Pimples and the other conditions related to acne can lead to scarring if you don't treat it right away, warns Brown University's health services. Unfortunately, even with the best skincare, you can still experience scars. You don't have to live with these scars forever. An exfoliating skin treatment can help fade surface discolorations and other blemishes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and give you the clear, bright complexion you crave.
Wet your face with warm water and apply an oil-free cleanser designed for acne-prone skin. Massage it into your skin using your fingertips in a circular motion.
Rinse your skin clean with water before patting your skin dry with a soft towel.
Dab on a skin serum or a skin cream that's made with beta hydroxy acid, often listed as salicylic acid. This chemical helps exfoliate your skin and sloughs off the damaged cells that make up your acne scars. For the fastest exfoliating results, skincare expert Paula Begoun advises using a product where the acid is added in a concentration of 1 to 2 percent.
Repeat once daily--more often may excessively irritate your skin--until your acne scars have faded. It may take several weeks for your acne scars to become less noticeable.
Tips
Beta hydroxy acid is better for acne-prone skin than alpha hydroxy acid. The latter is water soluble. It cannot effectively penetrate the oil that's common on acne-ridden skin while beta hydroxy acid can.
Warning
Avoid using exfoliating scrubs or skincare products made with physical granules, as these can damage your skin.
