Dealing With Acne Marks

Even if acne just meant dealing with those raised red bumps, known as pimples, every once in a while, it would be a hardship for you and your teen. But unfortunately, acne can bring with it a number of unpleasant consequences for your teen’s skin. One of these is acne marks. Acne marks can appear on teens following any acne outbreak, and it’s important to know what to tell your kids when acne marks appear.

What are Acne Marks?

Acne marks are the common name for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, a series of red or brown spots that remain on the skin after the actual pimples or pustules are gone. While usually not as noticeable or unsightly as actual pimples, they are still an unwelcome addition to your teen’s appearance, and unfortunately, sometimes remain on the face for quite some time.

Are Acne Marks the Same as Acne Scars?

It’s very important to note that acne marks are not the same thing as acne scars. Acne scars are permanent lesions on the face caused when acne does not heal properly. Acne marks, although long lasting, are not permanent. Removing acne scars requires a medical procedure and usually repeated medical procedures. Acne scars can often be avoided by refraining from scratching, picking or popping pimples.

How Can my Teen Deal with Acne Marks?

The medical procedures used for dealing with acne scars can help with acne marks as well. However, because these procedures are expensive and acne marks will eventually fade on their own, this is generally not recommended unless the marks are extremely unsightly and are persisting over many months. Alternatively, you should encourage your teen to exfoliate. Exfoliation not only helps keep the skin clean and prevent new acne from emerging, it can stimulate new cell growth and help improve the skin’s appearance. You may also wish to consider a salicylic acid solution for your child. Salicylic acid works by improving the skin’s ability to slough off dead skin cells, which are a primary ingredient in acne. If you do use salicylic acid, you should combine it with a moisturizer so as not to dry out the skin. Finally, you may consider trying a lemon juice solution to naturally bleach the acne marks and lighten them so that their appearance is closer to your teen’s natural skin tone.

More on Teens and Acne Marks

The best way to avoid acne marks is not to get them in the first place, and a good place to start is taking steps to prevent acne. It can start with your diet. A diet heavy in antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables can do wonders for skin, whether you currently have acne, acne marks or are between outbreaks. You should also take a look at some of the great acne control products on the market for your teen. Systems with products containing benzoyl peroxide have been shown to do wonders for helping to fade current acne and for keeping new acne outbreaks at bay.