How to Remove Pimple Marks: 3 Simple Methods You Can Start Today

Pimple marks are the souvenirs your acne leaves when they’ve stopped living rent-free on your skin. Having them is an ordeal, and they can be difficult to erase. Usually, the more severe the pimple, the more prominent the mark. Here’s a quick guide on how to remove pimple marks, focusing on simple methods you can start doing — as well as things you should be avoiding — for scar-free skin.

According to research published in the Dermato-Endocrinology Journal, inflammation is the single most significant gauge of scar development. The greater the inflammation, the greater the likelihood of scarring. Scars form because of inflammation and trauma — some of it comes with the zit, but some may be unwittingly self-inflicted.

If you want to know how to remove pimple marks, then understand that you must try to prevent scarring. While nothing can guarantee that a pimple won’t scar, you can help your skin out by not picking at your pimples. After your daily skincare regimen, it’s best if you avoid touching them at all. For deep cystic acne, visit your dermatologist.

Acne scars, pimple marks, post-inflammatory pigmentation, whatever you wish to call them, can be exacerbated by sun exposure. This is because exposure to UV rays causes the skin to produce more melanin and darken it. Scars are more prone to sunburn because scar tissue is susceptible. Don’t make the mistake of tanning to make your scars “blend” with the rest of your skin. Sadly, it doesn’t work that way. Instead, apply extensive amounts of sunscreen to protect your skin and allow your scars to heal properly. 

Salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid: think of them as the acne-busting holy trinity. Each ingredient delivers its own set of benefits, and the best part is you can use them together on your skin to create the perfect environment for preventing acne scars. Here’s a guide on how to get rid of pimple marks using these ingredients.

Salicylic acid is a well-known ingredient used in products specifically made for acne-prone skin. It’s a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates the skin’s surface to dissolve anything that may clog the pores and slows down sebum production to prevent further clogging. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe skin, minimize redness, and lessen the severity of scarring. For daily cleansing, use POND’S Bright Miracle Ultimate Acne Control Facial Wash, which contains salicylic acid and fights 99.9% of pimple-causing bacteria, eliminating acne at the root.

Apart from regulating sebum and minimizing the appearance of pores, niacinamide is effective at fading pimple marks. It does this by reducing the transfer of melanin from pigment cells to skin cells. You can use it in tandem with hyaluronic acid, which repairs the skin barrier or the epidermis, responsible for retaining moisture and defending the skin against external aggressors such as harsh ingredients, UV exposure, and pollution.

Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a humectant that binds water to the skin, helping it stay hydrated and better equipped to heal itself. As separate products, apply hyaluronic acid before niacinamide.

Most of all, be gentle on your skin and allow it to heal. Follow this guide on how to remove pimple marks and see your skin become smoother, brighter, and more even-toned.