(Last edited by Rossignol, 6th February 2006 - updating content and editing information)
(Last edited by Rossignol, 5th August 2004 - pinned thread and added information.)
(Last edited by Rossignol, 8th August 2004 - added links for top products.)
(Last edited by Rossignol, 12th November 2004 - moved thread to red marks forum - I feel it is more appropriate here, as the products are typically more effective on red marks than actual scars)


This Thread details the (mainly topical) products that members of the board have found most effective in helping to reduce their red marks and improve overall skin condition. The list is not exhaustive, but most of the people posting have tried a huge amount of products, therefore these have been tried and tested!!!
To view people's actual product ratings, please look at the product rating section of acne.org - here is the link: http://www.acne.org/rate.php

To sum up, here are brief summaries of the top 5 products mentioned:

1.Puredeming Intense gel - a serum that is applied daily for approx. 1 hour, contains high quality natural ingredients that will improve skin condition and help with healing, in particular alpha lipoic acid and DMAE which have been cited as helping to reduce red marks and very shallow scarring. Available here: Puredeming
Here is a thread containing info about the intense gel: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/forums.html...topic=15937
2. Lactic acid peels - a relatively gentle form of AHA acid peel, which helps remove dead skin cells, thereby improving skin tone. They may, over time, help reduce very shallow scarring, and can be extremely effective on diminishing red marks. Available here Puredeming, and, for stronger versions, here: Logan wood skincare
Here is a thread containing useful info:http://www.acne.org/messageboard/forums.html...
3. Copper peptides products - help with skin healing and promote collagen production. Especially useful when combined with a procedure such as skin needling or microdermabrasion. There are several different varieties that vary in intensity, although the more intense versions can be more likely to cause acne breakouts. Available here: Skin Biology
Here is a thread containing more info: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/forums.html...copper+peptides
4= Emu oil - a natural oil extracted from the fat glands of emus that have been killed for their meat. It is, therefore a by product - emus are not killed to produce the oil. It contains high amounts of essential fatty acids and vitamin E and is therefore beneficial for skin healing. It is good as an overall moisturiser as it is very non-comedogenic. Has reduced redness in scars for some people. Also, it is a carrier oil and may increase efficiacy of other products such as BP and manuka oil when applied after these. - Available here: Ebay
Here is a thread: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/forums.html...topic=19181
4= Manuka Honey products - again, helps with skin healing and is very antibacterial and antifungal, therefore guarding against future breakouts. Manuka OIL is even more potent. Manuka honey and oil are both available in a variety of products but the one most highly recommended is Living nature's Manuka oil and honey gel. Available here: Living Nature and here: Comvita
5= Smoothbeam - not technically a 'product', it is a form of non-ablative laser which many members have undergone with moderate to excellent success. There is more information in the FAQ.
5= jojoba oil - like emu oil, a non-comedogenic natural moisturiser derived from the liquid wax of the jojoba nut. Contains high amounts of vitamin E, thereby beneficial for skin healing. It may help with healing red marks, but has very little effect on scarring, however.
5= C+C blackhead clearing scrub - helps exfoliate skin thereby improving skin texture and red marks. May, over time, help reduce some very shallow scarring.
5= TCA complex products - a more intense form of acid peel, TCA peels come with a significant downtime, unlike lactic acid or glycolic acid peels. However, they can be much more effective on red marks and shallow scarring. For deeper scarring, the CROSS method of applying 100% TCA can be effective. However, it is recommended that this is performed by a doctor. More information is contained in the FAQ.


Anyone else, feel free to add your favourite products to the thread!

It is unlikely that these products will completely clear your scarring, but they may help improve your skin condition and your overall complexion, helping with skin healing, reduction of inflammation and minimization of light scarring.

/ EDIT







As the year draws to a close i thought we could type down what products we have found this year and rate the best ones.

