How to Treat Pimple Marks
Don’t you just hate it? Once it’s finally done and the annoying pimple is gone, it leaves us with a little souvenir: A red or brown mark that takes even longer to disappear. Let us show you how you can prevent and reduce these dark spots in the future.
What Causes Pimple Marks or Acne Scars?
Pimple marks have various causes and are the result of many factors. Simply put, they are inflamed skin in the process of healing, also called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The skin around the pimple is injured, for example, by pressing, squeezing or scratching it, and when it then comes into contact with bacteria, the pimple becomes inflamed. As a result of excessive UV exposure, the skin in this area can become discolored. This is because there is increased blood flow to the skin’s surface during the healing process, which now turns red. Skin areas with increased blood flow also produce more melanin (skin pigment), which causes the discoloration.
Post-inflammatory red marks are not the same as acne scars!
Unlike pimple marks, acne scars are always raised and uneven, never flat (raised scars). When deep acne lesions do not heal properly, they create these characteristic acne craters and scarring. Acne scars only develop when the tissue beneath the skin gets damaged and becomes thicker over time (scar tissue).
Post-inflammatory red marks are not the same as acne scars!
Unlike pimple marks, acne scars are always raised and uneven, never flat (raised scars). When deep acne lesions do not heal properly, they create these characteristic acne craters and scarring. Acne scars only develop when the tissue beneath the skin gets damaged and becomes thicker over time (scar tissue).
Treatment Options for Pimple Marks
Unlike severe acne scarring, pimple marks will usually fade on their own eventually, but it can take a very long time. What you need now is a combination of patience and the right skincare regimen. Some other factors also play a role, such as your skin type and how fast your skin can regenerate and heal. Of course, pimple marks do not only appear on the face. The following tips can be applied to all areas of skin.
1. Chemical peels
AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) peels are excellent to reduce and remove pimple scarring. Our 20% AHA Exfoliant removes dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin, repairs tired cells and accelerates cell regeneration. This can help to remove pimple marks and dark spots, in general. Don’t forget to always wear sunscreen (dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30) after a chemical peel. This treatment makes the skin more sensitive to light and it must be well protected from harmful UV rays.
2. Niacinamide - must-have ingredient for dark spots
Thanks to its brightening properties, niacinamide is a popular ingredient in products formulated to reduce dark spots and redness, but also pimple marks. Niacinamide serums or moisturizers are great for achieving an even-toned complexion. Our Anti-Aging Dark Spot Correcting Serum with niacinamide helps to control melanin production and reduces the look of pimple scars and other discoloration. The 10% Niacinamide Serum relies on highly-concentrated niacinamide and provides an easy upgrade to your usual skincare routine.
3. Sun protection is key
Protect your skin from harmful UV light. Sun exposure can aggravate inflammation and uneven skin tone. After certain treatments, such as chemical peels, you should wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
1. Chemical peels
AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) peels are excellent to reduce and remove pimple scarring. Our 20% AHA Exfoliant removes dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin, repairs tired cells and accelerates cell regeneration. This can help to remove pimple marks and dark spots, in general. Don’t forget to always wear sunscreen (dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30) after a chemical peel. This treatment makes the skin more sensitive to light and it must be well protected from harmful UV rays.
2. Niacinamide - must-have ingredient for dark spots
Thanks to its brightening properties, niacinamide is a popular ingredient in products formulated to reduce dark spots and redness, but also pimple marks. Niacinamide serums or moisturizers are great for achieving an even-toned complexion. Our Anti-Aging Dark Spot Correcting Serum with niacinamide helps to control melanin production and reduces the look of pimple scars and other discoloration. The 10% Niacinamide Serum relies on highly-concentrated niacinamide and provides an easy upgrade to your usual skincare routine.
3. Sun protection is key
Protect your skin from harmful UV light. Sun exposure can aggravate inflammation and uneven skin tone. After certain treatments, such as chemical peels, you should wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
4. Retinol products
Our Retinol Serum is a miracle weapon in the fight against pimple marks. It supports skin regeneration and stimulates the formation of new, healthy skin cells. It improves the skin’s texture and minimizes the look of brown spots and other small imperfections. Best of all, you can simply add the serum into your existing skincare routine, without having to change anything else.
5. Get professional help
Treat yourself and your skin to a relaxing treatment at a spa or beauty salon. Together with a professional aesthetician, you can determine the best treatment for your individual needs, such as a professional chemical peel or a treatment with the Marine Facial 900. You can also ask your dermatologist for advice.
6. Hiding scars or marks
It can take quite some time until you really get rid of scars or marks left behind by acne or other blemishes. In the meantime, you may of course use make-up to cover it up.
4. Retinol products
Our Retinol Serum is a miracle weapon in the fight against pimple marks. It supports skin regeneration and stimulates the formation of new, healthy skin cells. It improves the skin’s texture and minimizes the look of brown spots and other small imperfections. Best of all, you can simply add the serum into your existing skincare routine, without having to change anything else.
5. Get professional help
Treat yourself and your skin to a relaxing treatment at a spa or beauty salon. Together with a professional aesthetician, you can determine the best treatment for your individual needs, such as a professional chemical peel or a treatment with the Marine Facial 900. You can also ask your dermatologist for advice.
6. Hiding scars or marks
It can take quite some time until you really get rid of scars or marks left behind by acne or other blemishes. In the meantime, you may of course use make-up to cover it up.
Best Tips for Prevention
Nevertheless, the best method is and remains to prevent pimples in the first place. As always, this is easier said than done. Here are a few tips for blemish-free, clear skin:
- Anti-pimple products for blemish-prone skin: You have blemish-prone skin? Then the risk of developing red pimple marks or scars is much higher. Read our DALTON Anti-Pimple Guide to find out which cleanser, moisturizer or mask works best for your skin.
- Keep your fingers out of your face! Please do not squeeze pus-filled pimples, acne or blackheads, as doing so can lead to inflammation, damaged tissue and later pimple marks or acne scars.
- We know that we repeat ourselves. But we can’t share this information often enough. Exposing skin to the sun without protection can trigger inflammation and darken pimple marks.
