(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

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 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

Is sunscreen enough to block the effects of the sun on lengthening red marks, or is it going to have an effect on your red marks no matter what?

Also two random questions.

Will the zinc oxide in some sunscreens help with redmarks, or is it in too little of a quantity.

Does anyone here treat the redmarks on their back? Or should I just let time deal with them.

So last night i started using natural aloe vera gel from the actual plant to help with my scars and redmarks and maybe ass a bonus my acne as well but just basically to help my skin overall. Ive read so much good things about how it helps with those 3 subjects that i wanted to post and make a thread to show you guys how things go for me during my progress.. Obviously I still suffer breakouts and what not but im doing this to see if it can help me not only with that but also with the redmarks and scars.. I feel really confident in this natural product and hopefully i make signifigant progress so i can be insperation to others with similiar condition as mine.. Ill be posting progress pics every week on fridays so you guys can see how things are going along for me... The way i use the gel is i apply it after im done cleansing my skin as if i were putting on moisturizer. Well thats all for now if you guys have any questions about aloe vera or anything else feel free to ask thanks.....

[attachment=24711:image001_29.jpeg]
[attachment=24710:image001_25.jpeg]
[attachment=24709:image001_24.jpeg]

.

Because they say it helps with red marks/uneven skintone.



Anyone had any success?

So I have been thinking a whole lot about this topic as of late and it's driving me crazy. I'll start off with a little background; I've been smoking for about 2 - 2 and a half years now and my acne began about a couple months after beginning my habit. Well, my problem has never really been getting new zits every morning, my problem is that the few pimples I do get leave nasty red marks that take multiple years at a time to fade at all. Well i smoke everyday, for the most part, but it is mostly just a bowl or two each day, besides on weekends, I stick with my blunts on weekends. Anywho, I've been wondering, is it possible that the whole reason my skin doesn't know how to heal itself is that i smoke too often? I do everything else right to try give my skin a fighting chance; I workout 5 times a week, cardio and weight training, I eat healthy for the most part, barely any refined sugar. I can't even remember the last time I picked at a pimple on my cheeks, which by the way is the whole basis for my problem. All the pimples I get on my chin, forehead, nose, etc. all seem to heal at normal rates. But my cheeks are where all the aforementioned marks come into play. Sorry for writing my life story, but I am just looking for someone who's experienced a similar situation as myself, and if they have ever tried to quit smoking. Oh and p.s. the little active acne I do get is always a whitehead, and I never get any 3D scars, just my flat hyperpigmentation. Well, any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

I just got back from the laser clinic for a consultation. In my opinion my red marks are really red and horrifying...but according to the person I spoke to, she says after one treatment my red marks would fade by 50%! and that I could be clear after 2 months. This was terrific news...but I haven't had a treatment to see the results. She said she's been doing this for 16 years and the best way and probably the only way to rid red marks is vbeam. All the other stuff speeds it up and still could last a year. I only have red marks and no scarring so she said I'm an ideal candidate for vbeam. But for those of you with scars out there, she also said that it promotes collagen and I've seen some pics of people with scars and they really did improve. People with scarring would take longer though. The pic I saw was a girl with scarring and after 6 treatments of 150$ she looked a lot better. I've heard some mixed reviews on vbeam..just wanted to know if people who didn't like it had scarring and not redness. Any reply from vbeam users would be great! Thanks and I'll let everyone know about my first treatment which is Tuesday.

Vitamin K is amazing for acne scarring, I've been using it for a month and my face hasn't looked this good since sophomore year in high school. It was relatively cheap compared to all the other acne products out there, I got it for 20$.

I'll post some pics later, but i think i deleted all of my before pictures because I hate looking at them. My acne was cystic inflammatory and left big marks all over my cheeks and chin. Right now I only have 2 marks which are clearly visible all the other scars are difficult to see because they faded extremely well.

Anyway I hope someone else benefits from Vitamin K cream because it's AMAZING!

Please add to my poll. I am just so confused on what is the best. Im sure everyone wants to know

(If you choose 'Other' please say what it is you use....Thanx)

Well i thought my skin was clear until i had this sort of huge whitehead which i popped prematurely. It left a nasty scab which has just fallen off today. Now its left a sort of raised bump...its kind of bright and smooth. Ive had these before and it took absolutely ages to heal because I didnt use anything for it...I was wondering what I can use for this raised mark?

