how i faded my acne scars
There’s so much information on the difference between PIE (post inflammatory erythema) and PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) but both are usually collectively known as “hyperpigmentation” or “acne scars.” In my experience, I had a lot of PIE which appear more red/pink on the skin. Here’s a way better version on the explanation about PIE and PIH that is worth looking at so you know what you’re dealing with before you really get your hands dirty.
Now, a photo of what my skin looked like at its “peak” of damage:
Here’s what my skin looks like today:
Right now, my go-to is the Josie Maran Vitamin C Dark Spot Eraser. It’s a splurge… I know; but, it’s something worth splurging on. In this post, I’ll list my top tips that my skin responded well to and which products helped with my post inflammatory erythema. Enjoy! x
TIPS FOR PREVENTION:
Stop picking at your skin — a lot of my acne scars were caused by me picking at my skin. PIE, or, post inflammatory erythema, is usually due to broken capillaries under the skin. This can be caused by skin trauma like popping your pimples. There was one summer where I would literally sit on top of my bathroom counter, take the blackhead tool I got from CVS and go to TOWN! While I thought I was helping myself out by popping my pimples and getting rid of the gunk under my skin, it was actually doing more harm than good. Just patch it up.
Be consistent with Vitamin C — yeah, we all heard this one!! 😭 It’s true, tho. I have a naturally dry skin type so Vitamin C has the tendency to dry me out; however, I found that if I used mine every other day, it still gave me great results. A huge tip when finding a Vitamin C serum meant for you is to always make sure you patch test. There’s a lot of Vitamin C serums out there claiming they can eliminate your dark spots FAST but until you find one with a texture you like and are consistent with it, it doesn’t really matter which ones the internet throws at you. I use my Vitamin C serums in the morning. Vitamin C tends to not mix well with other ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids or retinol (I can do a different post for this) and since I use those ingredients in my evening routine, I reserve my Vitamin C for my mornings.
Physical scrubs don’t work — physical scrubs just hurt your skin. I really don’t get the hype around St. Ives and the others but ultimately, using physical scrubs are just going to hurt you. Trying to physically scrub your dark spots/acne scars away will not work. Unless someone tells me otherwise, maybe then I’ll put some reconsideration into this point.
Invest in AHAs & Retinol — okay, so let’s say you totally understand how Vitamin C is supposed to help with the glow of your skin or whatever. What else, tho?! AHAs, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids, are a great option to consider putting into your routine because they remove dead skin cells off the surface of the skin. Remember those physical scrubs I just sh*t talked in Point #3? Yeah, you’re going to want to learn about the AHAs. Ingredients like glycolic acid and lactic acid are examples of AHAs. Retinol is also useful during times like this. It helps with cell regeneration which is just a really fancy way of saying, “new skin.” The only difficult part about having AHAs and retinol in a routine is knowing when to use it and knowing not to overdue it. If used improperly, you just end up with damaged skin. We can talk more about this in another post.
Wear Sunscreen D A I L Y — sunscreen needs to be worn as much as possible. Protecting yourself from the sun is a major way in preventing premature aging and worsening your dark spots. Plus, sun damage. So, wear the sunscreen and TRY NOT TO FORGET 🥹
Be patient — I used to HAAAATE seeing this type of advice from other people because I always thought, “WTF?! THAT’S EASY FOR YOU TO SAY LADY!” - but, unfortunately, it’s true. It takes time for these products to do their thing so swapping products in a routine too often can cause your skin to react negatively. Like I mentioned above, it took me 1.5 years to really get rid of my PIE. I’m still battling with a few but at least now I can confidently say my consistency worked.
INGREDIENTS THAT HELP TARGET PIE:
Tranexamic Acid
L-Ascorbic Acid
Alpha Arbutin
Kojic Acid
Azelaic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Lactic Acid
Retinol
Tretinoin
Niacinamide
MY FAVORITE DARK SPOT FADING SERUMS:
(Here’s a list of more favorites in my Amazon Storefront)*
Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum ($60-70 USD): This is my current vitamin c serum that I use in the mornings and I. LOVE. THIS. H0E. She has a bit of an oily texture but gah damn does my skin look so good.
Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide and Vitamin C ($68 USD): I used this one for awhile and really enjoyed the milky texture. I found this one pretty effective and am even a huge fan of Eadem’s other products like their cleansing oil or moisturizer.
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum ($83 USD): $80+ for a serum sounds crazy in my opinion but I wouldn’t include this in the list if it didn’t work wonders for me. Interestingly enough, this serum actually contains glycolic acid so it does leave a little ting on the skin but nothing to get you too worried that you need to start washing it off. I’m a huge fan of Murad and this serum left me speechless.
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum ($12 USD): Good Molecules is a reliable brand and I love their Peptide serum. This serum is more on the affordable side but it honestly works. It’s a cult favorite (that’s basically how you know there’s a high probability that it does its job…in my unprofessional opinion).
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots and Discoloration ($38 USD): If onlyyyyy this didn’t smell like a bathroom at my local 7-11, I would give it a 10/10. This serum has ingredients like tranexamic acid and kojic acid which are amazing for eliminating dark spots. A small amount goes a long way so this product lasts pretty well. It’s worth trying.
The Ordinary’s Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% ($12 USD): Another “affordable” brand whose products truly never steer me wrong (unless I misuse them). This contains ascorbic acid and alpha arbutin, two strong brightening ingredients that work amazing on those dark spots.
The Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA ($19.50 USD): This serum contains just straight up alpha arbutin but also has hyaluronic acid which helps with the absorption of alpha arbutin into the skin.
Josie Maran Argan Beta-Retinoid Pink Algae Serum ($69 USD): I know, another splurge from JM; but, if you have ever been afraid to try retinol, I definitely recommend this one. It’s a pro-retinol serum that comes from pink algae which is known to help target fine lines wrinkles WITHOUT the harsh side effects of retinol.
CeraVe Retinol Serum ($18 USD): If you’re still getting into the groove of using retinol serums, this was my first go-to! It’s a drugstore favorite and does the job without having to spend more than $50 on a retinol serum.
InnBeauty Project Retinol Remix ($48 USD): This is that ~$50 retinol serum I was talking about that is more of a splurge but worth it in the end. I especially love this formulation because it’s not as irritating for me and also includes ingredients like tranexamic acid which directly target stubborn dark spots.
InnBeauty Project Refine AHA + BHA Texture & Pore Serum ($38 USD): This is one of those products that contain the AHAs I was talking about above. This is a great option for beginners in chemical exfoliants.
Farmacy Beauty 10% Waterless Vitamin C Serum ($50 USD): Another Vitamin C serum with that “oily” texture but this one is so worth the high price tag. The “waterless” part refers to the fact that this serum’s L-ascorbic acid (the most potent form of Vitamin C) is stabilized for maximum efficacy and penetration.
Farmacy Beauty Honeymoon Glow ($60 USD): This serum contains a blend of AHAs like lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric and fruit acids to help exfoliate dead skin cells, promote cell renewal, target hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This does sting on the skin a bit but not enough to make you want to claw your face off. I enjoy using this in the evening and pairing it with a thick moisturizer.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peeling Pads ($92 USD): The price… I know, YIKESSS! These do last a long time though and have been the most effective peel pads I have tried on myself. It contains 2 pads: 1 pre-dosed with 5 different acids and another that contains 12 antioxidants to help neutralize the skin.
These are all just suggestions based on what worked for me in my personal experience! Always do your own research, patch test and consult a professional if needed.
See you in the next post… x
with love,
