Stop the Marks Before They Start: tips to Prevent Acne Scars

We’ve all been there..standing in front of the mirror, battling a breakout and wondering how to keep it from leaving a lasting mark. Acne is tough enough on its own, but the scars it can leave behind? That’s just as annoying 🙃 The good news? Acne scars aren’t inevitable. Let’s dive into some practical, easy-to-follow tips to incorporate if you aren’t already!

1. Resist the Urge to Pick or Pop

I know, I know. It’s so tempting and so hard to stick, especially when it feels like it’s staring back at you. But trust me on this one - this is SUPER important to avoid. Picking at your skin is the fastest way to make matters worse. When you squeeze, you push bacteria and inflammation deeper into your skin, increasing the chances of scarring.

What to do instead:

• Use a spot treatment!

• If you really can’t resist touching it, pop on a hydrocolloid pimple patch to speed up healing and keep your hands away.

2. Calm the Inflammation

The red, angry look of a pimple isn’t just annoying - it’s a sign of inflammation. The more inflamed your acne is, the higher the risk of scarring. Focus on reducing that inflammation early on.

Tips to soothe inflammation:

• Apply a cold compress or ice cube wrapped in a clean cloth to swollen areas for a few minutes at a time.

• Stick to gentle, non-stripping cleansers and avoid harsh scrubs or aggressive exfoliation.

• Look for soothing ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides in your skincare routine.

3. Moisturize Like It’s Your Job

You might think skipping moisturizer will help with breakouts, but dry, irritated skin is more likely to scar. When your skin is hydrated, it can repair itself more efficiently, reducing the chances of scarring.

Pro tip:
Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. Bonus points if it has ceramides or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. My favorite is Clearstem Skincare!

4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen (Ever..like ever)

If there’s one thing you take away from this post, let it be this: Sunscreen is non-negotiable. UV rays can darken post-acne marks, making them harder to fade. Protecting your skin from the sun helps scars heal faster and prevents long-term discoloration.

How to choose the right sunscreen:

• Go for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher at least.

• Opt for mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) if you’re acne-prone.

• Reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’re outdoors.

• Clearstem tinted sunscreen is my favorite for this as well!

5. Support Healing from the Inside Out

Your skin reflects what’s going on inside your body, so giving it the right building blocks to heal is essential to prevent the acne in the first place.

Tips:

• Eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods (think citrus, bell peppers, and berries) to boost collagen production.

• Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids from fish, walnuts, or flaxseeds to reduce inflammation.

• Stay hydrated with added minerals.

7. when the above doesn’t do the trick…

Sometimes, a little extra help from a dermatologist or functional medicine practitioner can go a long way in preventing scars. If your acne is severe or persistent, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice. Depending on the type of scarring as well..things like microneedling and lasers might be needed to penetrate to the required depth!

And lastly, remember - Progress, Not Perfection

Preventing acne scars is all about being proactive and patient. It’s normal to have some bumps along the way (literally), but small changes to your skincare and daily habits can make a big difference. Remember, healing takes time and so will getting rid of those scars!

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.