Best Ingredients For Acne Scars And Dark Spots

We all have dealt with acne and the painful memories of its scars at least once in our lifetime. But not all acne or dark spots are the same, and neither warrant the same treatment. Since every pimple, bump, and blemish comes with its personality, you have to tackle them with a different ingredient for each.

Regardless of their name – acne, pimples, dark spots or scars – they are signs that your skin needs urgent attention. Acne, age spots, and hyperpigmentation can lead to scarring that makes our skin look uneven, dull and lifeless.

Although dime-a-dozen skin lightening products are on the market, not all are effective, and some can be downright harmful to your skin. Knowing which ones are effective and safe is essential in your battle against pimples and dark spots.

Among all the skin conditions affecting Americans, acne seems to be the most common. In fact, it affects close to 50 million Americans every year. And acne can come at any age – but 85% of it involves people among the 12 – 24-year age group. The acne treatment market’s value was $9 billion in 2020. Yet, it is expected to hit the $14 billion mark within the next ten years.

Before we give you the lowdown on the scientifically proven ingredients that help deal with pimples and dark spots, we believe you should know a little about pimples, dark spots and their causes.

What are Acne & Pimples?

Also known commonly as zits, pimples are a part of the acne family. Most people use the terms acne and pimples interchangeably, but it’s not entirely wrong. Acne is a disease, and pimples are one of its prominent symptoms.

As a powerful water soluble vitamin, Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is essential for collagen production, the functioning of certain enzymes, and the human immunity system.

What Causes Acne & Pimples?

When puberty hits, your body goes through a ton of hormonal changes. Sometimes, these changes can make the sebum producing glands go on overdrive. When this happens, you are bound to see eruptions of pimples.

You might notice acne hits some people hard, while others seem to breeze through puberty without as much as a spot on their skin. To understand why this might happen, you need to know what causes pimples and ensuing dark spots.

How do dark spots form?

Clogged and infected pores typically cause acne scars. When the pores swell with excess oil, they break the follicle wall. The scars heal pretty quickly if the blemishes are closer to the surface. But, if they are too deep, your spots will be harder to deal with.

However, your deep scars can also heal, provided your skin produces the needed collagen. Collagen keeps your skin firm, young and blemishless. However, collagen is not always the answer to all skin problems.

If your body produces excessive collagen, it can cause raised scars since the collagen fibres don’t usually blend well with your skin. If your body produces very little collagen, it can form depressed scars.

During the tissue rebuilding process, your body produces melanin – the primary pigment that can become hyperactive during the healing process. Over production of melanin causes hyperpigmentation or darkening of complexion. When you delay treating acne, you increase the risk of scarring. And age also plays a crucial role in forming dark spots on the skin.

Dark spots could result from acne, over exposure to sunlight or UV rays, hormonal imbalances, and other skin damage.

Dark spots caused due to pimples are flat marks on the skin. These are generally easier to lighten as they tend to fade over time. However, you no longer have to wait for nature to take its time when you can help hasten the process with these scientifically proven safe ingredients.

Ingredients for Treatment of Acne, Pimples and Dark Spots

We have provided a list of 8 proven ingredients that accelerate skin lightening and dark spot removal. While you can try many home remedies, not all DIY methods have the same desired effect on people. Rather than taking a chance with your skin, we suggest you give these safe ingredients a try.

1. Vitamin C

Let’s start with Vitamin C – the first name that comes to mind for healthy skin.
Vitamin C is a potent and highly beneficial supplement that helps depigment your skin and reduce melanin production. Packed with antioxidants, Vit C is an ingredient known to neutralise free radicals, boost collagen growth, heal skin and rebuild its structure. Using Vitamin C Cleanser or Vitamin C Serum packed with Kakadu plums and ferulic acid is known to lighten and prevent stubborn dark spots from forming.

2. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids – AHAs

AHAs are acids derived from plants or animals and are part of significant skincare products. Although there are seven significant AHA used in skincare, lactic acid and glycolic acid are the most effective ones.

AHAs are known to work on acne spots by removing clogged impurities and dead cells from pores by mildly exfoliating the skin to provide an even-toned complexion.

3. Retinoids

Retinoids are skin perfecting ingredients that work from the cellular level. Products with retinoic acid help promote cell growth, exfoliate and develop healthy skin. Retinoids help manage hyperpigmentation scars by boosting cell regeneration and work for all ages and skin types.

Usually available as serums or creams, usually with benzoyl peroxide or flower acids, retinoids are known to produce newer and cleaner skin faster. Be sure to apply retinol products with caution as they might cause allergy or irritation. Take it slow, and if prone to allergies, always consult your dermatologist before trying it out.

4. Niacinamide

Niacinamide has several anti-inflammatory characteristics that help neutralise free radicals, boost skin healing and repair, and manage areas of hyperpigmentation.

Niacinamide is an essential nutrient – Vitamin B3. It comes with many benefits for your skin,

5. Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Salicylic acid is a part of the BHA or the beta-hydroxy acids family known for its exfoliating nature. Salicylic acid breaks down the excess sebum or oil in your pores. The acid structure is such that it helps remove the glue that makes the skin cells stick together.

It is best to treat mild or early-stage acne breakouts such as whiteheads and blackheads. Regular usage of salicylic acid, either in serums or cleansers, will help prevent future pimples and marks.

6. Azelaic Acid

Similar to salicylic acid, azelaic acid works as an effective antioxidant and antibacterial exfoliant. Azelaic acid is found in nature – wheat and barley. Its antibacterial properties are an effective solution to clean out clogged pores and remove accumulated toxins. It helps your skin heal faster, reduces inflammation, redness and scarring.

Azelaic acid might cause a few side effects, so you must seek your dermatologist’s advice before including it in your skincare regimen. Moreover, it might take some time for Azelaic acid to work its magic, but you can be sure of visibly clean, lighter, and blemish less skin when it does.

Preventing Dark Spots, Acne and Pimples

While we know that prevention is always better than finding a cure, most of us are not usually sure of what to do to prevent acne, pimples and dark spots. However, you can take a few simple steps that prevent dark spots and pimples.

Always wear sunscreen, especially when going out
STOP popping pimples. It's unhygienic and can cause infections and, worse still, scarring
Exfoliate skin – but gently
Keep yourself and your skin amply hydrated
Always use gentle products that suit your specific skin type and need
Skincare is not magic – be patient – to enjoy the results
Never take chances - Always use reliable and safe products such as Body Tales that adhere to strict safety standards
Acne Control Face Serum
Acne Cleanser

Perhaps, the last point is the most important of all. Bodytales has a list of ingredients specifically designed to help deal with acne and dark spots. Products that contain niacinamide are perfect for those looking to give their skin the nourishment and depigmentation it needs.

You can also choose AHA BHA cleansers loaded with salicylic acid or pick the retinol formula for your skin. Either way, you can be sure of enjoying a smooth, blemish-free and safe skin.