Salicylic acid clears pores, reduces swelling and redness, and exfoliates the skin when applied topically. It's considered to be one of the best treatments for acne scars. You can add products with salicylic acid into your daily routine, or your skin care specialist may use it for less frequent chemical peels.
Retinoic acid (RA) is said to improve acne scars and reduce postinflammatory hyperpigmentation while glycolic acid (GA) is known for its keratolytic properties and its ability to reduce atrophic acne scars.
Glycolic acid is a key ingredient when it comes to acne scarring. Zeichner explains that, “exfoliating ingredients, like salicylic acid and glycolic acid, are useful by helping the skin to shed darkly pigmented cells.”
Glycolic acid is a fantastic anti-aging agent that seems to do it all. It's very effective at exfoliating skin and reducing fine lines, preventing acne, fading dark spots, increasing skin thickness, and evening out skin tone and texture.
Acne and acne scars
Glycolic acid peels are effective for removing blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples from skin. They also help to reduce pore size. Consistent and repeated use of glycolic acid peels have been shown to be effective for removing cystic lesions and acne scars from skin.
AHA is best for dry skin and surface-level skin concerns like acne scars. BHAs are best for oily and acne-prone skin types.
Niacinamide can stabilize the melanosome activity within the cells, which can improve residual hyperpigmentation from acne scars as well as those who suffer from melasma.
Vitamin C treats acne scars by increasing the synthesis of collagen, a protein responsible for your skin's structure and vital for rebuilding healthy skin. As a result, this vitamin may accelerate the healing of acne wounds ( 6 , 12 , 13 ).
Salicylic acid is a tried-and-true acne treatment ingredient that's available over-the-counter. But this ingredient may also help minimize the appearance of scars, says Howard Sobel, M.D., clinical attending dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Scientific evidence shows that Azelaic acid is better at treating hyperpigmentation than Vitamin C. This review revealed that, Vitamin C is not effective enough to be used on its own to treat pigmentation issues like melasma.
Salicylic acid is also used in higher concentrations as a peeling agent for treating acne, acne scars, melasma, sun damage, and age spots in dermatology clinics. It's so effective that it's used in wart and corn removal solutions, although it's still safe to use in pigmentation-prone dark skin.
Doing so will help remove surface skin issues without damaging or drying out the skin. However, for individuals with oily or combination skin, salicylic acid is often the better choice.
Lastly, mandelic acid – it's actually the largest of the three and it's the AHA most often recommended for PIH-prone skin. The basic theory with acids is therefore, the bigger the particle size the more gentle it is on your skin. Therefore, mandelic acid is even more gentle than lactic acid.
While alpha-arbutin is only effective in fading acne scars, azelaic acid on the other hand helps prevent and treat acne. Its antibacterial properties are effective against Propionibacterium acnes, a bacteria responsible for causing inflammatory acne.
Because AHAs are water-soluble, they don't penetrate far into the skin. Meaning they're more superficial and help remedy surface-level concerns like anti-aging, acne scarring and pigmentation issues.” Dr.
Niacinamide and salicylic acid are both great ingredients for treating acne and have a variety of other benefits as well. Salicylic acid is the better option for treating acne, while niacinamide is great for fading scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Frank doesn't recommend layering azelaic acid with Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid as both BHAs and AHAs will increase the chances of dryness and irritation.
People use niacinamide to prevent vitamin B3 deficiency and related conditions such as pellagra. It is also used for acne, diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, aging skin, skin discoloration, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
In general, look for acne serums with glycolic acid or salicylic acid to help unclog pores and accelerate cell turnover. Antioxidants like niacinamide can also tame any redness and hyperpigmentation associated with acne scars, says Dr.
Vitamin E is just one of the antioxidants touted as a potential acne treatment. Nutritionally speaking, vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory, which means it can help boost your immune system and help with cell regeneration. It's thought that these properties may specifically help with inflammatory acne, such as: nodules.
Niacinamide fades away acne marks for an even-toned and blemish-free skin. Alpha Arbutin promotes the production of collagen, which helps repair scars and pits. Camellia & Tripeptide regulate sebum production, prevent future breakouts and improve the look of enlarged pores.
It notably fades tough acne scars and prevents future breakouts as well. Over time, it improves the texture of the skin and helps smooth the scarred skin.
Skin peels and serums containing vitamin C have a lightening effect on acne scars in about three weeks. These products are available over-the-counter (OTC) in pharmacies. Cocoa butter works as a great moisturizer. It has lightening properties, which help fade acne scars and lighten skin tone.