Clearing Up Red Acne Marks and Brown Spots is Easier than You Think

Learn the most effective way to reduce the appearance of red or brown acne marks

Mim had struggled with acne for eight years. She was well into adulthood but the pimples never stopped.

She spent thousands on masks, scrubs, washes, and lotions which claimed to be effective at stopping acne - nothing worked.

The larger issue were the scars: red and brown marks lingered long after the pimple flattened.

Source: Instagram (@mimandskin)

"Before one scar would fade, a new pimple would surface. It was extremely frustrating and I couldn't find a product that would get rid of the acne scars." – Mim P.

What Causes Red Marks?

Inflammation occurs when the body increases blood flow to the tissue surrounding a clogged pore¹. It is the body’s natural response in fending off bacterial infection.

After the pimple has flattened, it normally takes 8 to 12 weeks for blood vessels to shrink back to its original size. The residual blood and dilated blood vessels cause the red mark and it is important to fade these red marks quickly.

The longer red marks linger, they get exposed to UV light, collect melanin and become stubborn brown marks.

In desperation, we've probably had this thought many times …


So I Need Scrubs, Peels and Masks…?

 

We've seen many "skin gurus" on YouTube push a scrub, peel, mask or facial to treat scars — only to end up with deeper red marks.

Scrubs and peels are abrasive and the rubbing/peeling action brings inflammation into the skin. This blood flow will darken your red marks and thwart your body's efforts in dissipating blood.

Tip: Avoid facials that involve hot towels or steam. This also brings blood into the skin that will darken red acne marks.

Masks contain ingredients that help soothe the skin and dissipate blood. However, often masks DON'T STAY on your skin long enough to make a difference!

Instead, use a leave-in spot treatment that soaks for many hours into the skin.

Botanicals vs. Synthetic

Clearly's pharmacists vetted thousands of combinations of botanical and synthetic ingredients in order to find the most effective mix.

What we found is that natural botanical complexes are far more EFFECTIVE in soothing the skin as compared to synthetic ingredients2.

Using three botanicals, we created Lighten Up — a spot treatment for red post-acne marks that dissipates residual blood and reduces the appearance of dilated blood vessels:

  • Marigold flower improves your skin texture/tone.
  • Chamomile flower promotes healing and acts as a soothing agent.
  • Tea tree oil soothes redness and fades the appearances of post-acne red marks.

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


A Different Tool for Brown Acne Marks?

@deannaskin Individual results may vary

It is important to fade red marks quickly as it reduces the chance of UV exposure. When red marks are exposed to UV, they quickly collect melanin and turn into brown marks3.

These dark spots are more stubborn than red marks and can last up to two years on most skin types. To fade them, use the Dark Mark Defense (DMD). This formulation penetrates deeper into the epidermis where melanin is buried.

DMD contains potent pigment-regulating agents* that fade the appearance of dark spots 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.

*Each active ingredient inside DMD is well researched by the medical community. Its effectiveness is further amplified by mixing the ingredients together in the right percentages. You won't find this unique mix anywhere else.

DMD works on post-acne brown marks, sun spots, age spots and melasma. You will see good improvement within three months of continuous use and a significant improvement after six months of use:


Don't know what type of acne scars you have? Generally red marks linger for three months so if you have a mark that lasts longer than three months, it is likely a brown acne scar. Questions? 👉 Click here for a FREE personalized assessment 💬.


What More Can I Do to Prevent Acne Scars4?

  1. First, prevention is key get rid of the clog and there is no acne. If you don't have new breakouts, you won't have new acne scars or marks.

  2. Second, 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.

  3. Third, 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.

*An atrophic scar is an indented scar that heals below the normal layer of skin tissue. They form when the skin is unable to regenerate tissue. As a result, it leaves behind indentations in the skin.

Types of atrophic acne scars. Source: WebMD

To learn more about atrophic scars and how to get rid of them quickly and safely, sign up for the FREE toolkit below:

Win the War Against Acne

@mimandskin Individual results may vary

Of course, the best way to prevent acne scars is to stop new acne.

Doing this is easier than you might think. You don’t need a six-step procedure involving scrubbing and steaming. (Don't scrub or steam as it will further inflame your acne and leave deeper red marks)!

You just need a single lotion that is effective at penetrating into the pore to flush out dead skin trapped inside. If the dead skin does not accumulate inside the pore, clogs are much harder to form.

