The Best Cream for Acne Scars 18 Jan 2021, 1:49 pm

Acne may be a common skin condition, affecting most people at some point in their lives, but if you suffer from acne you’ll want a solution that works.

Medical treatment might be needed for the most severe acne cases, but usually acne can be managed at home using topical medications.

There are lots of different acne creams, so how do you know which one to choose?

Before you find the best cream for acne scars, it’s important to understand what causes acne and what problem you’re trying to solve.

What are acne scars? What causes them?

Most people think of acne as a teenage problem. That’s because acne usually starts during puberty.

Most people find that their acne clears up without leaving any lasting damage. Usually, people with teenage acne have clear skin by their mid-20s.

Sometimes, acne sticks around for longer. Some people have acne beyond their mid-20s. Some people are left with scars.

Before you can effectively manage your acne, you’ll need to know what’s causing it. Acne’s caused by a hormonal imbalance, leading the skin to produce too much oil which feeds your skin’s natural bacteria. As your skin produces excess oil, your pores end up being blocked. Any blocked pore can become inflamed, turning red or getting infected.

Anyone can be affected by acne, but it’s more common during hormone changes that happen through the menstrual cycle. Acne’s not always constant. Some people suffer flare-ups, but find that there are times when their acne settles down and fades away. Others have constant acne for years, facing anything from mild spots to lumps on the skin and pus-filled cysts.

Many people reach for creams to help manage their acne, but you need to find the right products. Many creams aren’t designed for acne spots, so they could simply clog your pores more. If you want to help your skin to recover, use specialist acne creams and tried-and-tested solutions.

Sunscreens

Acne scarring is a serious risk if you suffer from larger acne spots. Protecting your skin is essential. The sun can damage your skin and your acne spots might not react well with itchy sunburn, so if you live somewhere that’s warm and sunny it’s vital that you keep wearing sunscreen.

Many sunscreens are designed to be quite thick, so they’ll clog your acne-prone pores. Specialist sunscreens have been designed to continue to let your skin breathe.

Why do they work for acne scars?

Sunscreens work for acne scars because they offer UV protection. They’re shielding your skin from further damage, with the sun’s UV rays being a cause of burns, discoloration and, in severe cases, cancer.

Even when you suffer from acne, protection from the sun is important. Sadly, many sunscreens aren’t designed with existing acne problems in mind. You shouldn’t feel like you need to skip the sunscreen if you want to avoid an acne flare-up.

Sunscreens designed with acne sufferers in mind are lighter and more gentle on skin. They don’t contain as many chemicals, or heavy pore-blocking ingredients.

What are some good sunscreens?

EltaMD Clear Facial Sunscreen

Specifically designed for your face, EltaMD Clear Facial Sunscreen will protect from UVA and UVB. It uses ingredients that won’t cause acne flare-ups, so it feels lightweight and easy to wear without making your skin feel greasy.

EltaMD isn’t water resistant, so it’s not good if you’re swimming. Instead, it works best as a daily sunscreen to be applied every two hours. It’s free from any fragrance and comes without ingredients that might hurt and irritate your skin, using zinc oxide – a natural mineral – instead of more abrasive chemicals.

Cicatricure Scar Cream and Sunscreen

Cicatricure doesn’t just protect your skin from new damage – it also contains three active ingredients designed to reduce existing scarring. This sunscreen provides UV protection along with effective moisturization to make your skin look smoother and more even.

Cicatricure Scar Cream and Sunscreen should be applied three times a day. After 8 weeks of use, you should see a difference in the condition of your skin. Scars may be less obvious.

Though this cream should be applied three times a day to reduce the appearance of scarring, it should also be applied every two hours when you want the best protection from the sun. Be prepared to apply more frequently if sunburn prevention is your goal.

Cicablock Scar Sun Protection

Cicablock contains Vitamin E that’s used to reduce existing scarring. It also offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. It’s water resistant, so you can use it safely if you’re relaxing near the pool.

Ideally you shouldn’t apply any makeup whilst you’re suffering from acne, but if you choose to ignore this recommendation then it might help to know that Cicablock Sun Protection can be applied underneath your makeup. This is a vegan product, and though the tube is very small you need only a thin layer for protection.

Cicablock’s only SPF 15, so it offers less protection from the sun than some other acne-friendly sunscreens, but it can be used to actively improve the condition of new and old scars.

