Reader Answer - Acne Scarring

How are all of you doing today? Although it is a bright, sunny day in Chicago, today's first topic is not going to be oh so shiny. Yesterday I posted my ode to Vitamin E for treating scars. I also warned against its use for acne scarring. As a result, one of our peers wanted to know what does work for acne scarring? Sooooo...I am going to do my best to answer this question.

The unfortunate part is that it isn't all that simple. The simple reason explanation is that no two faces are created equal. Dermatology is a tricky business. Since people have different genes and hormone changes, the level of acne on a person's face can differ greatly from another person's. Some acne scarring can be rather minimal and only be a discoloration issue, but others can have enlarged pores or pock marks as a result. So, when talking about what can remove acne scarring you really need to identify which level of damage you are dealing with.

I did some research on the topic considering this is less about opinion and more about a medical condition, but what I found may not be satisfying to all.

My first and foremost suggestion would be, if you are seriously looking to reduce or erase scarring from blemishes, you should probably visit a dermatologist. See, the point to my blog is really to give you cost-effective ways to find the products you want as well as tell you about what worked well for me and why. When it comes to acne scarring, this is a level above my expertise. If I tell you what may help and it doesn't work, I could be asking you to waste your money because most of the products that could be effective are also very expensive. Dermatologists on the other hand may have some expensive options, but at least you know that they are more likely to work. They may do acid peels, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, etc. It just really depends on your situation. However, I can share with you one product that I felt worked well and then my cosmetic routine to reduce the appearance of any scarring.


1. Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion - Very effective for minimal scarring; however very pricey 

I first found Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion in a beauty box I bought. I believe the box was maybe 40 dollars total, but it came with some very expensive products. In fact, this Dr. Brandt's stuff sells for around $60 dollars a shot, so I already got my moneys worth in purchasing the beauty box right there.

In any case, I'm not sure what makes this product so effective compared to other options, but it is really great. It is a white creamy face wash treatment that has a plentiful supply of microdermabrasion granules in it. It kind of feels like rubbing sand or salt on your face, but the granules are really small compared to most exfoliating products. I would say that it definitely resurfaced my skin and reduced the size of enlarged pores. I used it for a long time, but I can't remember how long it was. I used it until it ran out and that was maybe using it twice or three times a week. I really think it would have continued to be great if I would have purchased another helping. However, I wasn't keen on spending that much money. Unfortunately, in this case, high spending was worth the results, but I just couldn't convince myself to buy more.

You can purchase yours at a variety of places. I found it for around $47 at Amazon at this link; however, you can also try searching "Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion" on your favorite search engine to visit different websites for the prices they may have that are better. I think there are only 3 left on that Amazon link.

2. My Cosmetic and Facial Treatment Routine

Now, before I begin, I want to share some details with you about me (if that isn't a new theme or anything). This information I will provide to you works for me, but I have to say. If you are reading this and you are still experiencing acne because you are between 12-16, this may not be as effective as it would be more ladies a little older. Personally, I am out of those years when acne was a constant battle and that is mostly because I just said goodbye to my 20s this past Monday. So, read with caution and think about how your skin reacts to things before jumping head first into my routine.

1. With a clean and moisturized face apply a mild acne treatment to your problem-prone areas and where there are any enlarged pores. You can use anything that is effective for you. Personally, I use Skin ID, but I will admit I don't really feel it is great. However, really this step ensures that you are putting a protective layer between your acne-prone skin parts and anything you will be putting on top. If you use eye creams or wrinkle creams of any kind, you can put these on now too.
2. Once this has dried completely, put on a good primer. I used to use Smashbox's Photo Facial, but I am currently using and liking Loreal Studio Secrets Magic Protecting Base. It is far cheaper and I actually like it more, it is less oily.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
3. Put on any eye concealer you use and then the trick will be to put this same concealer on any discoloration or where you have enlarged pores. See, already you have protected that skin from a heightened likelihood of dirty with the acne treatment, then you put the primer over to create a smooth layer of skin. By adding the concealer it is like adding a skin-matching second coat. My personal favorites are Too Faced Flexible Coverage Concealer, Benefit's Boiing or their Erase Paste. I know these products could not be considered inexpensive, but I find them to be the only few that I have ever used that are effective. I find that most other concealers are two liquid-based and they hide nothing. These products are very creamy and thick and do not wear off easily.                
4. Put on your foundation and then powder. Yes, this is a lot of stuff to put on, but all I can say is that it works for me. I know when I go through this routine I feel confident when I walk out the door that the imperfections bothering me are hidden and my face looks clearer than how I feel and see that it looks.

I know this probably wasn't exactly what you were looking for, but like I said, a dermatologist is probably your best bet for the most effective methods of treatment. The other option is really to spend $60 on a product that works well, but may not give the same effectiveness as a dermatologist's treatment or cover everything with products. Good luck guys!