do not build up an antibiotic resistance to the product.