How to Fade Acne Scars by Bleaching
Dark spots and scarring left behind by acne can seem almost as bad as the acne itself. Many cases of scarring are caused by the acne sufferer trying to "pop pimples" and damaging the skin in the surrounding area, but some blemishes will leave a mark behind no matter what. The dark color tone is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and is a part of the skin's healing process. Some scars may fade on their own over time, but the following products will help speed up the healing process.
Things You'll Need
- Products containing hydroquinone
- Products containing glycolic acid
- Products containing Kojic acid
- Lemons
- Cotton balls
- Bleaching toothpaste
Instructions
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Look for products that contain hydroquinone and glycolic acid. Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent that will help fade scars and the glycolic acid acts as a peel to reveal new, healthy skin. You can buy over-the-counter hydroquinone products in a 2 percent or less concentration, but will have to see a dermatologist for a prescription for anything stronger. Hydroquinone works by slowing the production of your skin's melanin and restoring it to its natural color.
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Kojic acid is another bleaching agent used to fade dark spots. Kojic acid also works to stop the production of melanin. It is used in concentrations of 1 percent to 4 percent, but could be more irritating than hydroquinone. You can get a prescription for Kojic acid from your dermatologist, or find it in lower concentrations in some skin-care products.
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Lemon is a natural bleaching agent. Use a cotton ball dipped in lemon juice to gently spread it onto your skin. Be very careful to avoid your eye area as lemon juice can lead to painful stinging. If it's tolerable, leave the juice on your skin, but if you experience irritation or stinging, leave the juice on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
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Use a toothpaste marketed to bleach teeth as a spot treatment on scars. When you rinse the toothpaste off, follow up with an oil-free moisturizer to combat dryness.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear oil-free sunblock when going outside. The sun's UV light will make skin darker, and your scars will be even more visible.
Don't use products such as cocoa butter or olive oil to fade scars as they contain oil that will clog up your pores and lead to more acne, and more scarring.
