Pimple marks
Here’s how to get rid of them
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Pimple marks are a real nuisance. We are happy that skin imperfections have finally subsided, but then dark spots and small scars remain, which make our complexion appear unclean and uneven. This is how you can prevent the skin problem.
What are pimple marks?
Anyone who has acne or pimples from time to time is familiar with pimple marks. These are reddish-brown areas of skin that remain for weeks or even months after the blemishes have subsided. Medically, these discolorations are called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” and result in an irregular skin appearance.
Pimple marks or acne scars?
In contrast to acne scars, pimple marks are flat and are only noticeable by their discoloration. Acne scars are characterized by a sunken or bulging area of skin after the pimple has subsided.
How do pimple marks arise?
Pimple marks occur when the skin tends to become more pigmented when it is inflamed. If skin tissue is injured – due to inflammation or squeezing of the pimple – it tends to accumulate significantly more melanin (pigment produced by the organism) in the corresponding area. This then creates the brownish-reddish spots. UV rays favor this effect.
A reddish discoloration of the skin on the affected area also occurs because the tissue is supplied with more blood during the healing process.
Pimple marks: this is how you can prevent:
- Don’t squeeze or scratch! The more the skin is injured, the more skin pigment (melanin) accumulates.
- It is essential to use UV protection: Sunlight and UV rays significantly increase the formation of pimple marks. So always use sun protection factor or avoid strong sunlight, especially with existing pimples and during the healing process.
- Regular cleaning: Make sure that you clean your skin thoroughly on a regular basis so that pimples and blemishes do not appear in the first place.
Pimple marks: help with existing spots
- Special creams and lotions: There are several creams for pimple marks that help against other types of pigment spots as well. These usually have to be used over several weeks or months until they show an effect, namely a lightening effect. Some of these products are available over-the-counter in pharmacies, others require a prescription.
- Peels: They remove dead skin cells and ensure that the skin renews itself faster. With regular use, pimple marks can also gradually disappear in this way. There are many different types of scrubs available in stores. However, these should not be too aggressive, as they may have the opposite effect, especially on sensitive skin, namely impair the regeneration of the skin. Among other things, gentle ones are recommended Fruit acid peels or scrubs with Healing earth. Here you can read how you can peel yourself.
- Microdermabrasion: In this special application, the surface of the skin is finely sanded. For this, too, several sessions in the dermatologist’s practice or in the cosmetics institute are usually necessary.
- Laser therapy: With the help of Lasers and light pulses (IPL) Pimple marks can be significantly improved, because this destroys the tissue of the pimple spots and stimulates skin renewal.
- Special active ingredients: There are a number of active ingredients that are said to have a particularly positive effect on the resolution of pimple marks. Zinc or zinc oxide supports the skin in its healing process. Active ingredients like vitamin C or Vitamin A (retinol) have a lightening effect. And also natural oils St. John’s wort oil or sea buckthorn oil can visually lighten the skin and thus the pimple marks.
Just do it yourself: coffee peeling