If you have or have ever had acne, you know it is a struggle. After years of treating those pesky and painful bumps, you think you’re in the clear (clear skin that is). Think again! Those pesky blemishes are now brown spots and getting rid of hyperpigmentation (most commonly acne scars and sun spots) can prove to be a bit trickier. Learn about ingredients and methods on how to get rid of acne scars and sun spots with these tips.

Identify The Cause of The Acne Scars

To start, examine what your cause might be. Too much fun in the sun? Hormones? Are those acne scars still haunting you? If hormones are the culprit, then it’s going to be tough to lighten those spots. The good news is that sun spots and acne marks are the easiest to lighten. Whatever your trigger, a good skin care regimen using medical grade ingredients will help put your skin in the clear again.

Use Brightening Botanicals

There are 14 steps involved in melanin production in your skin. To stop acne scars and sun spots in their tracks, dermatologists depend on hydroquinone and botanical brighteners. Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is important in pigment development. Arbutin and Bearberry are botanicals that are naturally occurring beta-D-glucopyranoside of hydroquinone.

Both are effective in treating various types of hyperpigmentation. Another botanic ingredient, Kojic Acid acts by inhibiting the production of the enzyme that causes the pigment with efficacy similar to hydroquinone. This botanical blend of kojic acid, arbutus, and bearberry is ideal for pregnant or nursing women, or those who want a hydroquinone-free skin brightener. Add hydroquinone to the mix and you have a powerful blend that will send spots packing!

Glycolic Acid: The Magic Eraser

Glycolic acid is an exfoliator that sloughs away the stained cells that are responsible for holding pigment to the skin. It safely removes the outer layer of dead skin cells on your skin, bringing fresh, new skin to the surface. Not only is glycolic a great addition to a pigmentation regimen also helps with anti-aging as it boosts collagen. Oh, did I mention it is great for clearing breakouts?

It may not be magic but it is certainly close. Skin starts to dull around age 20, when cell turnover slows. By 30, many people have pigmentation under the skin that is not yet visible to the naked eye; treating spots before you see them can keep them from surfacing. Retinol is key to amping up your cellular turn over and shedding those pigmented cells.

Wear sunscreen year-round

Yes, even when its rainy and overcast or the middle of winter in Antarctica. Those bothersome UV rays are equal opportunity offenders that damage ceramides (good fats in the skin that prevent dryness). When treating pigmentation, it is paramount that you use a SPF that is 30 or higher to protect skin from further damage. The key is to re-apply every two hours. Skipping your sunscreen even for a day can undo all benefits you have achieved. Try a mineral based sunscreen or bb cream for year-round use to properly protect and moisturize skin.

Get regular professional treatments

Using medical-grade products to get rid of acne scars and sun spots will help immensely, but having treatments done by medical spa professionals will work the real magic. Treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, facials, and lasers help to get rid old skin and scars and promote the building of collagen and emergence of new, glowing skin. Combining treatments and products are a sure way of bringing out the smooth and beautiful skin that is hiding under years of damage.

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