There have been huge advances in treating adult acne or the ghosts of teenage skin. Tarryn Warren, Head Dermatology Therapist at Pfeffer Sal, told Refinery29: “Ultimately to combat acne scars, and adult acne, you really need to look at a lifestyle approach and long term changes. We can experience acne for many reasons including hormones, diet or stress.” Warren confirms that some treatments can make a huge difference, like micro-needling which is highly impactful because it “promotes blood flow and new skin formation, giving you a renewed and improved complexion.” Another less painful option? Warren swears by copper supplements. Regardless of what route you decide to go down, she suggests adding Copper Amino Isolate by NIOD to your cabinet – "which stimulates the healing process by stabilising melanocytes, helping remove pigmentations and promotes collagen production."
From over the counter lotions to local anesthetic lasers and needlings, welcome to the start line of undoing the history of your skin.
Dr Sebagh Breakout Foaming Cleanser, £28
A proper face wash is a good place to begin with reducing the redness and soreness of spots. This cleanser really removes grit and make up and isn't as harsh as other oily-skin focused washes.
Avene Cleanance Expert 40ml, £15
It's important to moisturise scars but something like an oil might also aggravate sensitive skin and block pores. This moisturiser is a useful addition to your skin routine if you're suffering from scars and marks and it also helps regulating the production of oil – one of the main causes of acne.
Dr Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask 50ml, £59
Another Sebagh product, but they really are the bee's joints when it comes to helping acne-ravaged skin on the road to recovery. This powerful mask peels back layers of dirt and dead skin with its key ingredients: Azelaic and lactic acid, which promote a faster cell regeneration. You know products that feel like they're working? This is one of those. It aims to minimise pores and make the skin's surface more even with use 1-2 times a week.
If you have seriously pock-marked skin, the next step you could take if you were happy to spend more money and time on your skin is a peel.
Glycolic peels are recommended for acne scarring as they resurface the skin by removing dead skin cells, and stimulating collagen production. Dependent on the level of scarring, you'll be recommended a certain amount of treatments to slowly introduce your body to varying levels of the acid. Sometimes, you are advised to prep your skin beforehand with some at-home masks.
Expect some tenderness immediately after the procedure.
Available at sknclinics, prices vary
No7 Youthful Glycolic Peel Kit, £24.95, available at Boots
This is an at-home, three-step treatment that includes an intense exfoliator, a post-peel neutraliser, and a soothing balm. Your pores should be reduced and the skin should feel smother – with scars looking less evident on the surface.
Much like peels, micro-needling sounds like an aggressive treatment but it isn't, and, like the peels, the aim is to promote the skin's natural collagen. If your scars are particularly deep, this treatment might be your best call. The tiny needles puncture the skin's surface to heat the skin's tissue and stimulate the collagen. Some micro-needling treatments are delivered through a micro-pen, which means areas can be targeted – even sensitive ones, like around the eyes – and there's minimal downtime. Model Cara Delevingne reportedly has the treatment at 111 Harley Street.
Just don't head out into the sun after this treatment as your skin's sensitivity will be heightened.
Available at 111 Harley Street, prices vary
Much like micro needling and peels, lasers come in all shapes and sizes and can be highly effective in the treatment of acne scars. Ablative lasers resurface the skin by introducing it to high-intensity light (it does burn a bit) exposing new skin and penetrating deep down into the skin, to yes, you guessed it, promote collagen. This is not for the faint-hearted – a local aesthetic is necessary and your face will be bandaged after the procedure.
Other types of laser include Fraxel and Pixel. Laser treatments usually require a consultation, a course and downtime.
Avialable at The Private Clinic, prices vary
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