15 TOP pharmaceutical products for acne and spots (traces) on the face and back: the best effective budget options

How do stagnant spots form?

Stagnant spots most often appear on the face (forehead, cheeks and nose), back and décolleté. Sometimes even on the thighs. Acne itself is formed due to inflammation in certain areas of the skin. The inflammation spreads across several layers of the skin and deepens 2-5 millimeters from its surface.

In the area of ​​inflammation, the body tries to fight the infection, a process called “pimple ripening.” Leukocytes collect there. After eliminating the infection, the cells restore the layers of the skin and bring them to their original form, at this time new blood vessels are created, which give rise to redness.

Thus, the darker the stagnant spot after a pimple, the more vessels formed in it and the longer the inflammatory process in the area lasted.

However, there are people with delicate and sensitive skin who are more prone to congestion, swelling and redness than others. The blood vessels of this group of people are extremely fragile.

In people with normal (non-sensitive) skin, post-acne on the face occurs for two reasons.

1. Trying to get rid of acne on your own. People damage the epidermis, in particular the blood vessels and sebaceous glands, where the process of inflammation begins.
2. Acne. During a rash, inflammation occurs in the skin itself for a long time, causing the epidermis to suffer.

The best cosmetics for acne marks

Various cosmetic companies produce all kinds of products aimed at combating acne marks. The range of such products includes serums, gels, creams. Everyone will be able to choose the best option for themselves.

Clarins Mission Perfection Serum

Rating: 4.9

The French brand Clarins has developed a serum to even out skin tone, Mission Perfection Serum. It contains ginkgo biloba extract, which improves local blood circulation, soothes damaged skin and has an antioxidant effect. Wild cherry extract effectively evens out skin tone, eliminates acne marks, and enhances light reflection.

Serum from Clarins is in a plastic tube (30 ml) with a pump dispenser. The product has a pleasant, light coral-colored texture with small reflective particles. The aroma of the serum is unobtrusive, very pleasant, floral. The product is very quickly absorbed by the skin without leaving a sticky residue. It is used quite economically.

From the experience of consumers, we can conclude that this product is better suited for those with dry skin types, but for oily skin types it will be a little heavy. This product perfectly evens out the tone and adds radiance without changing the natural shade of the skin. If you have old acne marks, it will take longer to see results, but they will definitely come.

Advantages

• good combination of active ingredients;
• pleasant texture and aroma;
• convenient bottle with dispenser;
• is used sparingly;
• absorbs quickly without traces of stickiness;
• makes the skin velvety and soft;
• Lightens old acne marks.

Flaws

• not suitable for oily skin.

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

Rating: 4.8

The legendary American brand Kiehl's produces Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution facial serum. This product includes: ascorbic acid (evens out tone, improves complexion), white birch extract (replenishes moisture and essential nutrients), peony extract (regulates melanin production). It does not contain: silicones, parabens, synthetic dyes, fragrances.

This product from Kiehl's comes in a 30 ml clear glass bottle. It has a dosing pipette, but the rubber on it becomes deformed over time, so it may be difficult to open the bottle and can even be damaged if moved carelessly. It is recommended to store the bottle in a place protected from light. The consistency of the serum is viscous, the color is transparent, the smell is light, floral. It is recommended to apply the product directly to acne marks.

According to reviews, if the stain appeared recently, it becomes lighter after 1-2 applications. Week-old marks are lightened in 7-10 applications. When using this serum during the day, be sure to apply Sanskrins on top of it. The product is easy to apply, quickly absorbed, and does not leave a sticky film. It heals traces of inflammation and visibly evens out the complexion.

Advantages

• contains powerful antioxidants;
• there are no harmful components in the composition;
• spreads easily over the skin;
• absorbs quickly without sticky film;
• lightens acne marks well;
• evens out skin tone.

Flaws

• The elastic band on the pipette becomes deformed over time.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2%

Rating: 4.7

Canadian brand The Ordinary has developed a brightening facial serum, Alpha Arbutin 2%. This product contains alpha arbutin, which lightens age spots caused by hormonal imbalance, acne, and improves skin tone. To achieve maximum results, it is advisable to combine this serum with products that contain vitamin C.

