How to reduce acne scars?

What are the main types of acne scars?

Acne spots can be stubborn and even leave a mark on the skin. So-called “permanent” acne scars are often the source of major stress and can sometimes affect daily life.

These scars are generally divided into 3 categories: atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars and hypopigmented or hyperpigmented scars.

Atrophic acne scars: 

Atrophic acne scars are undoubtedly the best known. An indentation or a crease appears in place of the acne spot, usually in the shape of an M, V or U.

During the healing process, more collagen is lost around the site of the spot, leaving a pitted lesion in the areas most affected by skin inflammation.

Hypertrophic acne scars: 

Rarer than atrophic acne scars, hypertrophic scars also appear after an acne breakout, but they have a swollen appearance.

This fatty accumulation is actually the result of an overproduction of collagen during the healing phase. Excess collagen does not drain away properly and causes a stubborn blister, usually purple in colour.

Hypopigmented or hyperpigmented acne scars: 

As the acne spot heals, the synthesis of melanin (the skin’s pigmentation) is disrupted.

Sometimes the acne scar doesn’t have a particular shape; instead, it changes the skin’s pigmentation. The spot is replaced by a pigment spot, which can be lighter (hypopigmented) or darker (hyperpigmented) than the natural skin. 

Browse all our products to fade pigment spots. 

 

Where can acne scars occur?

By definition, acne spots can appear on any area of the face and body. However, they are often most common on the face. The cheeks, the forehead and the nose are the most affected areas of the face, particularly because they are easy to scratch and can therefore become infected more easily.

But acne breakouts can also affect other areas of the skin, including the back and the scalp. Acne scars in these areas can be more prominent and take longer to treat than on the face.

A healthier lifestyle to reduce acne scars

Before you try to reduce acne scars, it’s important to understand the cause of the scars so that you can prevent their recurrence. If this inflammation is caused by hormones (adolescence, contraception, pregnancy, menopause, etc.), medical supervision will be advised in parallel with local treatment.

However, a slight change in eating habits or lifestyle may be enough to significantly reduce acne spots.

Our advice: a detoxification process to ensure more radiant skin.

Make sure you detoxify your body regularly: limit rich foods or dairy products or do a detox from time to time (with fruit and vegetable juices, for example). Green tea, whole grains and citrus fruits are excellent natural detoxifiers. In addition, do your best to sleep longer and more deeply.

Effective ingredients to get rid of acne scars:

Cleanse your skin by using the right products, such as our PURE COLLECTION. 

The antibacterial, purifying and healing properties of the main active ingredients used in the PURE range rebalance the skin’s microbiota to prevent the appearance of blemishes:

- Organic burdock root regulates sebum secretion, purifies oily areas and moisturises dry areas for healthy, shine-free skin.

- Zinc purifies and cleanses the skin with its healing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

- Plant-derived charcoal detoxifies and absorbs excess sebum to put an end to blemishes.

- Gluconolactone cleanses and tightens pores with a powerful exfoliating effect.

- Hyaluronic acid reduces acne scars with its restorative effect.

- Plant-derived bisabolol, a natural anti-inflammatory which is produced from the essential oil of organic Candeia, soothes redness and helps to fade pigmented scars. 

- Prebiotic sugar rebalances the skin by promoting the growth of the skin’s microbial flora.

- Salicylic acid can also help to regulate the shine and blemishes of combination and oily skin. 

PATYKA has always offered its customers a different approach to cosmetics. We choose active ingredients of natural origin which have been proven to be effective by an independent laboratory.

Certified as being organic by the COSMOS label from ECOCERT, we take particular care when choosing our partners to guarantee the excellent quality of our botanical and biotechnology active ingredients.

A skincare routine for acne-prone skin: 

It’s best to treat acne as soon as there’s a breakout to avoid scarring. Daily cleansing is vital to dry acne spots out and prevent scarring.

Our advice: opt for gentle double cleansing

Double cleansing is inspired by Asian skincare rituals, popular in Japan and Korea. It is particularly effective when used on acne-prone skin.

1. Remove any make-up, preferably with an oil which will gently remove stubborn make-up, excess sebum and traces of pollution. The Melting Cleansing Oil is ideal for the first step of the double cleansing process. This product, which is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, reduces spots, shine and dehydration, leaving you with clean, clear skin. 
2. Gently cleanse your skin, using a mild product. Forget about anything which strips or scrubs the skin and go for a gentle approach. Soap-free and sulphate free, the Purifying Cleansing Gel has sebum-regulating and antibacterial properties; it gently purifies the skin to leave it looking matte.

Once you’ve cleansed your skin and removed any make-up, you can move on to the next step: 

Purify your skin, using your fingers or a cotton pad, with the Anti-Blemish Toner, suitable for combination and oily skin, which rebalances sebum production, refines the skin’s texture and tightens pores.

Treat blemishes with the Anti-Blemish Serum which tackles the bacteria responsible for acne to prevent the appearance of blemishes. Its comprehensive formula, featuring organic burdock root, hyaluronic acid, zinc-rich algae, gluconolactone and plant-derived bisabolol, works to tackle all issues: blackheads, dilated pores and scars. It reduces blemishes and cleanses the skin with long-lasting results.

Lastly, apply the Matte Perfecting Fluid to moisturise and mattify the skin; once a week, you can apply the Detox Charcoal Mask, to detoxify and rebalance the skin.

If these products are not sufficient, make an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist to find the best techniques, depending on the extent, severity and visibility of your acne scars.