Specialist Acne Scar Treatment Creams

Specialist treatment creams have just one job. They’re designed specifically to help with acne scarring, soothing the skin and giving it a chance to heal properly. Specialist acne creams aren’t a magic cure, so they’re very unlikely to completely remove scar tissue that’s already developed. They can reduce old scar tissue, however, and be used to stop new scars from developing.

Why do they work for acne scars?

It’s important not to expect too much from any acne scar treatment creams. Once your skin has been scarred, there’s likely to always be some lasting sign of the damage. Fortunately, specialist acne scar creams can make your scarring less obvious.

Specialist creams soak into the skin, hydrating the skin cells so they look fuller and fresher. Against properly hydrated and healthy skin cells, scarring becomes a lot less obvious.

Acne scar treatment creams are often intense moisturizers. They get to work making skin less dry, so it’s in better condition and more able to heal if your acne continues to affect you.

What are some good acne scar treatment creams?

Aichun Beauty Gel Cream

Designed to help with all types of scars, but with gentle ingredients that won’t cause further acne flare-ups, Aichun Beauty Gel Cream feels surprisingly light against skin. Like many acne scar creams, it works by helping to hydrate and refresh your skin cells.

This effective moisturizing cream sinks into lower layers of your skin. Applied regularly, it can reduce the appearance of existing acne scars. Using a good scar cream, like this product, can also leave your skin more flexible so it can recover from any newer damage.

Evologie Blemish Serum

Evologie Blemish Serum works in two different ways. First, it hydrates and moisturizes skin so that existing scars look less obvious. Next, it cleanses skin to reduce bacteria and lower the risk of infection.

 Though acne isn’t caused by dirty skin, the excess oil that your body’s producing can help bacteria to thrive. Sadly, cleaning your skin with soap and water might make things even worse! Soap products often contain irritating fragrance, but Evologie’s serum is a mild product that cleans without those excess ingredients.

You can use Evologie Blemish Serum directly on existing individual acne spots, or all over your skin for wider coverage and the prevention of new acne.

Keeva Organics Tea Tree Oil Acne Treatment Cream

Made using tea tree oil, Keeva Organics Acne Treatment Cream is designed to hydrate and refresh. It uses several natural oils to add moisture to your skin, along with Vitamin E to help reduce signs of acne scarring.

Tea tree oil has antifungal properties, and helps to destroy the bacteria that thrive when your body’s hormones aren’t balanced. As a cream, this should be applied widely across problem areas.

Acne Scar Prevention

Acne scar prevention products aren’t designed for your existing scars. Instead, they’ve been made to equip your skin with the tools it needs to stop further scarring. These products often are intensely hydrating, making sure that your skin is fresh and in the best possible condition. That way, it’s better able to heal if your acne leaves any wounds.

Why is prevention better than a cure?

Scars develop when your skin hasn’t healed as it should. Your skin contains collagen that, in the right quantity, helps it to flex and move properly. Sometimes, during the healing process, too much collagen is used. Think of it like your body rushing to fix things, occasionally making mistakes.

Once your new skin cells have been made with too much collagen, there’s nothing that can take it away. Over time, any scars you have will naturally fade and look less visible. Of course, it’s better to reduce the risk of developing those scars in the first place.

Your skin’s more likely to do a good job of healing if it’s healthy and properly hydrated. You can help your body with the healing process by drinking plenty of fresh water, as well as making sure that you get the right nutrients through the food that you’re eating. You can also support healthy and flexible skin with acne scar prevention products.

Once a scar exists, you can use certain products to soothe your skin and make your scar less visible. If you want to reduce your risk of scarring, preventative measures are sensible.

Why do acne scar prevention products work?

Acne scar prevention creams will hydrate and moisturize your skin. They’re keeping it in better condition, so it’s ready to react to any damage that’s caused by the acne on the surface.

Acne scarring might be caused when a cyst or spot is knocked, scratched or damaged when fresh. It can leave a small pit on the surface of your skin, and it’s this pit that your body tries to fill. If your body’s rushing and your skin’s not at its best, you’re likely to be left with excess collagen leading to a visible scar. Acne scars typically start very red. The skin is less flexible than it should be, and your scars can feel quite sore and itchy. Over time, these scars might fade to white and they’ll be a lot harder to see.