This cosmetic product from The Ordinary is produced in a glass tube (30 ml) with a screw-on pipette cap. The consistency of the serum is quite thick, colorless, and transparent. The product does not have a strong odor. This product is easy to apply to the skin. But after it is absorbed, a slight feeling of tightness and stickiness remains. This discomfort goes away if you apply cream on top.

According to reviews, this serum from The Ordinary does a good job of lightening acne marks. This product has a noticeable anti-inflammatory effect. It lightens age spots, whitens and evens out skin tone. Some consumers even note that this serum helped them smooth out shallow wrinkles.

Advantages

• contains alpha arbutin;
• convenient bottle with pipette;
• spreads easily over the skin;
• It does a good job of lightening acne marks;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• smoothes out shallow wrinkles.

Flaws

• It tightens the skin a little after application.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo +

Rating: 4.7

The French dermatocosmetics brand La Roche Posay produces the Effaclar Duo + corrective product. Among its active ingredients are the following: thermal water, glycerin of plant origin, niacinamide, zinc, procerad (helps reduce post-acne marks in the form of red and dark spots), mannose, lipo-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, piroctone olamine. This product solves various problems of oily skin.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo + is available in plastic tubes of 15 or 30 ml. They have a long spout for easy dosing. The product has a light texture, with a consistency reminiscent of a cream-gel. The smell of the product is not intrusive, but quite specific. The cream-gel spreads easily over the skin. After it is absorbed, there is no sticky film or greasy shine left.

This French cosmetic product effectively eliminates all possible manifestations characteristic of problem skin. It perfectly cleanses clogged pores and makes the skin smoother. The cream-gel copes with severe forms of acne and eliminates acne marks. Due to the presence of thermal water, it effectively softens and soothes the skin.

Advantages

• all components of the composition complement each other well;
• the texture is very light;
• comfortable tube with a long spout;
• absorbed by the epidermis very quickly;
• does not make the skin sticky or oily;
• corrects severe forms of acne;
• eliminates acne marks.

Flaws

• at the beginning of use, it may worsen rashes on the face.

Avene Cuivre-Zinc Cicalfate Repair Cream

Rating: 4.7

The French brand Avene produces Cuivre-Zinc Cicalfate restorative cream. This product is enriched with the following components: thermal water, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, micronized sucralfate. It is suitable for sensitive, irritated, damaged skin of both adults and children. Some people use it to combat acne marks.

This product from Avene is available in a metal tube (40 ml) with a fairly wide neck and a screw cap. The product has a very thick, white consistency. The product does not have a pronounced odor. The cream spreads easily over the skin, but takes quite a long time to absorb (about 10 minutes). It is used very economically.

According to reviews, this product from Avene has excellent healing functions. It quickly returns a feeling of comfort to damaged skin, eliminating itching, peeling, and irritation. This product does not completely get rid of post-acne marks, but it does lighten them significantly. But consumers note that it is better to use it spot on and at night. This cream is a bit heavy for daytime use.

Advantages

• intensively restores damaged skin;
• has no smell;
• is used sparingly;
• perfectly heals damaged skin;
• smooths out acne marks.

Flaws

• takes a long time to absorb.

Arabia Regenerating Azelaic Elixir

Rating: 4.6

The Russian brand Aravia produces regenerating gel Regenerating Azelaic Elixir. This cosmetic product contains: azelaic acid, a complex of fruit AHA acids and allantoin. This product actively fights germs and relieves inflammation on problem skin. It stimulates regeneration processes and activates the renewal of dermal cells.

Regenerating Azelaic Elixir is sold in a white plastic bottle with a pump dispenser. The latter has a convenient groove for the finger, but since it is quite tight, you need to get used to it. The consistency of the product is gel-like, quite dense. It is white and translucent. The aroma is pleasant, reminiscent of grapefruit. The product is easily distributed over the skin. A slight tingling sensation may be felt during use.

Consumers share that after using this gel, the skin becomes smooth and soft, and there is also a slight peeling effect. With regular use of this product, acne marks will noticeably lighten. This cosmetic gel reduces the rate of sebaceous secretion, as a result of which the skin remains clean and fresh, and acne does not develop.

Advantages

• has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects;
• pleasant aroma;
• easily distributed over the skin;
• significantly lightens acne marks;
• makes skin clean and fresh.

