Did you struggle with acne in your teens? While those sore spots are long gone now, the scars may not be. Just when you thought you were past those years of blotchy skin, you still need to conceal those skin marks all this time later.
Don’t worry, there’s good news. There are solutions. You don’t have to be reminded of your ‘teen face’ every time you look in the mirror.
First, let’s explain how acne scars form. They’re often evidence of our impatience. That’s right. Giving in to the habit of picking them. This causes damage to the skin, which leads to the scar. While your teenage attitude of ‘I want it gone now’ might have got in the way then, don’t let it now. Don’t touch those spots.
We know it’s hard but use every ounce of willpower not to pick it. That’s rule #1 – avoid the damage.
Secondly, moisturise and protect your skin. Invest in a nourishing day / night skin cream regime. Find a solution with SPF to keep your skin covered during the day. This will lessen the chance of discolouration and hyperpigmentation, two things that often characterise acne scars. Also, a quality moisturiser will prevent foundation becoming flaky, by soothing irritated skin.
Be conscious of the products you put on your skin. Look for inflammation-soothing ingredients. Acne and the scars that follow cause redness, bumps, and other painful frustrations.
It’s essential to balance your skincare regime. Know your skin and what works for it, as well as what doesn’t. If a flare up occurs, explore the reasons why. If acne is a constant issue for you, even after your 20’s, it could be the ingredients you’re using on your skin.
This requires a bit of trial and error. Of course, don’t go crazy and change up your skincare routine every week in search of the perfect combination. Bring it back to basics and find a few products that leave your skin feeling good (and not stripped back).
Watch what you put on your dinner plate, too. Consuming low-glycemic foods rich with complex carbohydrates will reduce any future breakouts. Foods like whole grains, legumes, and unprocessed fruits and vegetables. You want to pack your diet full of foods that also minimise inflammation. Choose foods with high levels of zinc, vitamin A and E, and antioxidants.
Other skin-friendly food choices include:
- Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots and sweet potatoes
- Spinach and other dark green and leafy vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Blueberries
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Turkey
- Pumpkin seeds
- Beans, peas & lentils
- Salmon, mackerel & other kinds of fatty fish
- Nuts
Scars, like pimples, aren’t forever.