Acne scar prevention products give your skin a fighting chance. They can’t guarantee that you’ll be free from acne scars, but can help to keep your skin fresh.

Many acne scar prevention products also work as mild cleansers, being fragrance-free and free from any harsh chemicals. They’ll destroy bacteria that thrives on oily skin, so it’s less likely to find its way into wounds and your skin’s pores. That way, there’s a lower chance of infection and a reduced risk of inflammation.

What are some good acne prevention products?

Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser

Easy to use and gentle on skin, Clean & Clear Foaming Cleanser will help to wash away the oil that bacteria will thrive on. Many soaps and cleansing products use harsher chemicals that can start to dry out your skin, but Clean & Clear will moisturize as it cleanses so your skin’s left vibrant and refreshed.

Acne is caused by an over-production of oil, from a hormone imbalance. Removing excess oil is vital if you want to stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

As a daily face wash, Clean & Clear should be used in the morning and evening. Simply apply the product to your skin, gently massaging and being careful not to knock any acne spots. Afterwards, you can rinse with cold water so the product isn’t left on your skin.

Neutrogena Acne-Fighting Facial Cleanser

A lightweight face wash that moisturizes and refreshes, Neutrogena Acne-Fighting Facial Cleanser makes use of salicycic acid. This product works by removing dead skin cells, meaning that pores are less likely to get blocked and can more easily heal.

As with other preventative products, it’s best to use this product daily. Morning and night, wash your face by applying Neutrogena Facial Cleanser and then rinsing it away. When applying the cleanser, make sure your skin is wet and be careful to avoid the risk of knocking or damaging your acne spots.

Proactiv Acne Cleanser

An intensive cleanser for acne-prone skin, Proactiv Acne Cleanser has great moisturizing properties to help keep your skin fresh and supple. This product contains hyaluronic acid, which has been shown to speed up healing and reduce skin lines and wrinkles. When your skin is being damaged by acne spots, it’s this active ingredient that may help it recover without any long-lasting scars.

Cleansing ingredients in this Proactiv product will get right into your pores. They’ll help to wash away and problem bacteria, complete with little exfoliating beads that make sure your skin’s completely clean and is free from dead skin cells.

Blue Light Therapy for Acne 5 Jan 2021, 11:32 am

If you suffer from acne, you’ve probably searched for answers. You’ve likely tried to find the best way to reduce your acne spots. There are many products on the market, and many potential acne cures, but the wrong product could make things worse and acne spots can be very sensitive.

Mild acne is inconvenient and can make you feel self-conscious. More severe acne could lead to permanent scarring. Though 95% of people experience acne, it’s no surprise that you’ll want a solution to the problem if you’re currently facing it.

So, is blue light therapy the answer to your acne woes? Find out more with our review of blue light therapy for acne:

What is blue light therapy for acne?

As the name suggests, blue light therapy uses blue light to treat your skin condition. The blue light wavelength has been found to have antimicrobial properties. Blue light therapy, or phototherapy, harnesses those properties to kill the bacteria on skin.

Acne occurs when your skin becomes more oily due to a hormonal imbalance. The bacteria that cause an acne flare-up then thrive in this oily environment. The bacteria get into oily skin pores where they lead to inflammation. By destroying this bacteria, you could reduce the number of spots or lumps.

Does blue light therapy work?

Blue light, in the spectrum of 400–470 nanometers, does have antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that blue light therapy can be effective as an acne treatment.

One study found that of 30 acne patients treated twice a week under a metal halide lamp, 77% saw an improvement in their skin condition after five weeks. 40% noted that their acne spots were significantly reduced.

In another study, this time involving 10 patients, blue light therapy made a difference to 80% of those involved.

For most people, though not in all cases, blue light therapy can really work as an effective and safe treatment for acne.

Why choose blue light therapy for acne?

Blue light therapy has proven results, replicated in many studies and through anecdotal experiences. It’s also a safe alternative to using traditional antibiotics.

There is a lot of concern that bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics, and that the treatments we’ve relied on in the past will no longer be effective. It’s thought that if we continue to rely on antibiotics, we’ll eventually struggle to find drugs that help against bacterial infections. Blue light therapy, being relatively new, isn’t something bacteria have built up a resistance against.