 

If you look at the algorithm dermatologists use5 to treat acne, the first choice in treating acne is a retinoid followed by an AZA lotion. Both ingredients flush out dead skin and are a deadly combination when working together.

Clear Out combines both pharma-grade retinol and AZA into a single bottle.

This unique combination of ingredients has been balanced to maximize effectiveness. The active ingredients work together to drive better results with less side effects*.

*Over 50% of our users have sensitive skin and they have no issues using Clear Out. This formulation is gentle, yet very effective in flushing out clogs.

Pair Lighten Up with Clear Out in order to clear clogs and reduce redness simultaneously:

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 ...

Clearly Basics has helped many people with acne ranging from mild to severe; people with sensitive skin to people with extremely oily skin. For a personalized assessment, please click "Send Message" on the Clearly Basics Facebook page.

Here are some of our user's stories below. These are users who have documented their entire acne journey on Instagram, including products they have used before they started Clearly Basics:


Toni (@xx.tonilumsden), a stylist from Hertfordshire spent over $6500 in acne products and treatments that did nothing for her acne but damage her skin …

Then she discovered Power Duo and it changed her life…

@xx.tonilumsden 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 and went through three rounds of oral medications before discovering Clear Out:

alisha

 

@skinwithak Individual results may vary

“All I can say is ‘Clear Out’ by @clearlybasics is a Godsend ❤️ It doesn’t leave me overly dry or flaky which most retinol creams did.” "I wish I came across Clearly Basics before starting oral medication as I would have purchased these and wouldn't have had to put my body through so much!"


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

"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."


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 Basics.

@beas.bareskin 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. 😊"


And many more reviews from Google ...


Try It, 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 Clear Out and give it a TRY!


References:
1. Deirdre Connolly et al, 2017 : Acne Scarring—Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment Options
2. Alison F. Stallings et al, 2009 : Practical Uses of Botanicals in Skin Care
3. Paula Begoun : Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
4. Fabbrocini G et al, 2018 : Evaluation, Prevention, and Management of Acne Scars: Issues, Strategies, and Enhanced Outcomes
5. Christine Nguyen, 2018 : Acne treatment algorithm suggested by Gollnick et al - Mild Moderate and Severe Acne

Disclaimer:

Nothing on this article should be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical related matters, please consult with your dermatologist.

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#RealResults

See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.

Based on 495 reviews
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So glad to have found these products!

Finding products that helped to control my acne without irritating my sensitive skin has always been a huge challenge. The clearly basics products have been my saviour, I can't recommend them enough ☺️

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Extra Strength Duo
Briannon Argueta
Skin Type: Combination
Comments: It's worth it. Just try it and stick with it =)
Definitely seeing improvements

I've struggled with acne for the last few years. I've tried many different topical things to clear it but nothing was working. I decided to try Clearly Basics and have definitely seen improvements! I've been using this combo for about 2 months and am loving the results so far. Obviously, my face isn't perfect yet but it's a marathon, not a sprint, and I understand that. Here's to consistency and better results as I continue my journey! I've attached some before and after pictures, all with a makeup-free face so you can see my honest progress.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Excellent and actually works

I am so incredibly impressed with the TLC for pore minimising - it 💯 works and has transformed my skin.

I’m in my 50’s and always had hormonal flare ups with larger pores as I age - this is a game changer and have just reordered my 3rd bottle !

❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Power Duo*
Chuan Ling T.

Adult acne is a new thing for me- I’ve had clear skin growing up so the outbreaks were very stressful! I did everything and anything I could, from watching YouTube reviews, trying out cult products to professional advice, but nothing quite did the job. So how the power duo panned out for me was definitely a pleasant (-ly hugeeee) surprise. I do acknowledge that my acne challenges are not on the extremely severe end, but I must say, emotionally the positive outcome of using both the power duo encouraged me to wear my skin as it is again. It’s really worthwhile trying as it is also a no fuss duo; hence the currently gild of my staple skincare products.

I saw a huge reduction in new pimples and any new pimples scars healed and disappeared a lot quicker

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Power Duo*
Anne F.

I have struggled with acne since I was 12 years old. All through my teenage and adult life my skin has been unpredictable and the breakouts have been constant and so frustrating. I’ve tried everything you could imagine but nothing worked reliably. Clear Out and lighten up have been a total game changer for me and I couldn’t be happier with the results

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Power Duo*
Mamtha J.

