Post-acne is various manifestations on the skin after acne (acne). Many salon procedures help to get rid of them, but this can be done at home using special cosmetics, ointments and other products.
Reasons for the appearance
Post-acne appears for the following reasons:
| Severe forms and degrees of acne | With papulo-pustular and nodular-cystic acne, the risk of transformation of acne in post-acne is highest, since these forms of the disease damage the skin structure the most. |
| Improper acne treatment | Very often, the skin is scarred as a result of the wrong choice of skin care products and the use of inappropriate acne treatments. |
| Squeezing acne | Injury to the skin, especially too frequent, leads to the formation of scars (due to the effects of nails and sharp objects) and an aggravation of the inflammatory process, which can later also lead to scars. In addition, during the squeezing of acne into the skin, an infection can be introduced, after which marks will remain on the face. |
| Unprofessional actions of a beautician | Some people turn to beauticians to do mechanical cleansing of their face - some people leave scars after the procedure, as the skin is injured during cleaning. Also, the formation of post-acne can be caused by unprofessional manipulations by a beautician or non-compliance with hygiene requirements during the procedure (insufficient disinfection of instruments). |
| The presence of post-acne in close relatives | If the mother or father had post-acne, then the risk of acne marks increases several times. |
| Tendency to form keloid scars | In rare cases, post-acne scarring may appear due to the body's tendency to form keloids (keloid scars). |
Treatment methods
You can remove post-acne at home using various methods: badyagi, special creams, peels.
Badiaga
Badiaga is one of the most popular acne remedies. It is of animal origin (since it is a silicon sponge) and is produced in dried and crushed form - in powder.
Due to its composition (silica, sponginin protein and a complex of minerals), badyaga has the following effect on the skin:
- exfoliates dead skin particles and promotes the renewal of the upper layers of the skin (which is comparable to the effect of peeling);
- has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes the resorption of subcutaneous seals;
- saturates the skin with useful minerals that improve its condition.
The action of the badyagi is also due to its structure - the badyagi powder consists of many tiny needles that irritate the skin. As a result, blood begins to actively flow to the skin, vasodilation and increased nutrition and renewal processes of skin tissues occur.
As a result of using badyagi, the pores of the skin are cleansed, its upper layers are exfoliated and stains, pigmentation and scars are eliminated.
Badyaga also helps to even out the complexion and make the skin healthier and fresher. Before using the product, it is necessary to conduct a sensitivity test - apply a little badyagi to the elbow and leave for several hours.If no rash appears, the powder can be used.
Contraindications to the use of badyagi are:
- the presence of abscesses (including purulent acne) and open wounds on the skin in the area of application of the product;
- too thin skin of the face;
- rosacea;
- increased facial hair.
To prepare an exfoliating mask, you will need: 1-1.5 tbsp. l. badyagi powder and hydrogen peroxide, greasy cream and gloves. You will also need a cosmetic brush to apply the mask.
The sequence of actions is as follows:
- It is necessary to mix badyagu and hydrogen peroxide to get a creamy mass.
- Next, you need to wash your face using any cleanser and wipe the skin dry. Apply cream to the area around the eyes and lips.
- Then, with gloved hands, apply the badyag on the face with a brush and leave the mask on the face for 7-10 minutes. Then it needs to be washed off.
After the procedure, the face will be deep red and may "burn" - this is a normal phenomenon associated with the effect of badyag on the skin. Crusts may also form, which should not be removed by hand. The crusts will fall off on their own, and under them there will be renewed, smooth skin. After 10 days, you can repeat the procedure if necessary.
Since the badyaga “exposes” the skin surface, then after applying it, you must definitely use a cream with an SPF factor of at least 20 to prevent burns and pigmentation. In pharmacies, you can also buy a badyag in the form of a gel - this form of the product acts softer and is suitable for sensitive skin. The gel is recommended to be used locally on the affected skin.
Peeling
There are 3 types of skin peels: chemical, mechanical and laser. At home, you can only carry out chemical peeling, which is divided into 3 more types according to the depth of penetration into the layers of the skin: superficial, middle and deep.
At home, it is recommended to use a superficial type of peeling based on AHA acids, BHA acids and other preparations.
They have an exfoliating effect on the skin, promoting its renewal. As a result of the course of procedures, the skin becomes smoother and healthier, the manifestations of post-acne disappear: pigmentation, enlarged pores, spots and shallow scars. For deep scars, it is better to use a medium peel with trichloroacetic acid or a deep peel based on phenol.
But since these types of peels do not have a gentle effect, unlike superficial ones, they should be carried out only in the salon.More about surface chemical peels:
| Type of acting substance | What skin is suitable for | Name of funds |
| AHA acids (glycolic, lactic, all types of fruit acids) | All types of skin, including sensitive | “Kosmoteros” (with glycolic acid), “Fruit acids AHA complex BTpeel” (complex of fruit acids), “Mixit” (gel peeling with fruit acids). |
| BHA acids (salicylic acid) | Most suitable for oily to combination skin | Salicylic peeling “LikOberon”, serum for oily skin with salicylic acid “RejudiCare”, alcohol solution of salicylic acid. |
| Jessner peeling (salicylic acid + lactic acid + resorcinol, which has an anti-scar effect) | All kinds of leather | Peeling Jessner "Salicylicpeel", Peeling Jessner "CL-1 Solution", Peeling Jessner "Salex mj la beaute medicale" |
| Yellow peeling based on retinol (vitamin A) | All types of skin, including sensitive | Mesoderm Yellow Peel / Antiage Yellow Peel Mask |
Rules for using chemical peels at home:
- you must strictly follow the instructions for using the product;
- you need to work with gloves;
- the area around the eyes and lips should be smeared with a greasy cream to protect it from the effects of peeling;
- the procedure is recommended in the evening, as after it the skin may turn red;
- within 7 days after peeling, you must use a cream with an SPF factor and monitor skin hydration.
