When starting out on your skincare journey, a common concern faced by many people is acne scarring. Changes to the skin’s tone or texture post-breakout can be nearly as frustrating as dealing with active acne.

That said, there are things you can do to care for your skin before, during, and after a flareup to help minimize the damage and support your skin’s recovery. Here are a few of our top tips for prevention and treatment:

Tip #1: Understand Why Scars Happen
If you have acne prone skin, it’s worth noting that not all blemishes are destined to turn into scar tissue. In order for a scar to form, there is usually a complex chain of events that occurs, as the skin attempts to heal itself. As part of the repair process, the skin will typically produce more collagen and direct blood flow to the injured site, resulting in discoloration and uneven texture. In some cases this effect is temporary, but in other instances, improper healing can result in a
permanent mark.

Tip #2: Support Cellular Turnover With The Right Treatments
Once scar tissue has formed it can be difficult to diminish. However, you can still minimize the damage from acne scarring by regularly incorporating products and protocols that encourage cellular renewal and regeneration. Exfoliation with alpha-hydroxy acids is a great option and will aid in smoothing and softening scarred skin. Additionally, Vitamin-A ingredients such as retinol will also be helpful to include, to keep the skin’s turnover cycles on track.

Tip #3: Choose Ingredients That Target Discoloration
Another hallmark of acne scarring is the formation of excess pigment at the site of breakouts. Luckily, this aspect can be easy to address with active ingredients that reduce inflammation and provide brightening benefits. One of our favorites for this is turmeric, as well as Vitamin C. Both can be included as part of your daily routine, and are fantastic for supporting overall skin health and immunity.

Tip #4: Practice Good Habits For Prevention
Of course, the best way to combat acne scarring is to avoid habits that can cause scarring in the first place. This includes picking, popping, or peeling the skin in the event of a breakout. Doing so tends to create excess damage to the skin and can make it more difficult for proper healing to take place. Next time you are tempted, we recommend instead applying a hydrocolloid acne spot patch, cold compress, or ice roller treatment, which will soothe the skin and promote recovery.

Tip #5: Stay Patient With Your Skin
Last but not least, it’s important to remember that because acne scars are often the result of accumulated damage and don’t form overnight, getting rid of them may require some time as well. Although there is no quick fix, consistency is key and will yield better results over time. Your best bet is to focus on progress over perfection, while working towards a lifelong goal of cultivating healthy, happy skin.

Shop everything you need to get rid of your acne scars and achieve an even skin tone at Jessica's Skincare Lab