Thanks for your question. Many people are concerned about acne, as well as the skin changes left behind. While retinoid creams can help with pimples, they can also help reduce scarring and dark spots that result from acne. Some types of retinoids are available over the counter at your local pharmacy. They can be irritating to your skin at first, so try applying a thin layer to any scars you have every 2-3 days. If it is not too irritating, you can go up to daily use. If it is too irritating, try using it every 4-5 days. The important thing is to be consistent. It can take weeks to months to notice the benefit, so stick with it. If you don’t feel like it’s helping, talk to your healthcare provider, they may prescribe a stronger medicine and/or refer you to a dermatologist (i.e. a skin specialist).
Other helpful tips:
- Wash your face 1-2 times daily with a gentle face wash.
- Moisturize your face after washing with a facial moisturizer. Yes, you should still use a moisturizer even if you have acne.
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