Best Acne Scar Removal Products for Sensitive Skin
I am a beauty enthusiast with a slight obsession with face masks. Beauty for me is a form of self-care, to remind us to take the time to look after ourselves throughout our busy day. Most days I keep my makeup minimal, try to tame my mane of curls and throw in a cheeky bold lip at night. I am a self-confessed SPF pusher (sorry friends!) and my go-to is always Ultra Violette.
Ok, hands up: who’s picked at a pimple when you know you shouldn't?! 🙋♀️
We've all done it. And we've all immediately regretted it.
If you want to know how to get rid of acne scars for sensitive skin, first things first - you really gotta stop picking at your skin.
As tempting as it can be, picking at pimples is one of the more damaging things you can do to your skin.
Instead of getting all the gunk out, you can actually push that bacteria deeper into your skin and cause it to be redder, inflamed, and infected. Squeezing pimples also causes small tears in the skin which then leads to scarring.
So while popping a pimple may seem like you're getting rid of that little whitehead quickly, what you're often stuck with is a red or brown mark that lingers long after the pimple has been popped.
Luckily, there are so many great scar treatments available now. But if you have the ‘bonus’ of sensitive skin, it’s important to choose the right ingredients and know which ingredients to avoid for sensitive acne prone skin.
What does it mean to have sensitive skin?
You may find your skin easily irritated, or reactive to certain products or environmental factors. Symptoms can include redness, itching, and even breaking out (in acne, rashes, or both). If you’re still unsure, check out our guide to identifying and pampering sensitive skin.
For this type of complexion, it’s best to pass on artificial fragrances, alcohol, and harsh scrubs that could irritate your skin and further darken your scars. Instead, go with specifically tailored gentle products that include ingredients like Vitamin C or plant oils.
What's the best acne scar removal products for sensitive skin?
Here, we’ve done the hard work for you and found the best acne scar removal products for sensitive skin.
A pH-balancing and alcohol-free toner for your sensitive complexion, Medik8 Daily Refresh Balancing Toner comforts skin while removing excess oil and impurities. Formulated with Prebiotics, this toner helps boost the skin’s defence mechanisms and maintains healthy skin to combat acne scarring. Niacinamide and Aloe Vera gently soothe inflamed or irritated complexions to take down redness and promote the skin's natural healing process. Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing in the morning and evening. Gently wipe across face, neck, and décolletage. Suitable for all ages, this toner is vegan and cruelty-free.
Best mask for sensitive acne skin
The gentlest way to purify sensitive skin that’s prone to blemishes and congestion? Pai Copaiba Deep Cleanse AHA Mask. This conventional facial mask uses ultra-mild Fruit Acids to dissolve the ‘glue’ between dead skin cells and reveal a more even, more radiant complexion. Copaiba, a potent Amazonian active, gets to work on acne scars by reducing redness and hyperpigmentation. In just 10 minutes, Copaiba Deep Cleanse AHA Mask helps clarify and brighten skin tone, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple. Ideal for sensitive skin types prone to breakouts and congestion. Use once or twice a week, or as an occasional skin pick-me-up.
Cruelty-free and vegan serum for sensitive acne prone skin
Biologi Bd Luminosity Face Serum is a radiance serum extracted from the Davidson Plum, native to Australia and sustainably sourced from the Byron Bay hinterland. This two-ingredient serum is perfect for sensitive skin and soothes the redness associated with breakouts and scarring. One of the plum’s many phytoactive compounds, Gallic Acid helps reduce inflammation. Tartaric Acid improves the appearance of pores, redness, and sunspots. Apply every second day for the first week, increasing to daily and as required in week two.
- If you have particularly sensitive skin, we suggest trying Biologi Bf Hydration Body Serum 50ml first (yes, it’s fine for your face!).
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is a natural saviour for the skin. Rose Hip Seed Oil is rich in omega fatty acids and pro-vitamin A to help regenerate skin cells and minimise scarring, pigmentation, and fine lines. Use this Rose Hip Oil after any water-based serums. A few drops can be applied once daily or whenever the skin needs an instant boost of hydration. As this is a heavy oil formulation, those with very oily skin should try an alternative to avoid further congestion.
Aspect Jungle Brew is a high-performance anti-acne serum that encourages a healthy skin cycle without disrupting the skin’s natural balance. The blend of potent ingredients includes a unique Vitamin C complex and Amazonian extracts. This formula detoxifies, mattifies, and soothes sensitive skin, ensuring a clearer and brighter complexion without causing any irritation. Suitable for all ages to use morning and night.
A multifunctional antioxidant moisturiser, Medik8 C-Tetra Cream uses 100% stable Vitamin C and Vitamin E to shield skin from harmful environmental aggressors (e.g., pollution and UV exposure). This silky, nourishing moisturiser is also made with Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerine to leave skin supple and hydrated. With regular use, you’ll see an improvement in skin tone, to wit, fading of acne scars and pigmentation. This acne scar cream for sensitive skin is free from parabens, alcohols, and artificial fragrances.
Gentler than other alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) serums, The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA resurfaces the skin to fade acne scars and pigmentation for a smoother complexion. Apply once per day, ideally at night. Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops a tolerance. As Mandelic Acid is an AHA, this formulation can increase skin sensitivity. So, remember to always apply an SPF daily.
Dual acne scar treatment for sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Acne Moisturiser is ideal for sensitive skin. This unique blemish-fighting product uses nourishing soothers to clear up skin, calm inflammation, prevent breakouts, and fight scarring and hyperpigmentation all at once. The moisturiser’s gentle acne-fighting ingredients replace the harsh treatments found in mainstream skincare for acne for a unique product focused on overall skin health. The formulation includes Niacinamide and La Roche-Posay’s signature Thermal Spring Water. These powerful ingredients help reduce redness while providing antioxidant benefits to the skin, helping to fight acne scarring and further darkening of pigmentation. Use Effaclar Duo morning and night. Remember to follow with SPF during the day.
If you're not already wearing sunscreen everyday it's definitely time to jump on that train (FYI it's cool to be sun smart now). And if you're trying to reduce and prevent the appearance of darkened acne scars, then sunscreen will absolutely help. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is an ultra-lightweight formula that has been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, so it won't irritate your skin or sting the eyes. It can be worn alone as the last step in your skincare routine or underneath makeup. Be sure to reapply throughout the day (at least everyday 2 hours).
SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Frequent re-application or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection. Always read the label. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided.
Check out the video below as Amy explains how to reapply sunscreen throughout the day...
Want to know more about how to heal acne scars? Check out these helpful guides...
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