Tried every product out there from proactiv to slurp! None worked, they infact aggravated the condition! Tried clearlybasics as last resort and oh boy it works! Worth every penny! First time in 20 years, stepped out without wearing base makeup! Never thought this day would come!

L
Power Duo*
Laura S.

This stuff changed my life!!!!
After reading the reviews I never thought it would work for me in the same way as it had for other people, as my skin was so bad and cystic. But after just a few months of using this and cutting down on dairy, my skin was 10 times better!
I’m still religiously using the Power Duo and don’t think I’ll ever stop 😊

I am 32 years old and still suffering from acne. I tried many things, but acne will dissappear and come back. Now I am using this product and my skin is getting better. Still I get some acne, but hopefully it clear all. But I am not sure how long I should use this product ?

Ive been using clear out for about 3 months and I have noticed a big change. Breakouts are minimal and my skin is looking and feeling much clearer. Im just about to start the clear out extra strength to try and clean out the remaining stubborn cystic bumps. Id like the pigmentation and scars to fade quicker, but Im sure they will in time. Overall Im happy with the product and can notice the change when comparing photos.

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Power Duo
Emma Taylor

I love clearly basics so much!! My skin has cleared up amazingly, check out @myacnepage on insta or clearly basics website to see how far my skin has come while using their products. I love the power duo especially and recommend to anyone who has been struggling with acne or redness/hyperpigmentation and scarring

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Power Duo
Amy Nuramira

"""I have been struggling with acne for 10 years. This is by far the best product. I started out with brown pigmentation (acne marks) and a lot of tiny bumps of acne on my forehead, cheek and nose (kind of like sand paper). As soon as I started the Clear Out and Lighten Up, my acne bumps got smaller and smaller. My brown pigmentation began turning lighter (reddish pinkish).
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Initially, when I started using it, I didn't really get a 'purge' it was just a small amount of break outs which went away in a few weeks. Now my hormonal break outs are not as terrible as before, they still appear but barely noticeable.
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My skin is acne free, pigmentation are still there but they've improved tremendously. The Clear Out does not dry out your skin at all, even when I apply makeup on, it's not patchy."""

Started using the Power Duo approximately 2-3 months ago, the creams have really helped to improve my skin quality, it feels so much smoother. I still have pigmentation which I will be starting to use the Dark Mark Defense for. But overall VERY happy with the Power Duo

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Power Duo
Megan Downes

"Amazing!!

Never have I found a brand that is so gentle on my skin but works wonders.

The lighten up is the best thing for redness, the difference in just one day on my pictures below.

Can't recommend enough, especially for hormonal acne.

Thank you Clearly"

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Power Duo
Louisa Bohm

Before I started using Clearly Basics, I was using normal pharmacy products and this obviously wasn’t enough. I was having a lot of breakouts and cysts underneath the skin. I found Clearly through a giveaway which I participated and won, and I’m so glad it gave me the opportunity to try their products. 2 months in, I was amazed how powerful the products are, especially the Power Duo, and I absolutely love them. My skin has changed so much, it heals much faster now. I definitely recommend trying.

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Power Duo
Celeste Robinson

This company is honestly incredible! I have been struggling with really painful hormonal cystic acne for years. I was prescribed oral medication, but decided against taking it because of all the side effects. So I did some research and found Clearly Basics! I have been using the Power Duo for 3 months and the progress my skin has made has been amazing! It has cleared my skin without causing any irritation or sensitivity. I am finally at the stage where I can leave the house without makeup! My skin is clear!! The customer service is also very personal and efficient. I don’t have enough wonderful things to say about these products, they literally saved my skin.

Really lovely product range! The power duo is the first thing, after 6 years of searching, that has helped my hormonal acne. I've tried antibiotics, differin, epiduo and everything range going but my skin got burnt, the acne came back or just didn't work. Clealry have the balance just right of clearing out your pores to prevent acne and calm pigmentation without irritating the skin. Absolutely amazing stuff that has transformed my skin!

