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How Do I Choose the Best Acne Scar Concealer?

Helen Akers
Helen Akers

Which type of acne scar concealer is the best is directly related to the type of acne scars that need to be covered. Indented, ice pick or pock type marks usually require the use of some kind of filler in addition to concealer. Stick concealers tend to provide better coverage for acne scars, especially those that result in flat, hyper-pigmentation on the skin's surface.

Any type of acne scar concealer should be oil-free and non-comedogenic. Since acne prone skin tends to get clogged easily, it won't be beneficial to choose a concealer that may lead to further breakouts. Even skin that has been clear for some time may experience a new bout of breakouts if a heavy, oil-based product is used. Using some type of natural prevention method, such as lemon juice, that tightens the skin and fades post acne scars can also provide additional relief.

A boy with acne scars.
A boy with acne scars.

An acne scar concealer may come in liquid or stick form. Many prefer to use stick forms of concealer since they tend to be cream based and provide better coverage. There are some green colored stick concealers that help neutralize the redness and inflammation associated with some types of acne scars. They are effective at helping to conceal post-acne marks that result in temporary hyper-pigmentation spots that resemble chicken pox marks.

Acne can leave behind scars and marks.
Acne can leave behind scars and marks.

Full coverage for some types of acne scars may not be achieved with concealer alone. Many individuals use concealer as a part of an overall coverage program. Primers, foundation and powder are usually used in addition to concealers. It is important to make sure that the concealer blends in with the skin tone and looks natural in day light.

Some types of acne scars that result in depressions on the skin may need the help of a filler in addition to acne scar concealer. Serums are available in some over-the-counter products that contain ingredients such as hydraulic acid. This acid is also used in wrinkle removers and fillers and helps to temporarily plump up the skin. Some individuals also find that the long-term use of retinol or prescription tretinoin cream helps stimulate collagen growth, reducing the depressed appearance of severe acne scars.

There are a few lines of concealers that are specifically formulated to be an acne scar concealer. Some are available through online vendors or in major department stores. They provide ample coverage while helping to fade the redness and inflammation associated with both depressed and flat scars.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

I just bought a concealer that has vitamin E in it because vitamin E is good for acne scarring. So it will treat my scar and also hide it. It's also green because my scars are reddish and green is the opposite of red, so it hides them well.

bluedolphin

@fBoyle-- If you have trouble with clogged pores then you should use powder concealers because they contain less oil. It's the oils found in concealers that clog pores and I think cream concealers have the most oil. The concealer you use should be oil-free. Your foundation should also be oil-free.

I've also seen a liquid concealer at the pharmacy that was non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn't clog pores). In fact, I've even seen one that was made for acne-prone skin and had acne medication in it.

I'm not sure how well these concealers hide acne scars, but at least they won't cause more breakouts and more scars.

fBoyle

I like cream concealer the most for concealing acne scars. I have indented scars and cream concealer fills them in while concealing them, so I get smoother looking skin as well.

The bad part about using concealer to fill the indents is that it can cause more acne if the face isn't cleaned well afterward. The concealer clogs pores and can lead to bacteria growth.

I don't use a concealer everyday, but when I do, I make sure to remove it as soon as I get home. I wash my face with an anti-acne face wash and use a toner afterward.

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    • A boy with acne scars.
      By: Jörg Hackemann
      A boy with acne scars.
    • Acne can leave behind scars and marks.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Acne can leave behind scars and marks.