Tag: dark spots

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How to Heal Acne Scars

woman popping pimple in front of mirror

There are some scars you wear as badges of honor: the scar you got beating up the school bully, the tattoo of your child”s name on your ankle, the “Mom” tattoo on your upper arm. Conversely, there are other scars that don’t earn bragging rights, such as the ones you get from acne. Those who have left their acne years behind are more likely to want to banish any existing evidence than hold on to unpleasant souvenirs. If you are among those battling with the remains of your acne, read on for a few helpful tips.

Fade Creams

If you have a red or swollen scar, Tina Alster, MD and professor of dermatology at Georgetown University, suggests using a cortisone cream. Cortisone is absorbed by skin cells and reduces inflammation. Creams containing cortisone can be bought without a prescription and are available at most pharmacies.

After the cortisone application, you’ll want to work on lightening dark spots left by the scar. “Hydroquinone, a popular skin lightener, has recently fallen out of favor and is now being omitted from many fading creams due to irritation and carcinogenic concern,” says Alster. Safer alternatives include Kojic acid, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and arbutus.

Filler and Laser Treatments

If your acne scars are not responding to at-home treatments, you may want to call in a professional. Laser skin resurfacing can even out the surface of skin and stimulate collagen formation. The new collagen will act as a building block of skin, and can help to fill in scars from acne.

Filler injections will fill in indentations in the skin left by acne scars. However, because the product reabsorbs into the skin over time, filler treatment needs to be repeated every 4 to 6 months.

Time

Time heals all wounds, and acne scars are no exception. According to Alster, a  few weeks after scarring, new blood vessels will move to the area to nourish the skin. Months later collagen will begin to fill in the injured area. But, keep in mind, patience is key. Ron Moy, MD, says that because cystic acne destroys fat and skin, fading of scars may take up to a year.

Prevention of Scars

If you are currently in the throws of acne, here are a few tips for surviving it scar-free.

Avoid the Sun

Ultraviolet rays can cause the stimulation of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. This can cause scars to darken and slows down the healing process. Protect yourself with a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and avoid the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when its rays are strongest.

Don’t Pick Scars

Scars are made up of collagen, and can become indented due to loss of this protein. Squeezing can damage the collagen and cause bacteria and pus to filter into the skin more deeply, while picking increases inflammation, leading to further discoloration and scarring.

Don’t Use Vitamin E

Although Vitamin E is a much-touted cure all for any and all skin problems, a study from the University of Miami shows that the opposite may be true when it comes to eliminating scars. According to the study, vitamin E increased or had no effect on scarring in 90% of the patients, while 33% developed contact dermatitis from application of the vitamin.

Let us know how you survived acne and what you did to heal the battle scars. We want to know!

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Dark Spots and Uneven Skin Tone

Portrait of woman with slight symptoms of hyperpigmentation

Solar Lentiginosis, also known as sun spots, liver spots or age spots, are common type of skin ailment that is known to develop on your skin. These spots are darker in color than the surrounding area and are known to typically vary from a light brown to reddish color. People with fairer skin tones are more susceptible to dark spots and these blemishes have been known to make a number of people feel extremely sheepish about their skin.

What Causes Skin Spots?

One of the main reasons behind skin spots is the long term damage of exposing your skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The sun’s rays can increase the melanin production in your body, thereby making your skin become darker in certain areas. However, exposure to the sun isn’t the only cause of skin spots. Things like hormonal imbalances, aging, genetics, liver damage, skin disorders and acne scars can also cause skin spots.

Skincare for Uneven Skin Tone*

There are a number of steps and considerations involved in treating uneven skin tones. To make things simpler, we have divided the entire skin care routine for those suffering from uneven skin tones into four simple steps.

Step 1 – Peeling

The first and foremost thing that you need to do is to encourage your cell regeneration. One of the best ways of increasing the rate of cell regeneration is by removing the dead cells and the grime from the outermost layer of your skin. This is where peeling is so important. The Resveratrol Merlot Refining Peeling has been specially designed to remove dirt and grime from your skin and helping you to reveal a gentler and brighter complexion.

Step 2 – Nourishing

Once you’re done with peeling your skin, you need to use facial serums to provide your skin with some much need nourishment. Make sure that you always use a facial serum that contains Vitamin C. The Resveratrol Zinfandel Skin Tone Correcting Serum has been formulated with the help of Vitamins A and Ck Orange Peel Extracts and Resveratrol to make your skin look more youthful and radiant.

Step 3 – Moisturizing

Providing your skin with the necessary hydration is particularly important. You can use moisturizers that offer you with sun protection during the day time. However, you need special moisturizing creams that help you to lock the moisture content and nourish your skin  at night. The Resveratrol Merlot Nourishing Night Cream is an ultra-soothing solution that consists of the goodness of Resveratrol and Shea Butter. It allows you to hydrate your skin and get rid of dry or rough skin patches.

Step 4 – Protecting

Repairing the damage that has already been caused to your skin is important, but protecting your skin from further damage is equally important. This is where sunscreens play such an important role. Irrespective of what anyone might say, don’t wear anything less than an SPF 30 on a regular basis, even when it’s cloudy or rainy. The Resveratrol Zinfandel Radiance Cream offers your skin with the essential nutrients and vitamins that it needs to glow naturally. Moreover, it also helps you to protect your skin by reducing the signs of aging and the appearance of dark spots that are caused by exposure to the sun’s rays.

Could It Be Melanoma?

Are you concerned about skin spots? Make sure that you visit your dermatologist if –

  1. Your skin spots look asymmetrical, i.e., they are larger or smaller on one side.
  2. The melanoma is larger than the size of a pencil eraser
  3. Your skin spots look irregular
  4. The appearance of your skin spot changes suddenly
  5. Your skin gains a darker color in certain areas

Words to Know

  1. Melanin – Melanin refers to a natural pigment in the human body that is responsible for the color of your skin, hair and eyes.
  2. Hyperpigmentation – Hyperpigmentation refers to a skin condition that is normally caused due to overproduction of melanin in the body. Excessive exposure to the sun is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation.

*This information is shared for informational purposes only. Always consult with your dermatologist before treating skin conditions.

Infographic on dark spots and uneven skin tone