You feel like a champion. You’re about to finally defeat the annoying pimple you’ve been complaining about to your bestie all week.
But when you wake up the next day, ready to see flawless skin, you realise that in that spot’s spot is a red, pigmented scar. Great.
This might feel like the end of the world, but we have great news: there are ways to fade acne scars. The key is to find the treatment that works for your skin type—and to practice a little bit of patience.
How long does it take to fade acne scars?
The length of time it takes an acne scar product to work depends on a myriad of factors, including the severity of your breakout, your body’s normal healing time, and your skincare routine and habits.
In general, you should expect to see an improvement in your breakout in 24 to 48 hours. Your breakout should be starting to heal within 3 to 4 days and completely gone within a week.
When it comes to scarring, the brown or red patches (discolouration) left behind by pimples can fade away with time. Left to nature, fading would take around 3 to 6 months.
But by consistently using targeted products, you can speed up the healing process. For deeper scars like ice-pick scars or boxcar scars, it’s recommended to see a professional for a strong treatment.