8 best remedies for post-acne

Acne is the most common reason for the formation of aesthetic defects of the facial skin: enlarged pores, scars and stagnant spots, pigmentation, clogged sebaceous glands. These aesthetic defects have received a common name – post-acne.¹.

Post-acne significantly affects the quality of life of people, giving them tangible discomfort. Therefore, it is very important to treat inflammations and comedones and their consequences in time.¹. For effective and gentle care of oily skin prone to acne and overdried as a result of treatment, there are lines of cosmetics and medicines that moisturize the skin and fight imperfections at the same time.

List of top 8 inexpensive and effective remedies for post-acne according to KP

Which post-acne remedy to choose depends on the manifestations of the problem. Inexpensive, time-tested drugs have a short course of treatment and a narrow spectrum of action. The best modern remedies for post-acne are developed in collaboration with dermatologists and are more expensive.

1. Ichthyol ointment 20%

As a non-hormonal anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of post-acne, pharmacy ichthyol 20% ointment is suitable. This is a very inexpensive remedy for post-acne. Within two weeks, the congestive spot changes its color from red to pink, becomes less noticeable. It is necessary to apply the ointment, applying pointwise to the elements of post-acne.

Противопоказания: the presence of open wounds at the site of application of the composition, individual intolerance to the components of the ointment.

Advantages and disadvantages

2. Retinoic ointment

Retinoic ointment helps to visibly reduce age spots already in 6-8 months of use. If there are no additional indications for the use of retinol, it is enough to apply the product only to the area of ​​age spots and scarring. The ointment is applied in a thin layer on previously cleansed skin 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 4-12 weeks.

Противопоказания: pregnancy and lactation. Use with caution in chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys, chronic pancreatitis.

Advantages and disadvantages

3. Arnigel

The drug Arnigel is often used in modern cosmetology for the treatment of post-acne. The components of the gel also help to quickly get rid of bruises on the patient’s face after cosmetic procedures.

The high content of mountain arnica in the composition of the gel provides analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects. The drug is prescribed for resorption of bruises and hematomas and to reduce rosacea – the vascular “mesh” on the skin. The gel does not contain preservatives, fragrances and dyes.

Противопоказания: children’s age up to 1 year, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, violation of the integrity of the skin, weeping dermatitis. The gel must not be applied to mucous membranes. Pregnant women can use the drug only after consulting a doctor.

Advantages and disadvantages

4. Normaderm Phytosolution Facial Fluid

Fluid for daily care with salicylic acid in the composition helps to cope with skin imperfections in post-acne, strengthen its barrier function and protect against negative external factors. Cosmetic product tightens pores and exfoliates, renews the skin from the first application

Normaderm Phytosolution Fluid is recommended by dermatologists and is suitable for sensitive, problematic and combination skin. The tool is hypoallergenic and does not provoke the formation of black dots.

Противопоказания: not.

Advantages and disadvantages

5. Effaclar H Iso-Biome Anti-Imperfection Cleansing Cream-Gel

Cream-gel for daily care gently cleanses and moisturizes the skin, restores its microflora, helps to reduce the appearance of post-acne. The cream contains La Roche-Posay thermal water, prebiotic, niacinamide, shea butter and shea butter. This healthy cocktail improves the condition of oily and overdried skin, restores its protective functions.

Противопоказания: not.

Advantages and disadvantages

6. Effaclar H Iso-Biome ultra-soothing blemish repair treatment

An innovative pharmacy product from a French manufacturer significantly reduces the number of blackheads, makes stagnant spots and other post-acne marks less noticeable. Regulates the microflora of the skin, maintaining the balance of beneficial bacteria on its surface. Moisturizes and soothes the skin, does not clog pores, and is suitable for use in conjunction with post-acne treatments prescribed by a doctor.

Противопоказания: not.

Advantages and disadvantages

7. Dermatics

Dermatix Gel helps to maintain the water balance of the skin, contributing to its effective hydration, and also softens and smoothes the scars that form after acne heals, making them less noticeable, relieves skin itching and discomfort.

Противопоказания: Do not use the gel on open unhealed wounds, avoid contact with mucous membranes and eyes.

Advantages and disadvantages

8. Clearwin cream

The post-acne remedy contains plant extracts, beeswax, vitamins and antioxidants. Multifunctional cream helps to cope with a whole range of imperfections: removes acne marks, dark circles under the eyes, reduces skin hyperpigmentation, stretch marks (stretch marks) after pregnancy, postoperative scars and burn marks.

Противопоказания: individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Advantages and disadvantages

How to choose a remedy for post-acne

The doctor prescribes a post-acne treatment regimen, taking into account the individual condition of the patient’s skin. To achieve maximum smoothness of the skin and an even complexion, as well as to eliminate cosmetic defects, the specialist carefully selects the appropriate care products.

In the presence of pigmented and stagnant spots, peelings will come to the rescue. If tuberosity is expressed, then hardware methods are prescribed: laser skin resurfacing, photothermolysis, dermabrasion².

It is also necessary to pay attention to adequate facial skin care at home – this will help to significantly reduce the time of post-acne treatment.

Reviews of doctors about post-acne remedies

According to the recommendation of the International Society of Dermatologists and Cosmetologists, preparations for the treatment of acne and post-acne include retinoids (substances similar in structure to vitamin A – retinol), which:

• have an anti-inflammatory effect;
• normalize the work of the sebaceous glands, pigment cells, lighten age spots;
• increase local immunity, which contributes to the fight against inflammation;
• stimulate the synthesis of collagen, necessary to fight scars.

Retinoids are recognized as the gold standard for acne and post-acne treatment³. However, experts remind that in the treatment of acne and post-acne it is necessary to additionally use sunscreens with a high degree and a wide spectrum of protection against UVA and UVB rays.⁴.

Popular questions and answers

The most popular questions regarding post-acne treatment are answered by dermatologist Ekaterina Duhinova.

Sources of:

1. Acne vulgaris. Clinical recommendations // Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists. 2020. https://goo.su/FMzarTC
2. M.Yu. Anisimov. Acne from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine // Bulletin of Reproductive Health. 2010. (3-4). pp. 14-23. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/akne-acne-vulgaris-s-pozitsii-dokazatelnoy-meditsiny/viewer
3. A. Khaldin, E.B. Mareeva, A.I. Skvortsova. Pathogenetic approaches to the treatment of acne vulgaris // Russian Journal of Skin and Venereal Diseases. 2012. №3. pp. 34-37. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/pathogeneticheskie-podhody-k-terapii-vulgarnyh-ugrey/viewe
4. I. Shirokova, I. Sidorova. Diagnosis – acne // Remedium. 2014. S. 48-52. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/diagnoz-akne/viewer