Blue light therapy relies only on the wavelength of light. There’s no need to apply any creams to your skin, and between blue light treatments you can forget about managing your acne in other ways. You don’t need to worry, between blue light sessions, about other forms of acne treatment. In fact, blue light treatment typically works best when you stay away from other products.

How much does blue light therapy for acne cost?

Studies have shown that it typically takes about 12 sessions of blue light therapy treatment to get the required results. If you visit a clinic, you can expect to pay about £100 to £150 per treatment. This brings the total cost of your blue light therapy to about £1,200 to £1,800.

Before you start treatment, you’re likely to have a consultation with a medical professional. They will check that you’re a suitable candidate and help decide the best course of action.

There are, if you prefer, alternatives to visiting a clinic. As blue light therapy has become better recognised, an ever-increasing number of home kits have become available to buy. Now, you can choose to have blue light therapy in your own home when you want.

Blue light therapy devices for the home range from small pens that target very specific areas, right up to full masks that treat your entire face at once. You can get quality branded products for as little as £30, whilst larger devices can cost up to £400. Most devices are handheld wands, similar in size to a computer mouse, that you’ll move around your skin until all patches of acne have been covered.

Is blue light therapy at home really safe?

As blue light therapy uses only light wavelengths, it’s very safe to have this treatment at home with absolutely no risk of scarring. Your skin doesn’t need a break between treatments, so whilst most people choose to treat their skin once a week you could choose to treat yours more often.

Some home treatments come with notable risks, but blue light therapy isn’t one of them. Where sometimes there are risks to buying poor quality devices, the worst that can happen with a blue light device is slight skin peeling or a mild irritation. The light itself can’t cause long-term skin damage, so it’s safe to use these products at home.

Some people prefer to visit a clinic and go through a consultation first. This can help to determine their treatment plan, and stay in control of any side effects. Your decision will likely depend on your circumstances, and how much you’re willing to pay. Blue light therapy treatment at home is a far more cost-effective way of doing things.

How long does blue light therapy treatment take?

One session should take about 15-30 minutes. For an effective session, your skin should be clear of creams, lotions and makeups.

Your treatment will be most effective if your skin is in its best condition. Try to avoid direct sunlight exposure in preparation for treatment.

After treatment, it’s also wise to keep away from cosmetic products. The best chance of success comes from allowing your skin to breathe and heal on its own.

It can be difficult to skip the makeup and have your acne on show, but remember that if you stick to your treatment you could soon be walking around with completely clear skin.

How can you tell if treatment worked?

Initially, there are very few signs that your treatment will have been successful. You might notice that your skin looks slightly redder than usual, a little like you’re blushing, and there might be a slight tingle. Some people don’t notice these small signs at all.

Over time, and after a few treatments, you should see your acne reducing. It’s usually best not to analyse the results of individual treatments, but to watch the progression over time and see how your skin is recovering.

Does blue light therapy get rid of spots?

Blue light therapy isn’t effective with everyday blackheads and whiteheads. This is because these aren’t caused by a build-up of inflammatory bacteria. It’s specifically bacteria that blue light destroys.

For everyday spots, a good hygiene routine and an exfoliant can help. If you buy a blue light therapy device for this purpose, you’re likely to be disappointed.

What should you do if there are side effects?

Many products that you use on your skin can lead to occasional side effects. As with anything else, if you experience those side effects it’s best to stop treatment straight away.

It’s perfectly normal to experience some redness and slight skin sensitivity. Most people find that their skin is a bit tingly after they finish their treatment. This should soon settle down.

Less common side effects can include skin peeling and mild irritation. Used safely no device should do lasting damage, though you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid the risk of burning your skin.

After treatment, it is best to avoid direct exposure to the sun. This can lead to darker pigmentation as the skin soaks up more of the sun’s rays.

Give your skin time to heal if you notice any side effects developing. If you later try again and the same thing happens, blue light therapy might not be right for you.

Does blue light therapy permanently get rid of acne?

Bacteria can return to the skin after you finish blue light therapy.

Most people find that their first course of treatment needs to be more intensive. They’ll have blue light treatment once or twice a week, usually for six weeks in total. This is about how long it takes for existing acne to clear up.

