What to use on scars like these.

Feb 22, 2017

Alexis C.

Make sure you're using SPF everyday to keep them from getting darker. Also a vitamin C serum would help.

Feb 22, 2017

Jess M.

Hi Alexis, and I will do that! Could you suggest a vitamin C Serum do you know?

Feb 22, 2017

Alexis C.

I use the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum, its pricey but you can get a sample at Sephora or there's a couple try it kits that have it so you can try it out before buying a full bottle.

Feb 22, 2017

Jess M.

Thank you so much Alexis! Much appreciated

Feb 23, 2017

Roz X.

Jess, I've seen a few threads regarding your skin and C, etc...some of which contain some great product recommendations as well as advice from members.

You're going to need much more than a C to address what's taking place with your skin.

I agree with Alexis that Drunk Elephant is amazing and use it myself, but to allow a broader regimen, it's not the price point I'd be starting at if you are on a budget or if you want to address skin as a whole and have a price-point you need to stick to. This is something you're going to need to tackle from start to finish and considering possibly overhauling your entire regimen.

Have you seen a Dermatologist?

Feb 23, 2017

Jess M.

Yeah I have and they have suggested this pill, tbh I thought by would of suggested a cream. I'm currently using a Mario Badescu skincare routine and it's working for the spots 100%, but nothing for be scars.

Feb 23, 2017

Roz X.

You can always ask them for a pill alternative. If they did prescribe a pill, it would most likely be to address acne from a hormonal/cystic standpoint. Oftentimes, antibiotic therapy is involved, but yes, they are frequently paired with a cream or gel.

Any actual scarring where the tissue is marred or pocked requires microneedling..often laser treatment, but for pigmentation issues where you are left with spots after the acne has healed, Alexis is correct, that a strong, stable Vitamin C formulation is highly effective in brightening skin...as well as broad spectrum sun protection to keep skin from darkening in those areas.

If you haven't had any peels, I'd talk to my Derm about those options, which can help provide a vast change in a significantly shorter amount of time; it is certainly a great booster step that will help your other products work their very best.

I do agree, as Alexis suggested, that the Drunk Elephant C is fantastic, but if you can't afford that out of the gate, Timeless Skincare has a nice C serum, as well as Paula's Choice, both of which I would store in the fridge. The last 2 serums must be ordered online. I'd apply immediately after washing and toning my face.

I hate to suggest another expensive product on top of another, but Obagi Nu Derm Blender #5 or their Clear #3 is a powerhouse for pigmentation issues. Even just one of the two, such as the Nu Blender paired with Retin A or the #3 alone would change your skin by lightening the dark spots and evening out your skin tone; bear in mind, both contain hydroquinone. Not everyone feels comfortable using that ingredient, but it is highly effective and many Derms/MedSpas do carry the line and recommend it. Obagi does make a hydroquinone-free formula to address discoloration these days, but I cannot personally attest to its effectiveness.

You can also use a BHA/AHA regimen. Paula's Choice has a BHA lotion and Gel that is excellent (If you run oily, the gel might be a better option/running dry, the lotion) Since you're acne prone, the BHA may be your very best bet here and will also help with surface discoloration issues. As for AHA, Alpha Skincare makes a delightful serum that's much more wallet friendly.

If you'd like to try the Lactic Acid route, Lac-Hydrin5 is fantastic with 5% lactic acid and again, is very budget friendly. If you were going to go high-end, Sunday Riley Good Genes is also excellent; I find the Lac-Hydrin5 to be the favorite of the two and have used it for years with tremendous success. (Drugstores such as CVS carry this, but it's also found online for purchase.)
The Ordinary also has a delightful C serum, Niacinamide booster as well as Lactic/Ha option in two percentages. 5% and 10% lactic acid. That's certainly budget friendly and some of their options contain Retinol.
http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-niacinamide-10pct-zinc-1pct-30ml

You'll want to research how to layer your products effectively as to get their maximum benefit.

I'd enter into any new skin care regimen by test patching the product, being sure to use proper sun protection, and devote entire days to hydration...work my product patiently in layers. Adding a facial oil such as jojoba or squalane...maybe avocado or sweet almond oil..based on your skin's needs, will help with sealing in your moisturizer to retain a healthy moisture barrier. Paula's Choice Toners, such as her recovery skin toner, are soothing and also help calm skin..permitting healing and hydration. I'd tone morning and night after washing my face.

I like Paula's Choice Resist tinted sunscreen and Elta MD, but Alba Botanica has an emollient sun protection formula that is fantastic and hydrating from the drugstore.
Bringing Niacinamide into your routine will also help brighten skin and improve skin health, and so I'd moisturize with the CeraVe PM in the pump...then follow with PM again and my facial oil at night, after using my AHA/BHA product.

Your C serum or BHA/AHA should always be pat in gently, avoiding eyelids and lips and directly after skin is washed/rinsed and pat dry...then toner has air dried. ( Letting skin properly dry is so much easier on your skin.) If you cannot afford to incorporate all of these steps, that's certainly understandable; I personally would try whatever I was financially comfortable with and as Alexis recommended, getting samples is certainly a great way to start. Ease your skin into any new product or regimen and again, after toning, let skin dry a bit before applying anything topical outside of moisturizer.

Best of luck to you.

Feb 23, 2017

Jess M.

You sure know your stuff! Thank you so much I'll take your advice into consideration and contact my dermatologist asap! Thank you so much!!

Feb 25, 2017

Brittni O.

Use AMBI lightening cream. less than $10 at Walmart. the ingredient that does the lightening is called hydroquinone, and up to 2% is legal in Texas. you can get 4% in Oklahoma.