Once you’ve used a 10 step for acne, you’ll want to switch to a 10 step routine for acne scars. Discover it below.
It’s one thing to have to deal with blemishes, but a whole other dilemma to fight the marks the pimples leave behind, AKA acne scars. These scars can come in the form of hyperpigmentation, erythema, and the most complex to treat: pitted scars.
The varying types need different methods to treat and they are caused by different things, but this 10 step routine should effectively help to brighten and revitalize skin, leaving it looking more even than before.
Cleansing oil: Hanskin Cleansing Oil & Blackhead [PHA]
The first step to combating acne scars is working to get your acne under control. Doing this will help to avoid any instances that could further damage the skin. Cleansing oil is an essential first step that will help to deep clean the skin of any impurities including dirt, sebum and even the most stubborn of waterproof makeup.
The Hanskin Cleansing Oil & Blackhead [PHA] would be a good addition to your routine since it combines the cleansing power of a traditional oil cleanser with powerful chemical exfoliants that help to rid of the skin of excess dead skin cells, oil and debris. Always double cleanse at night to effectively help reduce breakouts.
Water-based cleanser: Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser
Despite what you grew up believing, cleansing your face shouldn’t result in a squeaky clean feeling! Instead, your skin should feel cleansed but still moisturized. You’ll want to avoid traditional acne cleansers as these tend to use harsh cleansing agents that will strip the skin of its natural oils.
Instead, reach for gentle, lower pH cleansers that are meant to leave your skin nourished, just like the Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser. To really combat acne scars, you’ll want to have a routine that features chemical exfoliants, and for them to work to their fullest potential you should have pH balancing products that don’t disrupt your natural barrier.
The Acwell cleanser is effective since it’s bubble-free. But that doesn’t mean it’s skimped on the cleansing abilities! Rather, it helps to keep acne at bay with the help of tea tree oil, centella asiatica and salicylic acid. The addition of witch hazel and licorice extract will calm and soothe skin, leaving it looking brighter and more glowy than before.
Toner: Klavuu White Pearlsation Revitalizing Pearl Treatment Toner
Toners are an essential part to any skin care routine because they help to get rid of any leftover impurities after cleansing as well as prep and hydrate the skin for the rest of your routine. They can come in many different formulas—from thicker, more moisturizing ones to watery ones—but to treat acne scars, I’d suggest choosing one that features brightening ingredients so that you can hydrate and brighten your skin at the same time.
The Klavuu White Pearlsation Revitalizing Pear Treatment Toner will breathe new life into your skin. It features pearl extract, niacinamide, mineral water, apple fruit water, and kelp extract to hydrate, brighten and even out your skin tone all in one go.
Essence: Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Intensive Moist
You might be wondering what could make an essence so important to fading acne scars. Well, the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Intensive Moist has the ability to help accelerate the cell turnover process, allowing your skin to renew itself quicker.
This holy grail essence also features 90% fermented yeast extract from himalayan purple barley to effectively plump skin, refine texture, and reduce pigmentation. Plus, it also contains niacinamide to help to brighten and clarify the skin tone. It’s a great multi-purpose item that will target acne scars at their source while also preventing premature aging.
Exfoliator: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
Chemical exfoliators are a must when combating acne scars. They work by shedding built up dead skin cells to reveal clearer, smoother skin. The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid is a salicylic acid-based treatment that deep cleans pores, smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, and ultimately, evens out your skin tone. Using a chemical exfoliator on a regular basis can help to lighten acne scars quicker than they would on their own.
Treatment: Cosrx Triple C Lightning Liquid
Vitamin C is well known for regenerating the skin by increasing collagen product and at the same time targeting pigmentation and breaking it down to reveal blemish-free skin. Vitamin C targets acne scars because of its ability to inhibit the production of melanin. This will stop acne scars in their path.
If you’re dealing with more pitted scars, vitamin C can also be effective since it has the ability to increase collagen, which can help to renew the skin and smooth out uneven texture. A powerful vitamin C to invest in is the Cosrx Triple C Lightning Liquid. It contains 20.5% of pure ascorbic acid—the most effective form of vitamin C. It intensely brightens and soothes the skin, making it easier to achieve the clear complexion you’ve always wanted.
Serum: Some by Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum
You can probably sense a theme with this routine, but if not, all of the products will focus on brightening ingredients that will help to lighten and hopefully erase acne scars. The Some by Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum contains 3% pure vitamin C and 75% galactomyces ferment filtrate – both supremely moisturizing ingredients.
The serum is also moisturizing and anti-aging.
Spot treatment: Acwell Anti Mark Gel Cream
The Acwell Anti Mark Gel Cream is an optional treatment but it’s great for spot treating anywhere where there is unwanted pigmentation (sun spots, acne scars, or just anywhere where you have darker spots). This is all thanks to niacinamide and licorice root extract, which go to work by inhibiting melanin production and by bringing life back to dull, tired skin.
Sheet mask: Mediheal W.H.P Brightening & Hydrating Charcoal Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are a great way to pump moisture into the skin in as little time as possible, but that’s not their only function. Each one has a different purpose, such as anti-aging, brightening or even acne scar care.
The Mediheal W.H.P Brightening & Hydrating Charcoal Sheet Mask is one of my all time favorites since it is incredibly brightening. It’s packed with niacinamide, açai fruit extract and a moisturizing sugar complex to deliver rich nutrition to the skin.
Moisturizer: SMD Cosmetics Saromae Snail Secretion Cream
Moisturizers are fundamental to any routine, but especially for those suffering from acne scars, because the most effective treatment for acne scars is to use chemical exfoliators, and these temporary exfoliate the upper layer of skin, leaving your skin exposed. So you want to make sure to use moisturizers that will soothe and repair your skin’s natural barrier.
The SMD Cosmetics Saromae Snail Secretion Cream contains 62% snail mucin extract to brighten, repair and hydrate skin.
Sunscreen: Acwell UV Cut SPF 50+PA++++ Mild Sun Fluid
SPF is an essential step to not only protecting your skin from damage but also an important part in treating acne scars. Prolonged exposure to sun rays can actually cause even more pigmentation, so it’s integral to use SPF on an everyday basis, even in the winter!
The Acwell UV Cut SPF 50+PA++++ Mild Sun Fluid would work well in any routine for acne-prone skin as it contains inflammation-calming ingredients like centella asiatica and helps repair sun damage that worsens acne scars.
Bottom line:
Combating acne scars is a complex issue, but hopefully this 10 step routine will point you in the right direction to get started on your journey to clearer, scar-free skin. Keep in mind that not every product will work for everyone’s skin type so it’s important to not only look for products with brightening ingredients to help combat your scars but also for those that will work for you particular skin type.
+ What would you include in your 10 step routine for acne scars? Share your routine below!