Flaws

• you need to adapt to the dispenser.

Mizon Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot

Rating: 4.5

The Korean brand Mizon has developed a medicinal product, Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot. This cosmetic product is two-phase. It consists of lotion and powder. The liquid part contains: salicylic, glycolic acids, as well as extracts of lemon, raspberry, ivy. The powder contains zinc and iron oxides, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

This product from Mizon is sold in small bottles (30 ml) made of frosted glass. The product must sit before use. Then the cotton swab is immersed in the bottle. The liquid lotion is absorbed into the entire cotton wool, and the pink powder is collected only on the tip. The product is applied pointwise to inflammation or acne marks, leaving dense beige-pink spots.

This Korean remedy dries and soothes the skin. Its effect is especially noticeable on pimples that become weeping and persist for a long time. This product does not irritate or dry out the skin. It effectively eliminates old acne marks. The product prevents the development of inflammation in the future.

Advantages

• powerful components of the composition;
• unusual two-phase consistency;
• is used sparingly;
• dries quickly on the skin;
• eliminates acne marks;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Flaws

• has a rich camphor aroma.

Janssen Cosmetics All Skin Needs Scar Cream

Rating: 4.5

The German brand Janssen Cosmetics produces a cream for scarring on the skin All Skin Needs. This product contains: oriental sigesbeckia, vitamins C and E, oily mango seed extract, octyldodecanol. This cosmetic product can be used to care for damaged skin. Its use is also appropriate in the fight against acne marks.

Cream from Janssen Cosmetics is sold in plastic tubes (75 ml). It is extracted from it using a lid with a flip-top system. The product has a light, creamy texture. It is very pliable when applied to the skin. This cream is recommended to be used after cleansing and toning, directly on the area of ​​pronounced acne marks. It should be rubbed in with gentle, massaging movements.

Many speak well of this German remedy. They love how this cream improves the condition of the skin in areas of scarring. This product effectively eliminates inflammatory processes, perfectly nourishes the skin and makes it softer. This product is comfortable to use - it does not cause irritation, peeling of the skin, and does not leave a sticky film.

Advantages

• pleasant texture to use;
• unobtrusive fragrance;
• economically used;
• effectively fights acne marks;
• moisturizes and softens the skin.

Flaws

• not identified.

Levrana Re-Fresh

Rating: 4.4

The Russian brand Levrana produces Re-Fresh facial serum. This product contains lactic acid, which very gently exfoliates the stratum corneum, makes the skin tone more even, helps eliminate acne marks, and reduces hyperpigmentation. And aloe vera gel and calendula hydrolate present in the composition relieve the inflammatory process and also reduce irritation caused by lactic acid.

Levrana serum is sold in dark glass bottles with a special pipette for collecting the product. The consistency of the product resembles viscous, cloudy water. The smell of this serum is quite strong and pharmaceutical. This product is quickly absorbed, but after it a feeling of tightness appears on the face and the skin needs to apply cream.

The serum from Levrana guarantees excellent results, but you need to be patient. With a course of use of this product, the relief of the skin becomes smooth, unpleasant bumps disappear, and the skin becomes smooth and pleasant to the touch. Even old acne marks lighten and completely disappear with the systematic use of this serum.

Advantages

• convenient bottle with pipette;
• can be used for any skin type;
• regulates sebum secretion;
• eliminates major skin problems;
• makes the terrain more even.

Flaws

• specific aroma.

Types of post-acne

1. Stagnant spots

There are red, purple or blue.

Immediately after they occur, it is quite easy to remove stagnant stains, even on your own. Use lightening masks or cosmetic products containing alpha hydroxy acids.

If you do not get rid of stagnant spots in time, then all that remains is to contact a doctor who will prescribe individual treatment.

1. Hyperpigmentation (brown spots)

This kind of defect is formed due to frequent exposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays. Melanin accumulates in darkened areas, which gives the skin a different shade. The most effective treatment is phototherapy, read about it below in this article.

1. Whiteheads

They are also called millet and milia. They are white, dense, painless pimples.

They arise for various reasons: heredity, lack of vitamins in the body, improper care.

1. Scarring

This is the most difficult defect to treat, so the best solution would be to contact a specialist who will prescribe the correct therapy. Some people may benefit from acid peels, others may benefit from laser resurfacing.