Finacea is mentioned all over the place. Do a search on this site and a google search. I've read loads now and I'm sold on getting some. Only prob is that it's prescription only in most countries, so it'll have to be a trip to the Dr first.

It was originally designed for rosacea, so it's great at dealing with this horrid hyperpigmentation we all suffer with. But lotsa people are saying it also clears spots too. It's totally worth a blast imo. If anyone starts on it before I do, let us know how you get on. People even say it shrinks pores. It's bound to work differently for different peeps but I'm gonna ask the Dr for some and see!

Hi all,

I feel fortunate not to have keloids or raised scarring, but I have a LOT of hyperpigmentation on my back. From the bottom of my neck to the small of my back.

My skin is very fair, so the spots are very noticeable. In recent times, I've only been getting 3 or 4 active cysts on an occasional basis (hope it keeps up). The problem is the stupid red marks from the past - they make it look like I have active acne, even though I don't.

Some of them are red, but some of them are also brown or faded pink or whatever. They are melasmas - not raised or indented; just discolored.

I was wondering if anyone has used TCA peels on their backs? I know these are normally used on the face, but I wanted to know people's personal experiences with using lactic acid or TCA peels on their backs!

Please please please? I hate wearing strapless shirts and bathing suits and I want to look normal before summer. sad.gif

B

i think im using too much bp (look at my regimen)

but its the only thing that keeps my acne at bay and im afraid ill break out after i stop using it. i really want to switch to zapzyt acne pack because the bp makes my red marks redder. im so sick of wearing foundation to hide my horrible skin

Hey everybody,
I'm kinda new here but a combinantion of Differin and diet has cleared me up pretty well in terms of active acne
However...I have ALOT of red marks left over :/ (and some scars). So does anyone know any products that I can use with differin to help with red marks?
According to the Differin website, I shouldn't use BP, SA, AHA acids or sulfer while I'm on differin :/ so wht do I have left? thanks a bunch guys

same problem for m, red marks left after aqcne, quick question, isit ok to us face scrub a gentle one to clean your face ?

I have horrible hyper pigmentation and scarring, and I really need to find a not so expensive peel, since those seemed to have the best results for people.
I can't go see a dermatologist, and getting laser treatments is completely out of the question, so peels are my best shot.

I don't get any real breakouts anymore, besides a few white heads every now and then, but I don't worry about those.

What I want to know is, what peel should I go for? What should I start with? I'm so confused, because there's all these different kinds and I don't know which one would fit me best.

Also, with that certain peel, how badly does it dry out the skin? Should I do it over weekends to let my face relax, because I usually stay home weekends which means no makeup.

Thanks for the help!

hey guys.. i've been raving about the Ambi products-- "even and clear"
they are really great and have given me the best results for clearing up my spots on my face

these products are typically for darker skin toned women..
but im caucasian and use the products and they give me the best results ever..


i've been using them for about a week or two now.. and havent seen this good of results from a product in a long time.
i suggest you guys just search for them on drugstore.com
and get an idea of what i'm talking about.

the Fade mark minimizer really can help reduce any marks on your skin..
their products are good.. soy, vitamin a, c, and e.
they're pretty good.. i suggest you guys check em out..


you can find Ambi products at your local grocer, target, walgreens, cvs


I suggest you guys try the Ambi even and clear exfoliating wash..
then apply the mark minimizer over night

I hope you guys try this product and let me know if you've got the same results..

I just ordered Gylcolic acid, at 40%. It is a 3-Kit, Here is a photo.



40% Glycolic Peel Recommended for use after a series of 30% treatments.

Each Kit Contains:

1 Bottle 40% Glycolic Peel Solution

1 Bottle 10% Glycolic Cleanser

1 Bottle 10% Glycolic Toner

I will Keep updating this every week, Because your supposed to apply this stuff On once a week only.

I have alot of redmarks on both side of my cheeks. No active Acne though, I'm done with breakout's i guess, i havent had any breakouts for about a month now. But im left with Old Acne marks. Hopefully this peel will peel the way i want it to.

Leave any feedback here, thanks.

