Many times, acne patients prefer to try a retinol prescribed by their dermatologist first. Hydroxy acids are alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) such as glycolic and lactic and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) such as salicylic acid that exfoliate the skin's top layer and unclog the pores, respectively.
Can Vitamin C Serums Cause Acne? No, vitamin C serums cannot cause acne.
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.
Vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne. The results are more pronounced when you use the vitamin topically. It, therefore, helps improve the appearance of acne wounds.
But finding the right serum can help absorb oil, which mattifies the skin and can reduce pimples and whiteheads, says Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. In general, look for acne serums with glycolic acid or salicylic acid to help unclog pores and accelerate cell turnover.
Facial serums for acne usually include concentrated active ingredients known to treat acne. People new to these products can try looking for serums that contain retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.
You can turn to products with niacinamide, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and glycolic acid to fade the discoloration and dark spots.
Salicylic acid works to treat acne by unclogging blocked pores. It does this by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells so that they can release from the pore more easily, and breaking down oils, such as sebum. Salicylic acid also decreases the skin's sebum production, leading to fewer breakouts.
Toners can restore skin's PH levels to a normal level, hydrate, and refresh the skin. Serums, on the other hand, provide a high concentration of active ingredients to the skin, hydrate and deal with skincare concerns like wrinkles and fine lines.
Face serums are necessary for a holistic skincare routine. Like other skincare items, serums also have their own benefits on the skin. While moisturizers simply hydrate the skin, serums are often packed with anti-aging, anti-acne, and similar ingredients meant to target specific skin issues.
Face serums are lightweight formulations that contain active ingredients and can be applied to your skin directly. They are usually clear, gel-based or liquid, and less thicker than moisturizers. Serums are designed to hydrate, protect, and nourish your skin [1] and weed out several skin concerns such as: Anti-aging.
Unlike other skincare products like thick face creams and moisturizers that you massage into your skin in an upward direction, serums are meant to be applied to your face in small tapping motions with your fingertips or your palms. Do not rub your skin excessively, let the serum absorb into your skin on its own.
Find a serum that claims to do just what you need it to. - Secondly, consider your skin type. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, select a face serum with salicylic acid and retinols, as well as rosehip seed oil. For mature and dry skins, try something with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C.
In terms of when to apply your serum in your skincare routine, it should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. “You want the serum to penetrate your skin as deeply and effectively as possible,” Davis notes.
Homemade serums typically combine a face oil with other common skincare ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or rosewater.
Rose water is, indeed, a natural toner. It comes from the Rosa damascena flower, commonly known as the Damask rose, and is created by distilling rose petals with steam. While it's become more popular in recent years, rose water has actually been used for centuries.
If your skin's happy with serum alone, you can skip moisturizer. But only a lucky few with normal and super oily skin can get away with this, in my experience. So, don't be too disappointed if your skin needs both.
But, whether you get it in a toner, exfoliant, serum, or moisturizer, it doesn't matter. Just find a product you like and that works for you. If it's a toner, use a toner. If it's a serum, use a serum and skip the toner.
Aloe vera can be used to lighten acne scars
A 2018 review of studies found that a compound in aloe vera called “aloesin” may help to reduce hyperpigmentation in acne scars. Aloesin helps reduce the overproduction of melanin, a darker pigment that can make acne scars more noticeable.
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.