Here's my small list:

1. PureDeming Intense Gel
2. Bio Oil. Here is some more info about this product: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/forums.html...topic=19108
3. PEL Super Rich Moisturizer
4. Cetaphil cleansing wash
5. Calendulis Plus cream

Hey guys and girls,

This article has a good summary of what really works for red marks. I advise each one of you to read it for more information: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2...gmentation.html

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
(aka red marks, brown marks, purplish marks, macules, psuedo scars, fake scars, inflammatory pigmentation)

Disclaimer: The information below is provided as a courtesy to address general questions. As we are not medical professionals, we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of this information. By reading this information, you agree not to hold us liable for any damages that may result in your use of this information. This information should not replace information that your Doctor, Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon provides you.


Q: Are red/brown/purple marks scars?

No. Red marks left on the site of old acne lesions are usually temporary (see picture below). Red marks are simply a normal remnant of the skin’s inflammatory process - Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). Pigmented areas will fade unassisted, though they can take up to 2 years to disappear.


A quote from SkincarePhysicians.com


(Please note - If treating acne scarring is of concern please also read FAQ on Scar Treatments)


Q: What causes PIH?

Inflammatory Acne lesions. Generally the deeper the original acne lesion or more prolonged the infection, the darker the resulting PIH. The darker the PIH the longer it will take to fade.


Q: What can I do to prevent PIH?

Manage and prevent acne from forming. Do not touch or pick acne lesions as this can worsen infection and inflammation.


Q: What can I do to hasten the fading of PIH?

With all topical and laser treatments for PIH there is a some risk of causing new outbreaks, new pigmentation problems and possibly even new scarring. Risk of these occurences will probably grow with increasing strength or invasiveness of topical or laser procedures. Some treatments are NOT suitable for people with active acne, sensitive skin or darker skin tones. You should investigate and weigh possible side effects against possible benefits. And discuss with your derm or doctor. There is no single treatment that works for everyone. The effectiveness of each treatments varies and treatments may have to be used in conjunction with each other.

If you are on Accutane you should not be using any topicals treatments except under the supervivion of your dermatologist.

Firstly - avoid sun exposure. Ultra Violet light can cause hyper-pigmented areas to darken further and thus prolong them. Use non-comedogenic facial moisturisers or facial sunscreens which contain a high SPF of at least 15+.


Topical Treatments for PIH

Typically treatments for PIH bleach pigment OR block pigment formation OR accelerate the rate of exfoliation OR a combination.

Bleachs pigment OR block pigment formation
Hydroquinone - works by inhibiting the enzyme (tyrosinase) which causes tanning/pigmentation
Kojic Acid – i.e. Vita K for Blotchy skin
Topical Retinoids – Tretinoin i.e: Retin A, Renova (It also stimulates faster cell proliferation and has been clinically proven to be an effective acne treatment)
Azeliac Acid (It also stimulates faster cell proliferation and has been clinically proven to be an effective acne treatment)

Accelerate the rate of exfoliation.
The Tape Method of Exfoliation
The Vinegar Method of Exfoliation
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (i.e. Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Fruit Enzyme etc.)
TCA (Trichloroacetic acid)
Beta Hydroxy Acid
Mandelic Acid

Many new generation topical treatments combine several agents from the list above in a single topical preparation i.e. TriLuma, Paula's Choice Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening.

A topical approach usually prescribed by dermatologists is a Retinoid (i.e. Retin-A) & Hydroquinone.

If you want to research other peoples opinions or recommendations about topical PIH treatments and suppliers you could try the following links
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/Recommended-Products-R-t14887.html
http://www.acne.org/rate.php
http://www.makeupalley.com (registration required.)

Non-topical Treatments for PIH

Some non ablative lasers are being marketed specifically for treating pigmentation problems. These treatments may be unsuitable for people who suffer from active acne. Be aware that laser treatment is generally expensive and carries a risk of causing new acne, PIH and scarring. We recommed that you research options throughly and discuss with your Doctor or Dermatologist.

Here are examples and links to information about them:
· N-Lite: http://www.wrinklereduction.com
thread on acne.org: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/forums.html...=9443
· CoolTouch II: http://www.cooltouch.com/products.html
· IPL: http://www.intensepulselight.com/equipment.html
V Beam Pulse Dyed Dye Laser
http://www.candelalaser.com/vbeam/vb_home.asp


Q: How long does it take to see results from treatment?

Results and times will vary widely from one person to the next and from one treatment type to the next. As a very general guide for topical PIH treatments ....
From: Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic876.htm

In the case of peels (i.e: lactic acid) visible improvement may occur within 4-6 applications (spaced at least a week apart).


Q: Who should be cautious about treating PIH?

PIH and active acne?
If you are on Accutane you should not be using any topicals treatments except under the supervision of your dermatologist.

Preventing the formation of inflammatory acne will prevent the formation of PIH. Some topical treatments have attributes which mean they can help active acne AND PIH...particularly topical retinoids, Azelaic Acid, BHA (aka salicylic acid), and some ahas. There are some potential negative interactions between PIH treatments and other conventional Acne medications (e.g. Retinoids and Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydroquinone and Benzoyl Peroxide) Research otc topicals thoroughly and discuss your use/planned use of all prescription and otc topicals with your dermatologist or doctor. Generally invasive peels or procudures are NOT appropriate for people who still have active acne.

PIH and darker skin colours?
People with darker skin tones have a greater prediposition to experience PIH. They are also at a greater risk of reacting adversely to agressive treatments with further pigmentation problems. Treatments typically sited by users and dermatologists as being well tolerated are Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Hydroquinone, combination topicals like TriLuma.

PIH and sensitive skin?
Some topicals for PIH can be irritating for people with sensitive skin typically those sited by users as causing irritation are Topical Retinoids, Glycolic acid, TCA.

Some topicals for PIH typically sited by users as less irritating are Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid.


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Before posting a new thread, please go to the top of this page try doing a Board Search it is very possible information you want is already here.
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Useful Links

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic876.htm

Acne Scarring - (Overview which explains the differences of PIH and Acne scars)
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/scarring.html

Treating PIH in darker skin tones
http://www.dermatologytimes.com/dermatolog...l.jsp?id=124881
http://www.freep.com/news/health/mcare5_20041005.htm
http://www.cosmeticsurgery-news.com/article2009.html

Understanding Exfoliants
http://www.cosmeticscop.com/learn/pf.asp?ID=27

Skin Lightening
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic528.htm
http://www.cosmeticscop.com/learn/pf.asp?ID=25

Lasers
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic517.htm
http://www.cosmeticscop.com/learn/pf.asp?ID=19
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Hey everyone. I didn't take care of myself many years ago. At the moment, i have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation on my butt area. My dermatologist told me this is what i have. The thing is i also had a pilonidal cyst that i had minor surgery for last year. I also currently have anal fissure and have this for at least 4 years. I have the hyperpigmentation for 4 years at least already.

I was given hydroquinone 6 percent and it burned my skin and made it red. Now its still red after a few weeks. But before i had broken skin because of the burning. My dermatologist tells me to either use hydroquinone after the redness leaves and it would take at least 3 months before i see any changes. He told me my other option was to have Nd: YAG Laser surgery which cuts some skin off. However, he tells me the percentage is not that high for it though but it would not make it much worst than it is for me. He also told me i need to take care of my anal fissure first because that might be the root of the problem and that doing these procedures won't work because the anal fissure would irritate it.

Does anyone know what i should do? I'm male with Asian skin and feeling very upset now because of this. My butt is still very red now as oppose to purpish/blackish after the 6 percent hydroquinone. I was thinking would it be okay to use AHA on my butt? I used this product called Alpha Hydrox Souffle 12 percent on my face for my red marks and hyperpigmentation and right now i don't have that much marks anymore. Would it be safe to use AHA 12 percent on my butt?