Here are some photos: They are not that great, but there is a photo of what i ordered, And You can see some red marks on my cheeks in these photos. But i will take new ones weekly.

Day 1: Monday January 25th: First time.

I applied the Cleanser, toner, and peel. And well i got a bad sting, but thats natural. Makes face red.

Well i have only just come across the idea of using a cleanser to help with my red marks....after all these years hehe I was just wondering what you guys on here recommend?...oh btw im in the UK. Thanks

i have mostly brown spots from acne on my chin area and im not sure if they go away on their own or if i need to do something about it. anyone with this experience?

Why is it that even though I'm very careful not to pick or irritate my acne, it ALWAYS leaves red marks. It ONLY does this on my chin. They're lasting a really long time. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Hi, Ive been using Retin-A for well over a month now. Im using the 0.025% and I dont even know if its improving(Forgot how I looked back then). Anyways I've noticed everyone that uses retin-a experiences flaking,reddness etc...I dont experience any of that, heck It feels moisturizing..maybe I should use a stronger kind? Is it okay that my skin doesnt flake?(Not that I want it to, just wondering if its working..)

i need advice i am from holland and i am black.Problem is here i can't find something for my acne/scars anyone can give me an advice.. i feel so bath just stay in doors and in bed whole day

Hey guys. I know this is acne.org but not sure if this is the proper forum to post this.

This was my story from a few months ago on another forum.
*Moderator edit, URL removed - read the board rules. *

If you do not want to read that, i can summarize quickly my situation now.

I was on this forum a few months ago because i have a pilonidal cyst. I went to a doctor because my buttcheeks were DARK black. It looks like i had permanent bruises still. I found out i had the pilonidal cyst in June 2009 but i probably had it since 2007. In mid October, a dermatologist did a closed excision surgery on me at his office. It took about 25 minutes i say. There was not that much pain when he did the small procedure. How come a lot of people complain so much about pain after surgery b/c this small operation didn't felt anything to me besides a little bit of pain when he used a knife and scissors.

All that happened after that was i had a bit of blood around the area and i was fine. I could walk perfectly after it. I mentioned how my butt cheeks are very discolored. It looks like hyperpigmentation of the buttocks. It was most likely because of the pilonidal cyst. I asked my skin doctor if i could get rid of the discoloration. He said in 6 months my skin would get better. He did tell me there was a cream that would help restore the color of my buttcheeks. It started with an H but i do not recall the name of it. Does anyone know? It was something like Hydro....

Today i went to his office today and telling him its been 3 months almost and my buttcheeks are still discolored. He tells me most people have hyperpigmentation around the area. I am Asian and he tells me that happens for all of us. I asked him if he could prescribe the cream he talked about a few months ago. He tells me i don't need it since no one would look at my butt. Well i did tell him if the cream doesn't do any harm, why can't i and he said some people just have hyperpigmentation and I don't need it

Anyways, he did tell me to purchase this product called Cevave and to buy it off the counter. I saw that there was the lotion and the cream. This is the cream

http://www.cerave.com/cream.htm

He tells me this would work to help my discoloration of the butt. When i was at the drug store, the product to me didn't look like it was anything special. I also said i don't think off the counter products are good since i don't think those are strong enough or do anything. He would not let me get a prescription of the cream he was talking about.

Does anyone know what are my options now? Should i just buy this cream and try it? I read the ratings online and it is very good. However, most people say its a great cream if you have dry skin or enzyma? Well i don't have any of these problems. I also don't believe this kind of cream will make my buttcheeks turn from dark back to normal.

Has anyone got an opinion? Does anyone know what cream he was talking about that starts with an H for helping lightening butt cheeks because it is dark?

So before I got it I was told that if I used it everyday from the beggining my skin would be irritated.

Now I have pretty sensitive skin, I anticipated this would happen. However I have been using Dan's AHA for a week once daily and no irritation whatsoever. So any input from other others about this? Does your skin get irritated from it or no? Thanks, I'm just worried I might be using wrong or something

So I've been reading a lot about lemon juice and how it can help fade red marks and hyperpigmentation. I have about 20 lbs of lemons right now so I might try applying the juice to my face. What I'm wondering is why exactly it works to fade the post-acne marks. Is it just because it's acidic?

Thanks!