Sequence of actions:
- It is necessary to wash off the makeup from the face and then wash with a cleanser, then let the skin dry completely.
- Next, apply a cream to the area around the eyes and lips and let it absorb.
- Then, peeling should be applied to dry skin of the face and neck and left for the time specified in the instructions. If there is a very strong burning sensation, then the peeling should be washed off immediately.
- If there is no discomfort, then the product should be kept on the skin and then washed off with water.
- If products with acids were used, then they must be neutralized with a solution of soda - they need to wipe the face.
- After a few minutes, you can apply a soothing mask or a thin layer of moisturizer.
It is recommended to use peeling once every 10 days until the post-acne disappears completely. Further, peeling can be performed once a week on a regular basis to deeply cleanse the skin and pores.
Special care products for post-acne
There are special care cosmetics, which contain acids, enzymes and other substances that have an exfoliating effect and help to renew the skin and eliminate post-acne.
The best remedies for acne are:
- Exfoliating Lotion by Clinique
- enzyme peeling APIS Professional Hydro Evolution;
- matting cream with AHA acids from Farmona Professional;
- cream for acne and post-acne scars Acence Mark-X Blemish After Cream;
- Mineral Peeling Mask "Double Radiance" from Vichy;
- peeling mask Re-Plasty High Definition Peel from Helena Rubinstein.
It is necessary to use care cosmetics for post-acne on a regular basis, otherwise there will be no effect from the products.
Acne ointments
Pharmacy ointments help to remove post-acne at home. They contain medicinal components that have anti-inflammatory, healing and whitening effects.
One of the most effective pharmaceutical remedies to combat post-acne is retinoic ointment, which helps to eliminate inflammatory processes in skin tissues and enhances regeneration processes, which helps to smooth out scars. This ointment can cause hyperpigmentation, so it must be combined with sunscreen.
Also, the following pharmacy ointments are effective for post-acne:
- Ichthyol ointment. Promotes the healing of acne and the restoration of the integrity of the skin after them; eliminates redness.
- Sulfuric ointment 10%. It has an exfoliating effect and helps to eliminate pigmentation.
- Heparin ointment accelerates the absorption of spots after acne and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- "Kontraktubex". This product is produced in the form of a gel and is used to treat acne scars and stagnant spots. The active substances included in the gel accelerate the absorption of scars and help the skin regenerate faster.
Darsonvalization
Darsonval is a physiotherapy device that emits current impulses. It is actively used for various diseases of the skin and hair, and you can also get rid of acne marks with it.
Darsonvalization when exposed to the skin has the following effect:
- destroys pathogenic bacteria;
- heals acne;
- activates increased collagen production, thereby helping to smooth out scars;
- normalizes the sebaceous glands;
- accelerates blood circulation, due to which metabolic processes and nutrition of skin tissues are activated, the renewal of skin cells and resorption of stagnant spots are normalized.
Darsonvalization can be done at home - for this you need to purchase a Darsonval apparatus. To act on the skin, you will need a drop-shaped nozzle, which will need to be driven over the skin, in accordance with the instructions. The duration of the procedures should be gradually increased; for the best result, 15-20 procedures will be required.
Contraindications to darsonvalization are:
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- oncological diseases;
- severe cardiovascular disease;
- thrombophlebitis;
- blood clotting disorders;
- the presence of a pacemaker;
- epilepsy and mental disorders;
- inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- open bleeding (including internal);
- hirsutism;
- increased body temperature, feeling unwell, weakness;
- individual intolerance to electrical impulses.
Before using Darsonval, you need to consult a doctor and carefully read the instructions for the device.
Traditional methods
To combat acne, you can use green clay, which effectively whitens spots on the skin, tightens pores and has a mild exfoliating effect. To prepare the mask, you need to take 2 tbsp. l. green clay, pour them with boiled water in such an amount that a creamy mass is obtained and add 3 drops of rosemary essential oil.
The mask should be applied to the affected skin (previously cleaned) and left for 12-15 minutes, then rinsed with water. If the clay on the face dries before crusting, it is recommended to sprinkle it with thermal water or hydrolat. A mask with green clay should be done once a week for 2-3 months.
Also, to eliminate pigmentation after acne, you can prepare a tonic based on apple cider vinegar: combine apple cider vinegar and filtered water in a 1: 3 ratio and wipe the skin with the prepared product 2 times a day after washing. Then you need to apply a nourishing cream to the skin.
Possible complications
One of the mildest manifestations of acne is pigmentation in the form of brown spots, similar to freckles - they do not harm the skin, but they may not be pleasant to the person. Almost always, after acne, enlarged pores remain on the face, through which dirt can easily penetrate into the skin and cause new inflammation and subsequent manifestations of post-acne.
Therefore, using various masks and products, the pores must be narrowed. The worst complications of acne are stagnant spots and scars. They are the hardest to get rid of. Red, pink and purple spots are the result of circulatory disorders in this area of the skin.
Also, post-acne in the form of scars and red spots greatly spoil the appearance of a person, because of which he may have psychological problems associated with complexes. At home, it is more difficult and longer to eliminate post-acne than in the salon. However, home remedies are just as effective, especially when combined together.
Video on methods of eliminating post-acne at home
Video review of ways to get rid of post acne: