Acne Scars And Dark Spots: Here's How to Lighten Scars

Learn the most effective way to help reduce the appearance of acne marks and promote healthy skin.

If you’ve gotten past a bout of acne, you may feel that the battle is won. However, pimples often leave unsightly red scars that linger long after the pimple has subsided.

Our experts weigh in on how to get rid of this hyperpigmentation as quickly – and safely – as possible.

What Causes Acne Scars?

mim old

Source - @acneisntugly

Inflammation occurs when the body increases blood flow to the tissue surrounding a clogged pore. It is the body’s natural response mechanism in fighting off bacterial infection.

As more blood is sent to the area, blood vessels dilate and the area becomes visibly red.

It normally takes 8 to 12 weeks for blood vessels to shrink back to its original size.


How Do I Get Rid of Acne Scars?

Most acne scar products target the melanin in brown acne marks. Such products do not work on red scars / blood vessels.

Weeding out ineffective products, we are only left with a couple topical products that are designed to fade the appearance of red acne marks: Clearly Basics’ Lighten Up and iS Clincal’s Pro-Heal Serum Advance+.

Both work by reducing the appearance of dilated blood vessels but they use different ingredients to do so:

Clearly Basics is a skincare line designed for acne prone skin and each of the seven items in their lineup have a specific function.

The Lighten Up is a spot treatment lotion that uses botanicals to reduce the appearance of dilated blood vessels: marigold flower, chamomile flower and tea tree oil.

Apply the Lighten Up both morning and evening and you should see noticeable results within a month. The lotion does not clog pores and does not irritate sensitive skin.


iS Clinical is a skincare line that brings medical quality ingredients to the masses. Their Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ is a light serum that uses zinc sulfate in order to reduce inflammation and arbutin to lighten the skin. Apply the serum both morning and evening as a spot treatment and you should see noticeable results within a month. The serum does not clog pores. However, ascorbic acid in the serum may be irritating for those with sensitive skin.

Fading Brown Scars and Hyperpigmentation

Individual results may vary

When red scars are exposed to UV, they can quickly collect melanin and turn into brown marks that last up to two years.

Brown post-acne marks are more stubborn than red acne marks. They can be fixed using topical lotions but will take more time. Learn more about dealing with brown acne marks.

The Dark Mark Defense contains potent anti-pigmenting agents to fade the appearance of dark marks much faster.

  • Vitamin E creates a healing barrier over your skin.
  • TXA brightens skin and fades the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
  • 4nBR creates a lightening effect on your skin.

What More Can I Do to Prevent Acne Scars?

Avoid overwashing or scrubbing which can cause irritation and make your scars linger for longer.

Also, make sure to apply sunblock SPF35 or higher whenever you are outdoors as a red scar can easily turn brown with exposure to UV light.

Once a red scar has become brown, it could last for up to two years!

Lastly, resist the urge to pick at your pimples. Picking at your pimples increases the chances of inflammation, bacterial complications and permanent damage (atrophic scarring) to the tissue surrounding your pores.

Get Rid of Acne for Clear, Glowing Skin

To win the war against acne, you need to stop pimples from surfacing. The most effective way in doing this is by flushing out dead skin trapped inside your pores making it harder for clogs to form.

If you look at the algorithm dermatologists use to treat most forms of acne, the first line of defense is a topical retinoid.

The Clear Out uses pharma-grade* retinol (a gentler version of retinoid) and AZA to flush out clogs from your pores. The AZA is also very effective in soothing skin and improving uneven skin tone.

*Pharma-grade ingredients are certified by US Pharmacopeia standards a level of purity and potency which cosmetic grade ingredients do not provide.

Pair the Lighten Up with the Clear Out in order to flush out clogs and reduce red acne scarring at the same time:

The Clear Out carries a 90-day money back guarantee so if you don’t see a noticeable improvement after using the entire bottle, you will get a full refund T&Cs apply.

What People Are Saying About Clearly Basics ...

Mim (@acneisntugly), a teacher from Southampton, battled hormonal cystic acne for over 6 years before she tried the Clear Out

Individual results may vary

“Out of everything I’ve tried over the 6 years I’ve battle acne on and off it’s by far stood out as being one of the most effective with no side effects (after the initial “purge”). I’ve used nothing but Clearly Basics for 12 months now and it still exceeds my expectations!”


Or how about Toni (@xx.tonilumsden), a stylist from Hertfordshire?

She used creams and tablets that burnt off a layer of her skin!

Plus, she spent over $6500 in treatments that did nothing for her acne…

Then she discovered Clearly Basics and it changed her life…

toni

Individual results may vary

Never in my life did I imagine my skin would be this clear! Clearly Basics has completely transformed my skin!”


Alisha (@skinwithak) suffered from severe acne since she was 15 and she went on oral medications 3 times before finding Clearly…

alisha

Individual results may vary

“A lot of people always asking me what I do to maintain my skin after prescription oral medication. All I can say is Clear Out’ by @clearlybasics is a Godsend ❤️ I started using Clear Out after finishing my course of oral medication and it has helped keep acne at bay. It doesn’t leave me overly dry or flaky which most retinol creams did. I wish I had used the Clear Out before going on prescription.”


Bea (@beas.bareskin), a student from California, who has tried almost everything...

Ranging from prescription medication, chemical peels to a long list of brands (Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Proactiv, St. Ives, etc.)

...which resulted in even more breakouts, until she found Clearly.

Individual results may vary

"My skin looks so good now! I've had a few of my classmates tell me my skin texture looks so nice and even now. 😊
As an acne survivor, I'll never recommend a product if it's not effective. If any of you are wondering what products I use that have been giving me positive results, it's the Clearly Basics' full lineup."


Or Ella (@_myskinstory), an aesthetician and a makeup artist who loves using the Clear Out to keep her skin less acne-prone.

"The Clear Out is my favorite and most recommended product to any of my followers who suffer with mild-acne as well as post-acne suffers. The combination of ingredients are unique and work THE BEST in keeping spots at bay as well as improving acne marks & scars."


And many more reviews....


Say Goodbye to Clogged Pores and Acne Scars

Now, you have a good chance to get back the confidence that you've previously lost when you lost the battle against acne…

It’s time to wake up with happy, healthy, stress-free skin.

Try Us, Risk FREE!

If you finish an entire bottle and don’t see any results…

You’re entitled to a full refund within 90 days! T&Cs apply.

Get the Clear Out and give it a TRY!


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