What are acne scars and how many different kinds are there? There are usually three different kinds of acne scars that people refer to:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs when the skin overproduces melanin on it’s surface that is triggered by the skin’s natural response to inflammation.
- Post-inflammatory erythema are the red and purple coloured marks that are left behind after the active acne lesion is gone. These are usually a result of inflamed acne that has been aggravated (ie. picked or popped) resulting in the damage of capillaries on the surface of skin.
- Atrophic acne scars are the indentations that are created on the surface of the skin due to the skins inability to effectively regenerate tissue after healing from an acne lesion.
- Facial oils can be helpful in treating the first two types of acne scarring – both post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory erythema. These oils work on the surface of skin by promoting the regeneration of cells and protecting the skins natural moisture barrier. Many oils contain lots of antioxidant to protect the skin from the sun (another factor which makes acne scarring worse) and free radical damage.
1. Rosehip Seed Oil
Not only is rosehip seed oil beneficial for reducing the appearance of scars, but it can also be used to treat active acne lesions and clogged pores. This oil is rich in linoleic acid and vitamin A, both of which have been shown to regulate sebum production and reduce clogged pores. Linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated omega 6 fatty acid, is also very beneficial in reducing the appearance of discolouration and redness. Rosehip seed oil is a potent source of Vitamin C which can help with irregular pigmentation of the skin and promote regeneration of the skin.
This oil can be directly applied to the face without any dilution. In addition to fighting dark spots and active acne lesions, rosehip seed oil works to protect the skins moisture barrier and has anti-aging benefits.
This oil is good for all skin types and best for skin with active acne and aging skin.
2. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a favourite for those with oily skin. Not only is it safe for sensitive skin and non-comedogenic, but it also reduces sebum production and controls oil over time. It’s ability to treat acne scarring comes from research that has shown jojoba oil to stimulate wound healing by encouraging skin cells to bind together after being damaged or separated. This oil can be used on active acne lesions as it is both anti-inflammatory and contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Jojoba oil is very soothing and great to use on even the most sensitive skin types.
This oil is good for all skin types and best for oily skin and sensitive skin.
3. Argan Oil
Argan oil can be very useful in reducing darks spots, acne scars, and other forms of hyperpigmentation such as melasma over time. Research has found that argan oil may reduce melanin production by inhibiting the conversion of enzymes required to produce it. Argan oil is naturally rich in tocopherols and vitamin E. Just like its roll in reducing stretch marks, vitamin E is imperative in treating acne scars and works by regenerating damaged cells and promoting new cell growth.
This oil is good for all skin types and best for dry skin and skin with active acne.