I really don't know because i feel like i have no other options now because the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation on my buttcheeks is very embarrasing. It looks like a big inflammation. Anyone heard of this related to anal fissure?

I am so sick of hyperpigmentation. I've been a member here since june but I have wasted countless hours on this website reading and gathering information...so don"t treat me how I'm a newbie. Here's the idea.

I have hyperpigmentation on my left cheek, like it's severe...I know tanning or staying in the sun is very bad for the brown marks. but I am already tanned skin(born with it) I thoought of this great idea!!!!!! I tend to only break out on the left cheek, it's retarded. so I decided to put sunscreen on only the brown spots and not my other skin. because of the gaps between non-hyperpigmented spots, i want to tan my skin to the hyperpigemented spots....that is my goal.

How will I achieve this? What I will do is put on 50 spf sunscreen right on the hyperpigmented spots ONLY. I may get some small objects and tape it on my skin. like a bead or something. along with the sunscreen. Because I wanted to tan my skin to hyperpigmented spots. But I am wondering, How long should i stay in the sun for? I need to not burn my skin but tan it enough.


Please give me some feedback quick because school starts in like 5 days for me. SoI will try to achieve this in less than 5 days.

I have some healing cysts on the sides of my cheeks from my initial breakout on Tazorac and Spiro. They're a couple of weeks old, still red, and they're slightly indented. I can't really tell unless I'm under harsh lighting. They look like rolling scars. Will they eventually raise up or only get worse? I have a feeling there's still a little inflammation and when it goes down it'll only be worse. Is there anything I can do for them? Please reply, as I would HATE to have even more scars! Thanks

Does the isolaz laser get rid of old red marks left after acne? ive had them for about 10 years now,anyone tried this laser before or is there a better laser for this type of thing if so please tell me.

Also were is the best place to get it done in merseyside,thanks.

Right so, ive been on for bout 2 months and 2 days, my face has improved drastically, drastically i mean theres no bumps anymore, no new ones forming anymore but i seem to be left with ALOT of red marks will these fade naturally or do i need to get treatment

Hey guys i have finally cleared my acne around 95% of it and it does not come back often maybe 1 in a week but that is usually my fault for eating junk food or sleeping late.
What i am worried about is that it left me with heaps of acne scars(red marks/ice pick scars) and it looks pretty bad even though my skin is smooth.

I am now using the md formulation line products which is the cleanser, skin perfection gel and continuous renewal serum all for problem prone skin. All of this are low 10~15% glycolic acid and I am on this regimen for about 1.5months already.

What i am worried about is that over this long period of time the scars and marks are still there and am afraid that it will stay there forever

I am thinking of trying emu oil for the scars would that help guys?? or should i not use anything else and stick with the regimen for even longer for scars???

Does anyone know if it's normal for skin to be redder than it was before V-Beam treatment more than a week later? I had several dark purple bruises which are slowly fading and that's fine... however, one red mark did not bruise, it is simply a more brownish/red colour then it was before the treatment and still hasn't returned to normal (as in before treatment). It makes me nervous because I heard redness like that shouldn't last more than 2-3 days.

Does anyone have any experience on this? I would really appreciate some reassurance...

Let's talk about what heal those kind of marks.. thank you

Emu Oil for Acne - How can it help?

Acne is caused by inflammation of the skin, so it would make sense to use a anti-inflammatory product to control Acne and pimples. Emu Oil is one of the best anti-inflammatory substances on the planet - and it is all natural. Treating acne with Emu Oil has proven to be very effective, being one of the best ways to get rid of pimples naturally. The reason for this is because Emu Oil is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores, so your skin can still breath when you apply it, and Emu Oil is naturally anti-bacterial, it will fight bacteria that causes pimples and acne. It is also hypo-allergenic (non-irritating) so it is great for all skin types, including people with sensitive skin. And finally, Emu Oil naturally helps to repair scar tissue, so as well as helping to clear your pimples, Emu Oil Skin Care products will also help to repair scar damage caused by acne. Its a acne solution you wont want to miss out on.