Over time, you might notice the signs of acne returning. At this point, it’s wise to top up with another follow-up treatment. Most people only need a top-up treatment approximately every three months, so once you’re in control of your existing acne you don’t need to keep up your weekly sessions.

Is blue light therapy at home just as effective as visiting a clinic?

Blue light therapy at home really works – there’s no doubt about those results. However, it may not be as effective as using the professional equipment. You may need a few more treatments to get the results you desire.

Perhaps the best thing about blue light treatment at home is that the equipment is a one-off investment. Once you own your blue light therapy device, you can use it as often as you need to. Even if the treatment isn’t as effective, you can keep trying until your skin is clear. Visiting a clinic may get results quicker, but it’s a new expense every time.

If you have the money spare and want quick results, a visit to a clinic may be the best way to them. If your budget is limited, or you simply want to go through your acne treatment at home, you can buy your own blue light therapy device.

Some people choose to start with clinic treatment, then use their own device for future top-ups. This ensures the fast and professionally-managed results at the start, without the need to return.

Is blue light therapy right for you?

A majority of people that try blue light therapy will find that it improves their skin condition. As an acne treatment, blue light therapy can be very effective. That said, there are small numbers of people that don’t respond to blue light wavelengths at all. A lot will depend on your specific skin type and the bacteria and oils on your skin.

You might find that blue light therapy doesn’t work properly for you, though the likelihood is that you’ll see some improvement in the spread and intensity of acne. In studies, around 80% see notable improvements in six weeks.

Blue light therapy isn’t an instant fix. You’re unlikely to see any notable results after just one or two treatments, so you will need to stick with it and see the treatment through.

With blue light therapy being safe, there’s no risk if you give it a try. The only thing to consider is the initial financial investment. If you’re unsure if blue light therapy will work, why not start with a small home device that costing about £30? This is a great way to dip your toe in the water, without spending too much money.

Realistically, will your skin be totally clear?

80% of people see an improvement when they’ve been through blue light therapy. This improvement can vary from a mild difference to skin that has completely cleared up. The more sessions you have, the more likely it is that your acne will fade away to nothing.

It’s important to remember that blue light therapy only treats acne specifically. It won’t get rid of standard blackheads and whiteheads that most people have. This means that even once your acne has cleared, you may still have some spots on your skin.

For some people, acne is never more than a minor inconvenience. It’s a common teenage problem that they can trust to clear up on its own, given time. For other people, acne is a much bigger issue and something that needs to be treated. Instead of turning to antibiotics or using creams on your skin, you could get the results that you really want with a blue light therapy device.

What is acne? 24 Jun 2020, 6:08 pm

If you suffer from acne, you’re not alone. Acne is a common skin condition, affecting several parts of the body. Most people are affected through their teenage years, as changing hormones cause imbalances, though acne can happen at any age with some people more affected than others.

Mild acne isn’t anything more than a small and temporary inconvenience. More severe acne can lead to complications and might need professional treatment.

What is acne and why does it happen? Read on to find out more.

What is acne?

Simply, acne is a skin condition that’s caused by a hormonal imbalance. The skin starts producing too much oil, blocking the pores and leading to inflammation.

Your skin has bacteria living on it, with the scientific name Cutibacterium acnes. This bacteria was formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes. When your skin gets too oily and greasy, this bacteria (usually harmless) also contributes to the problem. It can infect the blocked pores, leading to further complications.

Most people, especially in their teenage years, experience some level of acne. It can make for an uncomfortable few years hiding spots on the face. For a majority of sufferers, acne doesn’t become a more severe issue. Once your hormones settle down, your skin will return to being smooth.

Are some people more likely than others to get acne?

Women are more likely to be impacted by acne than men. This is because of hormonal changes that happen through the menstrual cycle. Women are more likely to go through monthly flare-ups, even far beyond their teenage years.

Acne also runs in families. If one or more of your parents suffered with bad acne, you’re also likely to have it. Your genetics play a part in your hormonal balance and the condition of your skin.

How many people are affected by acne?

Roughly 95% of people are affected by acne at some point. It’s a very common skin condition that most people simply outgrow.

Acne typically starts around 15 years old, and can continue until your mid-20s. It often calms down then flares up again, rather than being consistent.

A very small number of people are affected by acne into adulthood. Most people are free from acne by their early 30s at the latest.

Where will acne occur?

