What is acne scarring and what causes it?

Acne scarring can sometimes develop as a complication of acne. This can occur in active infections and in remission, whilst the skin is healing. Many types of acne spots can lead to scarring, but it's more common when the most serious types of spots (nodules and cysts) burst and damage nearby skin. It has long been recommended not to pick or squeeze your spots, but this can be easier said than done! The good news is, once acne does occur, it can be resolved through skincare routines as well as dietary and supplemental intake of nutrients.

Types of acne scarring:

Ice pick scars

Small, deep holes in the surface of your skin that look like the skin has been punctured with a sharp object.

Rolling scars

Caused by bands of scar tissue that form under the skin, giving the surface of the skin a rolling and uneven appearance.

Boxcar scars

Round or oval depressions, or craters, in the skin[I].

Dietary and supplemental suggestions:

Berries

Berries are packed with antioxidants, such as vitamin C. Vitamin C is important in your body's ability to heal wounds. This is due to the creation of scar tissue depending on the collagen protein, and the production of collagen depending on vitamin C intake. Try vitamin C: Vitamin C 500mg + Zinc / Stabilised Vitamin C Serum 15% Serum 30ml

Collagen

Collagen is also associated with the healing process, it also counteracts the degradation of the skin from harsh chemicals and offers protection. Try Collagen: Collagen Inner Beauty Boost (500ml)

Zinc

Since zinc also helps wound healing, it can help to reduce any existing acne scarring. Zinc helps to regulate sebum production to help prevent existing breakouts. The best source of zinc is oysters and seafood, but it's also plentiful in red meat and poultry. Other good sources include beans, nuts, whole grains, shiitake mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, and beet greens. Try Zinc: Vitamin C 500mg + Zinc

Omega-3

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, anchovies, sardines and mackerel contain lots of antioxidant properties to help reduce inflammation in your skin. Omega-3 oils are used as the building blocks for the production of hormones that help combat inflammation in the body. While reducing inflammation, they also maintain cell integrity and help to heal impaired skin, like acne scarring. Try Omega 3: Clear Skin Omega Oil - Organic (200ml)

MSM

As a suitable treatment for a variety of skin conditions that cause reddened, swollen skin, MSM can be applied to the skin to reduce puffiness, redness and swelling. MSM offers a gentler way to treat inflammation associated with acne. Likewise, it is also known to lighten acne scars. Try MSM: MSM (90 Caps)

Vitamin A

Vitamin A-rich foods include leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli), orange and yellow vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin), tomatoes, red bell pepper, cantaloupe, mango, beef liver, fish oils, and eggs.

Quinoa

Quinoa is rich in antioxidants and B vitamins (especially folate). Quinoa is a pseudo-grain (not a true grain), high in protein and contains many essential amino acids, the building blocks of our body and for healthy skin. This group of pseudo-grains also has the benefit of being gluten-free for those who need to avoid gluten.

Broccoli

High in vitamin C, broccoli helps to promote collagen formation and improve skin elasticity. It also helps the detoxification pathways in the liver to rid the body of spent hormones, which could be a contributing factor to acne.

Green tea

Green tea is also high in polyphenols that can help improve the health of pores in your skin. Green tea is also great for liver health and boosting detoxification. A healthy liver usually helps to maintain clear skin. A powerful compound called EGCG is also found in green tea, EGCG is anti-androgenic and lowers lipid levels. This makes it effective at reducing sebum excretions in the skin. Green Tea 500mg

Products for the appearance of acne scarring

Some products contain the following that may help improve acne as well as the appearance of acne scarring by supporting healthy regeneration of the skin.

Black seed oil

Packed with Vitamin A and amino acids, Black Seed Oil also possesses anti-inflammatory power to reduce redness. Vitamin A is needed for proper cell replication. You may have heard of retinol creams which are widely marketed to reduce skin marks and scarring, these products contain a form of vitamin A, however, some synthetic forms can be harsh to the skin and are not tolerated well by everyone.

Rose-hip seed oil

Rose-hip oil also contains naturally high levels of vitamin A. As is the case with black seed oil, rosehip oil may improve redness and scarring due to its reviving action on skin cell replication.

Honey

Honey has anti-microbial properties and may help wounds heal. From anecdotal evidence, honey may reduce scarring. It is said that honey works best for red inflamed acne. Raw or unprocessed honey has the best effect on acne, this is because processed honey loses its antibacterial properties, so it does not work as well for acne[ii]. Manuka is a great choice, due to its high amount of antibacterial properties[iii]. Honey is soothing for your skin and that’s why it is recommended for sensitive skin.

Aloe vera

Like honey, aloe vera is a common home remedy. In the case of acne, it has similar effects in terms of healing. Studies show aloe vera can reduce scar tissue size, as well as reduce inflammation and improve the skin’s reaction to scar tissue[iv].

Our top picks for acne scarring

The Beauty Chef Clarify Inner Beauty Support Powder: Rich in vitamin C and Zinc, it is also contains broad-spectrum probiotic and postbiotics to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, because a healthy microbiome is the secret to radiant skin.

Clear Skin Tincture (50ml): Containing ingredients such Saw Palmetto , Dandelion , Agnus Castus for combination of liver cleansing, hormone balancing and disinfecting.

Saviour Skin Balm (30ml): Antioxidant-rich extract from grape seeds optimises the skin’s appearance. A potent conditioning balm for everyday use

Rejuvenating Face Serum: A fusion of bioactive essences, solar charged herbal extracts and nourishing omega fatty acid rich oils quickly absorb into skin, helping maintain and replenish moisture levels and restore skin’s elasticity.

Vinoperfect Radiance Serum (30ml): This product is design to even the complexion, making it brighter. It is effective on all types of dark spots (sun, acne, melasma, age) and is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.

Moa Green Balm (50ml): The Green Balm is a 100% natural multi-purpose healing/beauty balm