Buy it here> http://www.emustore.com/

Also check this out> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwlVb453eh0

Emu Oil is all natural, and one of the most therapeutic and healing substances on the planet, thats why its great to use Emu Oil in Skin Care and Health Products. Pure Emu Oil can be used internally for its healing Omega 3, 6, and 9 Benefits. Or it can be used externally for many skin allergies including skin rash, or joint and muscle pain.

This range combines Pure Emu Oil and other natural ingredients including Essential Oils, that can be used for your whole body. Our Skin Care and Health products range includes Pure Emu Oil, Lotions and Moisturisers, Soap, Bath oil, Lip Balm, Shampoo, Conditioner, Arthritis rub, Massage oil, Pet shampoo, and Emu eggs. We have an Emu Oil product to suit everybody, and assist to heal almost any body ailment, these uses include -

Wrinkles and fine lines

Stretch marks

Arthritis

Eczema

Acne

Hair loss

Headaches

Bruises

Burns

Pain relief

Scar repair

Skin Rashes

Sunburn and many more...

The 3rd pic is a fresh blemish taken yesterday. Notice the redness and inflamation...The second pic is taken 12 hrs later. Notice of the redness has subsided and the inflamation has gone down quite a bit. This is only 12 hrs later people!!....The 1st pic was taken jus now...24 hrs later. 1 day. The blemish is now flat! Redness continues to fade drastically!. 1 day guys! The prrof is in the pictures. This mark will be gone by 2morrow.

Check out "My Accutane Adventure" as well how "Fade Red Marks Using....Mosturizer" as I speak of a different method and go a little more into the emu oil. Google it for yourself. Check out the video. This stuff seriously works. I would not lead anyone on. I promise you. Read my story. I'm here to help. And this stuff is a Godsend. Just look at the pics. Enough said.

I have been having problems with red marks which refuse to go away or fade much at all. This is strange as I never used to be particularly bothered by them and they tended to go away quite quickly before I was on the regimen, but I concluded that the BP might be causing it.

Anyway, I woke up on Tuesday morning, looked in the mirror and nearly fainted. My red marks had faded about 75% overnight, and several very old (4-6 months) especially pesky ones had disappeared altogether.

The difference was so marked that I knew I had done something which had brought about this happy state of affairs. Much brain racking later revealed the cause to be that I had, for the first time in months, failed to apply any jojoba oil the evening before. For some time now I have been treating my skin to liberal amounts of the stuff, and rubbing it into my red marks to 'help' them fade.

Not sure what this means. Was I using too much of it?

If you have pesky red marks and use a lot of jojoba you might like to try leaving off it for one evening. You will know straightaway if it has been making the problem worse.

Hey all, I know there have been threads about this in the past, that is where I heard of this stuff.

I decided last night to try zinc oxide, Burt's Bees diaper rash cream.
It isn't my favorite diaper cream for my little one, so I had a practically unused tube.
I probably shouldn't switch around from one remedy to another so much, but I just thought I would give it a try.

I washed my face and put it on my red marks last night (just a tiny bit) before bed.
My red marks are a lot less noticeable this morning!
I am actually sort of amazed that it did anything. I thought it would make me break out because it is so thick and creamy.

Maybe it would work like a mask for occasional use between peels to help with red marks.
Does anyone know how long you have to leave it on for it to work? I just slept in it.

I was impressed, and thought I would share it with you. Probably zinc oxide cream intended for the face works better, but this worked pretty well for me.

Has anyone tried this product? It is supposed to help reducing acne, and the help of red marks. It has 2% salicylic acid and AHA. Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated!

Guys i am confused as to how hypertrophic scarring works. For example, i had this pimple spawn on my forehead, a week later, after using Benzoyl peroxide on it, the pimple became dry and like all pimples that become dry from Benzoyl peroxide, it flaked off so to speak. After it flaked off, i see like a mini version of that pimple that is still left and it is pink. It seems like PIH from far away, but its actually a little raised, miniature pimple. Will this "pimple" become flat and fade away? Is this hypertrophic scarring?