Most people suffer from acne on their face, especially around the mouth and forehead. Roughly 50% of people with acne will also get some spots on their back. A smaller number, around 15%, will have acne spots on their chest.

What does acne look like?

Acne can come in many forms, and will usually include a combination of several different types of spots and rashes. You might have blackheads or whiteheads, which are common small spots that affect a majority of people.

More severe acne might lead to papules, which are raised red bumps on the skin. You might also have pustules, which are similar to papules but filled with a white liquid pus. Both of these will feel tender and sore.

Nodules are much larger lumps under the skin. These affect a smaller number of acne sufferers. If you have nodules, you’re likely to experience some pain with your acne.

Finally, there are cysts. These large pus-filled lumps affect a minority of people, though they can lead to permanent scarring and craters in the surface of your skin.

How is acne diagnosed?

Acne doesn’t require any specialist diagnostic techniques. Your GP will diagnose just by looking at your skin. The signs of acne are easy to see, so you don’t need to get a formal diagnosis unless you need creams or other treatments.

If your acne isn’t severe, you can simply speak to a pharmacist about any useful acne treatments. Further help is only needed for more severe skin conditions.

How should acne be treated?

In an effort to get rid of acne, many people use all sorts of lotions and creams. Many of these are counterintuitive, clogging the pores even more. If you’re going to treat acne, use specialist creams from a pharmacy. This is far better than using general creams that might have perfumes or be too moisturising.

If you’re affected by acne, avoid washing too often. Wash twice a day with a mild soap, but don’t clean your skin more often. Cleaning your skin encourages your pores to create even more oil, so you’ll want to avoid doing this too often and making your acne more severe.

If you can, avoid using makeup. It’s tempting to want to cover acne spots, but this will only make them last longer. Makeup clogs the pores, so minimise use and make sure you wash it off every night.

More severe acne must be treated by professionals, reducing the risk of lasting scars.

Don’t be tempted to squeeze or scratch your acne spots. This can lead to skin damage that may cause scarring or infection.

Women have one further trick up their sleeve. Hormonal balance can be affected by some types of birth control product. Some birth control will make acne worse, whilst others can improve the situation. If you’re a woman with severe acne, speak to your GP about changing contraception to get your acne under control. If you’re not already using contraception, you might be advised to start using the pill so that you can manage your acne.

Can medication affect acne?

If you’re using medication for other conditions, this could lead to acne outbreaks. Drugs used to treat depression and epilepsy are particularly likely to affect you. Steroids can also lead to acne flare-ups.

Some types of hormonal birth control can cause acne to be more severe. Other types can be used to treat it. If you’re using birth control, changing to a different type might affect your acne severity.

Is acne caused by any particular behaviour?

It’s a common misconception that acne is worse in people that have dirty skin. Poor hygiene and a lack of cleaning aren’t to blame for this skin condition. In fact, washing too often can make acne worse as it impacts the balance of the oils.

Acne isn’t affected by your diet, so you don’t need to change the way you eat. You can’t develop acne from eating greasy food, or by consuming lots of chocolate. Those aren’t good dietary habits, but they won’t specifically lead to acne problems!

Is acne ever a sign of something else?

Typically, acne is a stand-alone condition and nothing to worry about. Most people get acne through their late teenage years and just need to wait for it to fade.

If an acne flare-up suddenly happens and you’re an older adult, it’s certainly worth a trip to your GP to check that there’s no further concern. In adult women, sudden acne might be a sign of a hormonal imbalance caused by a condition like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

In a vast majority of cases, acne’s not a more severe problem. It simply needs the right type of treatment to avoid any risk of acne scars.

What are possible acne complications?

Most people with acne will feel a bit self-conscious until their spots fade and subside. Complications are rare, but made more likely if you don’t treat your skin with extra care.

Acne scars can be very deep, like craters all over your skin. They can happen if you scratch your acne spots, or if larger spots burst.

There are several different treatments for acne complications, though these are all considered cosmetic. This means that these treatments aren’t usually available with NHS funding. Acne scars don’t cause further problems, so you might choose to live with the scars or to pay for acne scar treatment.

Once your acne has cleared up, and only scars are left, you might use makeup to cover them. It’s fine to use makeup once the acne spots have gone, though makeup can make your acne much worse if you wear it whilst you still have signs of acne.