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A few hacks that have worked for me
11 Skincare Tips: Here’s What I Did To Clear That Sh*t Up
I’m writing this article because too many people of color are unaware of how to heal acne scars. A quick doctor or grocery store trip can get you headed in the right direction.
Acne was a common factor for most of my life. Hence, I’ve learned how to mitigate acne (your skin will still purge or break out every once in a while), and I’ve also learned how to heal acne scars.
Skin discoloration is a common scenario for people of color who deal with acne.
As tempting as it might be, never pick at your skin. It only prolongs the healing process. The less picking, the quicker the healing will come. People who tend to maintain acne scars have them because they picked at their skin.
Acne scars, unfortunately, take time to heal. If you don’t treat them (especially more severe ones), they will stick around for a very long time instead of disappearing on their own.
Are You Still Breaking Out?
If you’ve made it to the post-acne stage, congratulations. The fewer breakouts you have, the fewer acne scars you’ll acquire.
But if you’re still dealing with acne, the best thing you can do for yourself is to determine the culprit so that you can resolve it.
Our bodies go through constant changes. Breakouts may come at different points in your life, and staying in tune with your body will help you mitigate and eradicate different types of acne that pop up.
I used to only break out on my cheeks. Then I randomly started breaking out on my jawline. One time I experienced prolonged breakouts on my forehead, which never happened. All of our bodies go through changes, and the skin is one way the body tries to communicate these changes to us.
Once you cease breaking out, you can start focusing on eradicating acne scars.
Get rid of the annoying skin stuff
How To Heal Acne Scars
The best way to heal acne scars is by utilizing retinol (over-the-counter products) or retinoids (prescription only).
Retinoids are more effective than over-the-counter retinol. But many people have found much success with retinol.
I’ve personally stuck with retinoids for the most part and have found them to be very effective in producing my best complexion.
What Do Retinoids/Retinols Do?
What this ingredient does is helps turnover skin cells and repair the skin.
Some acne scars can take weeks or months to heal, and retinol/retinoids accelerate the process.
People compliment your skin – even when you have a little breakout because of how great retinols improve your overall complexion.
When I experience breakouts, they heal relatively quickly. I don’t maintain acne scars for long.
Retinoids also produce a natural glow. Your skin will look better than ever.
Most retinoids take 12–24 weeks to notice the most significant differences. But I always say to wait 6–12 months to experience a noticeable shift in your skin.
When it comes to retinoids, the critical thing will be consistency. If you’re inconsistent, you will not experience the best results.
How To Use Retinoids/Retinols
These ingredients come in various forms, including gels, foams, creams, and washes. Depending on how sensitive your skin is to the product will determine how frequently you can use it.
Some people use these products daily, every other day, weekly, etc.
For example, I use retinoids on my face and retinol on my back daily. The skin barrier on my back is stronger and would tolerate retinoid better than my face, but I’m taking a slower approach to my back, and it also prolongs how much retinoids I have at all times since using them on my back would take up considerably more product.
Quick Back Hack
If you experience acne or acne scars on your back, try the following:
Whenever you shower, wash your back with a salicylic acid wash.
After drying off, use retinol and salicylic acid cream on your back.
You will notice a significant difference within weeks of following this regimen.
If you have skin sensitivity, always experiment with products slowly, and stay in tune with how your body responds.
Project Confidence At All Times
Acne sucks. Some people don’t care, but some people do care. I hate breakouts, but I’ve also learned they’re entirely normal.
Whenever you experience a breakout, please don’t allow it to overtake your life, become the focal point of your day, or mitigate your confidence.
Other Natural Ingredients That Heal Acne Scarring
Lemon
Vitamin C
Nutrient-dense diets
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.