When you suffer from acne, it’s not just the unsightly blemishes and pain that you have to worry about, but the embarrassing scars that could remain on your skin for months.

You know you shouldn’t pick.  But you just can’t help it.

I’ve been there. As a frequent victim of hyper-pigmentation and scarring, I know what it’s like to succumb to the urge, and end up scrambling to find a cure to neutralize the scar before it gets too bad.  The mass amount of product options can become overwhelming – Lactic Acid? AHA/BHA?  Salicylic acid? Glycolic?  The choices are endless.

I sat down with Crystal E, a Curator and esthetician at The STUDIO at Beauty Collection Malibu, to discuss the best active ingredients to diminish scarring; as well as the best products to help you regain your confidence and feel more beautiful than ever before.

Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy acid mainly derived from milk, but can also be found naturally in the human body.  One of the unique features of Lactic Acid is how well it reacts to sensitive skin.  Since it is produced by the body, it is a more holistic approach that generally causes little to no negative or allergic reactions.  It also contains a number of hydrating properties, which comes as a surprise since most acids tend to dry your skin out.

Lactic Acid works by breaking apart your skin cells while exfoliating the outer layers of your skin.  The best results are seen with mild hyper-pigmentation and mild acne scars – breaking down the scar and scrubbing it away.  Once the dead skin cells are removed, the moisturizing properties of Lactic Acid help to bring out smooth, youthful and glowing skin.

The Kate Somerville Micro Lactic Polisher is a professional-strength treatment peel packed with lactic acid, lavender oil, and sage leaf extract.  The concentrated active ingredients work to resurface and renew skin as it soothes and calms.

The NUDE Skincare Advanced Cellular Renewal Serum is clinically proven to increase cellular renewal by 70% while showing a 50% reduction in cellular damage.  A favorite of Kim Cattrall and Uma Thurman, the serum penetrates deep to even out your skin tone, while redefining face contours.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid has always been my go-to treatment option for my scarring.  It is a sibling to citric acid and a member of the fruit acid family.  Derived from sugar cane, Glycolic Acid is the best type of exfoliant, due to it’s high acidity and easy solubility. It travels through multiple layers of damaged skin to break apart even the most stubborn of skin cells.  Not only does it break the molecules apart, but it destroys the substance that held them together.  After broken down, the dead skin is removed by the Glycolic Acid, which is then neutralized by a splash of water.  It comes in concentrations ranging from 5% – 10% over the counter and up to 30% when administered by a professional.  Though it’s tempting to buy Glycolic Acid in higher concentrations online, it is extremely damaging to your skin.

“When you use a concentration over 40%, especially by yourself, you are seriously stripping your skin.  Not only are you creating an unhealthy pH balance but you are burning your face and could potentially end up with scabs, severe irritation and intense burn scars.” – Crystal E., Beauty Curator and esthetician

The DDF Glycolic 10% Exfoliating Oil Control Gel is a lightweight treatment gel that uses both glycolic and salicylic acids to even out the complexion while banishing acne blemishes.  Filled with Propylene glycolic, licorice extract and aloe barbadensis leaf juice, the gel conditions, hydrates, nourishes and brightens the skin while removing dark spots and scarring.

The Epicuren Glycolic Polymer Lotion is available over the counter in both 5% an 10% concentrations.  It is a topical lotion that is used up to 3x a week to exfoliate lifeless cells to allow emerging new skin to absorb more oxygen and nutrients.

Niacin

A form of vitamin B3, Niacin is the new ‘hot’ treatment for acne and scarring.  Replacing the hype of copper peptides, Niacin is equally effective in both the oral use and topical application  “People are coming into the store [Beauty Collection] all of the time asking for it!” says Crystal E.  There are three major result components that are associated with Niacin; the first one being it’s anti-inflammatory properties.  Reducing inflammation leads to faster healing of the skin, stopping the blocked pore from turning into a full blown pimple.  Just like Lactic and Glycolic Acid, Niacin works to separate the skin cells – with the added bonus of actually speeding up the process.  Niacin also improves the skin barrier, protecting you from acne causing bacteria and dirt.  A clinical study was done by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, looking into the benefits and side effects of Niacin use.  After 4 weeks of taking the oral supplement, 79% of patients reported that their skin tone and overall appearance looked ‘moderately to much better.’

Prevention

Each one of these hand-picked items will work wonders on your existing scars, but lets face it – as long as you have acne, there’s a chance that the scars will keep coming.  So how do you stop the endless cycle?  Take an extra 5 minutes every day to give your skin some TLC by following these simple steps:

Catch it early

The easiest way to prevent scarring is to catch the pimple red handed.  As soon as you notice redness or feel a bump ACT FAST.  I hate to say it, but the first step of prevention is kind of like a Living Social deal – act fast or your opportunity will be gone.  One of my favorite products to treat an existing pimple is the Kinerase Clear Skin Blemish Dissolver.  It uses concentrated ingredients to immediately reduce redness and inflammation, while promoting accelerated healing.

Fight the urge

I don’t have to tell you that fighting the urge to pick is worse than avoiding carbs.  The bump feels like it’s taunting you.  It glares at you through the mirror, you feel it every time you brush your face, and you just KNOW that everyone is staring at you.  BUT, that 2 minutes of picking and popping is going to cost you 3 months of scarring.  What’s worse?  3 days of a bump or 3 months of correction?

Pamper.Pamper.Pamper.

Your skin is much like you.  It needs love.  It needs rest.  And most of all, it needs to stay healthy.  Find a cleansing regimen that works for you and stay consistent.  Try to avoid sleeping with your makeup on, even if the label says it’s ‘safe.’  Exfoliate.  Moisturize.  And one or two days out of the week, even if you can’t stand it, try to let your face go free – that means, no primer, no foundation and no pressed powder.  You’d be surprised at how far a little mascara and lip gloss will take you .

If you have a question for the Curator on any of the products listed above, leave a comment below and we will be more than happy to help you!  Til’ next time beauties…