Nothing is worse than a pimple finally going away only to realize it left an unpleasant mark of its existence on your face! Here’s a skincare routine I created to fade acne scars.
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DISCLAIMER: This routine is for my oily/combination skin girlies, sorry! I’m writing from personal experience and am unsure if this routine works for other skin types.
Pay close attention to the order in which you use your products. The routine below is what worked for me and I’m sharing it in hopes it will help you! So, let’s take a look at an easy skincare routine to fade acne scars.
The Perfect Skincare Routine to Fade Acne Scars
SIMPLE SKINCARE ROUTINE TO FADE ACNE SCARS
- Use a gentle cleanser
- Use an exfoliating or brightening toner
- Apply a good quality Vitamin C Serum
- Follow up with an SPF moisturizer
- Exfoliate your face 1-3x a week (using a skincare mask at night works too!)
01. Cleanse the Skin
A good cleanser is a must-have in any skincare routine especially if you have oily acne-prone skin. For the best results, I recommend cleansing two times daily. Once in the morning and again at night.
I’ve been using the Aveeno Positively Radiant Facial Scrub for years! This scrub really helps improve skin tone and texture; I even use it on my armpits! Definitely recommend.
01a. Cleansing at night
For a nighttime cleanser, I recommend the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel. Now, this cleanser is a little bit on the pricey side but it is worth the investment! It is formulated to exfoliate and tone with the power of hydroxy acids for a deeper cleanse.
02. Toners to Fade Acne Scars
In a nutshell, toners are usually designed to restore balance and hydration to your skin after cleansing, but they can also help minimize the appearance of pores and remove oil and dirt. For this specific morning routine, I use the Pixi Beauty Exfoliating Toner. This is a product that remains in my skincare routine throughout the changing seasons. It’s amazing! Not too strong of a smell and doesn’t leave your skin dry after.
02a. Toning the skin at night
The Pixi Beauty Exfoliating toner is perfect for your nighttime routine as well but if you’re like me and you like to have options…. Here are a few other toners I recommend.
- Good Molecules, Niacinamide Brightening Toner: Gentle enough for everyday use…this toner has ingredients that promote a brightened, more even skin tone.
- L’Oreal Paris HydraFresh Toner: Another gentle, non-drying toner that refreshes and softens skin in a splash. Over time, this product will reveal a smoother and brighter complexion.
03. Vitamin C Serums
Using a Vitamin C Serum or moisturizer is highly recommended in an acne-fading skincare routine. Vitamin C is one of the most studied ingredients to prevent and brighten acne scar marks quickly.
I recommend the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum. It’s very lightweight and absorbs into the skin pretty quickly. This serum is also formulated with 4% niacinamide, which improves the appearance of age spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. (plus, enlarged pores!)
03a. Vitamin C Serums and Oils for night use
Feel free to stick with the Good Molecules serum for your nighttime skincare routine as well, but here are a few more products I love!
- Sunday Riley C.E.O., 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum: A little on the pricey side but well worth the investment! Continued use of this and you’ll see your skin dramatically improve with fewer dark spots and discolorations.
- Sunday Riley C.E.O., Glow Vitamin C & Turmeric Face Oil: Also pricey and has a slight smell (in my opinion). This product is infused with pure Vitamin C + calming turmeric and delivers nutrient-rich extracts into your skin for a brighter-looking, glowing complexion.
04. SPF Moisturizer
Last but not the least, finish your morning routine with a sunscreen moisturizer. According to my google search, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity.
I recommend the Aveeno Positively Radiant Sheer Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin. Yes, for “dry” skin because this specific formula is oil-free which is exactly what the oily girlies need.
Another bonus? This sunscreen is also lightweight and is a Total Soy Complex enriched product that targets an even tone and texture. The whole goal of this routine!
05. Exfoliating Weekly
In general, exfoliating your skin is very important. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin. If you choose to include this step in your acne-fading skincare routine, make sure you exfoliate at least once a week. I usually do so 3x weekly on M, W, and F.
Now, you may choose to exfoliate less often or more often depending on how your skin responds. Note: Extra burning, redness, or stinging may indicate you have over-exfoliated your skin. Try to refrain from any scrubs during this time and give your skin extra moisture.
I recommend the Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask With Rose Clay. This product doubles as a face mask and an exfoliator. It gently draws out dirt & debris, while refining the skin’s texture & visibly minimizes the look of pores in one simple step. I honestly have to say this product is pretty gentle on my skin and it really helps me minimize oil.
What is your current skincare routine?
Remember to be patient and consistent with your acne-fading skincare routine. Acne scars can be stubborn and results may take at least a month to show, however, some people can notice a result within the first week! Don’t get discouraged!
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