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Power Duo
Ghina Arbid

I've had acne since I was in high school. It was coming and going, but I never got rid of it completely. Last year, I had a few months without acne at all and I thought "Okay, great. This is it." But then it started coming back. So I went to see a doctor and they gave me some prescriptions. They didn't work. I saw an ad for Clearly Basics on social media once, and I was like, "This is great! But do I trust online products like this?" And guess what? I'm back here and I trust them completely because I've seen results. I started using Clearly almost 3 months ago, had a purging period where everything was just coming out. Now I'm in my third month, and I really like the results so far. My skin has cleared up, and there aren't any large bumps underneath my skin anymore. And it's just great, honestly. I didn't expect a product I bought online to be this helpful and useful. I wouldn't go anywhere else anymore after this.

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Extra Strength Duo
Melissa Aldana

I love what the Sensitive Skin Trio (Clear Out + Lighten Up + Protective Moisturizer) has done for my skin! I had tried so many things before trying these products out and my skin was at its worst and peeling horribly, but I noticed a difference within the first week of using these products. The So Fresh cleanser is so refreshing and it has worked so well without stripping my skin. And with the Dark Mark Defense, my dark marks have faded greatly in comparison to when I first started using it. Since starting Clearly, I have upgraded to the Clear Out Extra Strength and even with the stronger formulation, I don’t experience any sensitivity and my skin has never looked or felt better! My skin is not dull or dry, and even has a glow, and the texture of my skin has also improved significantly

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Power Duo
Chelsey Hendriksen

"I have been using Clearly for about 5 weeks and I am blown away by results. I have no large lumps, which is awesome because they were super painful. My skin is smooth and soft and everyday I see my red scars fading. I had tried so many things from drug store brands to high end products for my cystic acne and nothing worked.
After months of struggling and literally hating my skin I can not believe how amazon it looks"

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Extra Strength Duo
Nicole Long

I have always struggled with acne ever since I was a teenager. Constant breakouts, constant red marks, fading into acne scars that I still probably have today. I found Clearly through social media and I was really taken in by their testimonials, so I took the leap. I started with the Clear Out + Lighten Up (Power Duo), and I really was able to see that any breakouts I was having would go away faster than I've ever seen and the Lighten Up would get rid of those red marks very quickly. Eventually I moved into the Clear Out Extra Strength and I was able to really feel like I was clearing out my clogged pores and really resetting my skin. I also added the Dark Mark Defense to really target those dark marks, acne scars that I've had since I was a teenager, and I was able to see the difference within the first month, which was really exciting for me to really target those spots that have been bothering me for years!

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Power Duo
Brittany Shanae

"I swear the Power Duo (Clear Out and Lighten Up) are a GOD-send! I've been using both consistently for 3 months now and my skin has NEVER looked or felt better! I haven't experienced a breakout since March and more than 80% of my hyperpigmentation is GONE!

I'm so grateful to have finally found a product that actually works for my skin!

If you're dealing with acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation, you should def research Clearly Basics."

Skin Type: Normal
Comments: The only thing I now need to use to keep my skin clear.
The holy grail for clearing hormonal acne.

This is the only product that I have needed to keep my skin clear since discovering it about 2 years ago, after suddenly developing cystic hormonal acne at the age of 25. I now only need to use it every second night, so it's incredibly affordable. It has also never irritated my sensitive skin and it has faded previous acne marks to truly clear my skin. After years of trying expensive supplements/products/harsh prescription creams, Clear Out was the only thing that gave me long-lasting results.

Skin Type: Oily
Clearly Basics is the only product that has helped my Adult Acne

I have always struggled with dehydrated acne prone skin. Every month like clockwork I would get a new breakout on my chin or cheek area. These included large cystic acne that by the time they came to a head would take me months to clear. With new breakouts each month this created more & more spots before the first could heal leaving more hyper pigmentation spots that never have time to clear. Clearly basics changed all that for me. It gave my skin a chance to heal and reduced the number of breakouts each month. When I do get a new breakout it resolves itself quickly with less scarring and redness. Now that the acne is under control the products are helping to eliminate the remaining hyper pigmentation spots left from years of acne. I have not been using the product for long but I will continuing relying on this product and look forward to the day I can happily look in the mirror at a smooth clear & even complexion some day soon.

Skin Type: Combination
Comments: Product consistency in terms of smoothness/coarseness/stickiness/ is sometimes a miss, don't believe it affects the result provided.
Great Combo

Have seen great improvements by using these 2 items concurrently, hard to fault and wil continue purchasing.

Individual results may vary

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