I didnt pick at the pimple, the dead flaky skin just fell of by itself. Do you guys know what i am talking about?

I know that if done incorrectly, popping a pimple can cause indentation scarring. My question is however can it also cause permanent redness or PIH?

Last but not least, is it just best to not pop a pimple?

well, i've been doing the egg white mask ..but i was thinking...is it possible to catch salmonella this way??? if so i just might stop....

I'm really confused and not sure what exactly is on my face. My dermatologist never said anything, an don't have an appointment for a while. Is there any holistic/homemade treatments for it? Or even not. I'm desperate. The very last pic is from a few weeks ago. I still had some cysts but I stopped everything I was doing and my skin cleared up some. Now I use african black soap, tea tree oil for treatment, and jojoba or shea butter for moisturizing . i also don't eat meat anymore and have been vegetarian for 20 days and have cut down on milk.

Hey guys, hope your all doing ok on your regimens,

i have pretty much permanent redness (whilst on dans regimen) around my mouth, and loadsa red marks - and i'm a guy

so tired of buying all creams and peel kits, i turned to makeup, because i start college in nine days!

but i didnt want the make up to be visible, bein a guy and all that.

so i read and researced about "clinique almost makeup spf 15" and decied to buy it. Th reviews said its good for guys cause you can no way tell you have it on.

I tried some now and am buzzing - for once! my redness is barely visible, and my red marks are nearly INvisible! Its not perfect - granted, but no ones skin will ever be perfect, so i now have a new best friend!

hope this helps people

Can the sun still make your redmarks worse even if they're a older than a year? Should I keep wearing sunscreen? Im just so sick of putting topicals on.

Does anyone know the cheapest and most affective ways for getting rid of red marks?!

Today I had my very first glycolic peel and Blu-lite treatment at the doctors office. So far, my skin has not had any obvious reactions (it's now been ~10hrs since the procedure), but I am worried about what might happen in the next few days.

How worried should I be? I really don't want my face to turn beet red or suddenly erupt into a whole bunch of obvious blisters...

The peel was at a 20% concentration and was on my skin for about 2 minutes before the solution was neutralized.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback on this - thanks!

SO I bought some Bio-Oil for the red and purple marks still left on my chest...MY question is when do I apply it, how much do I use, and does it stain clothes?
Thanks

Has anyone had microdermabrasion done by a professional? Did it improve your marks and general appearance?

I have had back acne for several years and I am finally getting it under control, which leaves me with the red marks. What are some things that I can use to get rid of it? I tried Mederma, but it leaves your skin kind of sticky all day, which is terrble when half your back is covered with it and you're wearing a shirt. Any suggestions?

Hi All,

My skin was flawless up until a year ago (I'm 22 now). Since then, I've been suffering from some acne on the cheeks and forehead and accompanying hyperpigmentation (which has been persistent throughout). I've seen absolutely no aesthetic improvement and I'm getting pretty desperate. I'm Asian and relatively tan, which I've heard can exacerbate these issues.

I'm on a pretty intense regimen, which has reduced acne for the most part, though there's still cystic acne on the cheeks. However, outside I look the same if not worse. Here's what the regimen consists of:

Morning:
Non comedogenic cleansing wash
Mandelic acid 15%

Night:
Non comedogenic cleansing wash
Vitamin A
10% BPO

I've attached pictures if anyone can provide insightful feedback or give me a place to go. I'd be happy to answer any questions or provide additional details/anything that would help.

Thanks.

Hey Guys, so tomorrow I'm planning on finally applying my salicylic acid 20% gel peel (from skin laboratories, bought on amazon)...

Question: my friend said i should buy a fan brush to apply it... but can i apply it with a cotton ball.... or just use my fingers to apply it? and how thick a layer should i apply?

THanks