We could write hundreds of stories about fading acne scars and still manage to miss solutions that actually work. So this time, we decided to pass the mic to you, Preview girls, to reveal your top picks for erasing those pesky marks. And as expected, the lot of you didn't disappoint! We received a wide range of answers, from cult-faves to product recos we never thought would work until you told us about them. Without further ado, here are the acne scar remedies worth trying, according to all of you!
Vitamin C Serums
Vitamin C is probably one of the best brightening ingredients out there, and a lot of you seem to agree! Aside from counteracting sun damage, the antioxidant "contributes in the synthesis of collagen" and has "depigmenting and anti-inflammatory effects," according to Belo Medical Group's Dr. Anjelica Guzman.
So if you have trouble with dark spots, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation from acne, incorporating Vitamin C in your skincare is a solid choice! In fact, one of you even shared a smart tip for speeding up the fading process: using a Vitamin C serum after getting a laser treatment from your derm (read more about anti-scar procedures here). Don't forget to amp up your sun protection while you're at it!
Here are a few serums recommended by your fellow Preview girls:
COSRX Triple C Lightning Liquid, $27, Sokoglam
KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop, P1200, Watsons
KIEHL'S Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, P2995, Greenbelt 5
Face Oils
1. Tea Tree Oil
Apparently, you girls aren't only using tea tree oil as a pimple treatment but also on the marks they leave behind. While there has yet to be conclusive research proving it effective for treating scars, we agree that it's worth a try! After all, this oil is anti-inflammatory and heals active pimples to lower the chances of scarring!
THE BODY SHOP Tea Tree Oil, P495, Shangri-la Plaza
2. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil, or helianthus annuus in most ingredients lists, was another popular answer and we see why. This cold-pressed oil moisturizes the skin, retains moisture, and protects our skin barrier. It's also a natural source of omega-6 (linoleic acid), which keeps our skin cells healthy, and it's rich in antioxidants that help prevent skin damage from free-radicals. Overall, it's a chemical-free alternative to preventing scars from worsening, but bear in mind that results will most likely be gradual than instant.
HUMAN NATURE Sunflower Beauty Oil, P299.75, SM North Edsa
3. Bio-Oil
Much has already been said about the scar-treating prowess of the Bio-Oil, so it was no surprise that it was recommended a few times in our Instagram Q&A. It contains several ingredients known to lighten pigmentation, such as lactic acid (an AHA) and niacinamide, and oils and occlusives that'll moisturize the scarred area and make it less prone to irritation. The best part about it, though, is you can use it on your face and body!
BIO-OIL Skincare Oil, P495, Lazada
Exfoliating Acids
1. Alpha Lipoic Acid
Only one person recommended this acid for acne scars, but there's enough reason to include it here. Like Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid is a potent, water- and fat-soluble antioxidant with tons of skin benefits—scar reduction included. It's said to help aid cell metabolism and regenerate other antioxidants, both of which are key to smoother, more resilient, and even-toned skin.
THE ORDINARY Alpha Lipoic Acid 5%, P660, Beautymnl
2. Lactic Acid
Calling all the sensitive-skinned: Lactic acid is the mild AHA you need in your life. As it chemically sloughs off the rough, scarred top layer of your skin, it's gentler than other acids (i.e. glycolic acid) when used in optimal concentrations (10% or less) and only a few times a week. Basically, it works the same way as other AHAs in resurfacing your skin, but with an extra kick of hydration.
FIRST AID BEAUTY Facial Radiance Intensive Peel, P3236, Sephora.ph
3. Glycolic Acid
We can't do an exfoliating acids list without the most popular alpha-hydroxy acid out there. Having the smallest molecule of all acids, glycolic acid penetrates easily into the skin, so it does an AHA's job (exfoliate the top layer of the skin) quickly and effectively. Using it once or twice a week will definitely improve your skin texture and tone overtime. A heads-up, though: It might sting a bit.
PIXI Glow Tonic, P990, Glamourbox; CAUDALIE Vinoperfect Essence, P1772, Sephora.ph
Missed our mini Q&A? Sound off about your favorite scar-fading products by leaving a comment below!
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