Options for dealing with acne marks

The problem of acne marks is solved in various ways. The success of manipulation depends on the age of the pathological elements, their size and shape. Regardless of the chosen treatment method and remedy, you should understand that the process of getting rid of acne marks is not quick. In addition, it is advisable to consult a cosmetologist and dermatologist about this.

First of all, if you have acne marks, it is important to learn how to deeply cleanse the skin and stimulate its renewal. Particular attention should be paid to enlarged pores and wisely select products that regulate sebum secretion. Although skin with post-acne elements needs high-quality cleansing, it is important that it is not aggressive. You need to choose products with clay or acids, without large and sharp abrasive particles.

If dyschromia bothers you after acne, then it is advisable to use peels with acids, as well as cosmetics containing lightening ingredients. The components of such products must be non-comedogenic so that new rashes are not provoked. Acne scars are more difficult to deal with, but it is quite possible, you just have to be patient. In our review, we have collected the best pharmaceutical and cosmetic products for acne marks.

What else can phototherapy help with?

Pulses of light will help get rid of many aesthetic defects.

• Cuperosis;
• Photoaging;
• Uneven complexion;
• Wrinkles;
• Hyperpigmentation;
• Acne;
• Stagnant post-acne spots;
• Gravitational ptosis (sagging);
• Angiomas (red dots on the body);
• Rosacea.

You will be prescribed effective treatment for these and many other skin defects at the Elena Malysheva Medical Center. We employ the best specialists in various fields of medicine. Sign up for a consultation!

Causes

The main reasons for the appearance of red spots on the skin of the face:

• Direct skin contact with an allergen (cream, face mask, decorative cosmetics, soap, jewelry, etc.);
• Food allergies;
• Allergy to medications;
• Allergy to sun or cold;
• Eczema1.

To prevent the appearance of a rash in the future, it is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the allergy and eliminate contact with this substance.

Allergies to foods and medications

Food allergies on the face are quite common, especially in children. The most allergenic foods are peanuts, eggs, seafood, citrus fruits, and dairy products. However, in the presence of individual intolerance, an allergy can develop to any other food product.

Main symptoms:

• blotchy rash on the face or body;
• Severe itching;
• Peeling of the skin;
• Nausea, vomiting;
• Stool disorders;
• Abdominal pain.

Another important problem is drug allergies. An allergic reaction may occur to a medicine in the form of a tablet, injection, or ointment. Allergies to antibiotics, antiseptics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are common. The symptoms are the same as those of a food allergy. In severe cases, complications such as angioedema or anaphylactic shock may develop2. You need to know what drugs you are allergic to and warn doctors or medical staff about it.

Allergy to sun or cold

Natural factors can also cause the development of allergic reactions. Photoallergy or sun allergy most often occurs in the warm season - from late spring to early autumn. Sometimes an allergic rash is confused with sunburn, but the allergic nature of the disease is characterized by severe itching, the appearance of small, white pustules, and spotty red rashes even after a short stay in the open sun. In such cases, you need to apply sunscreen, protect exposed skin with clothing made from natural fabrics, and wear a hat3.

Allergy to cold or cold urticaria also occurs. During the cold season, red itchy rashes, peeling, and a feeling of tightness appear on the skin of the face and hands. Symptoms may persist for several hours or several days after exposure to the cold. Typically, allergies develop at temperatures from 10 degrees below zero, but it also happens at temperatures close to zero.

Treatment

Treatment for facial allergies must include a safe and effective antihistamine3. Cetrin is widely used for seasonal allergies and various forms of allergic dermatitis. The main active ingredient of the drug is cetirizine hydrochloride, which is a histamine antagonist. The advantages of the drug include:

• Quick effect. Onset of action 20 minutes after administration.
• Duration of action. The drug is taken once a day and is effective for 24 hours.
• Good tolerance. Cetrin is well tolerated by patients and causes less drowsiness than first-generation drugs1.

The drug helps eliminate itching, swelling, and redness of the skin. Available in tablet form, approved for use in children over 6 years of age. If you suspect an allergic rash, taking Cetrin is a simple, safe way to make you feel better before you can see a doctor.

Possible complications

With advanced rosacea, the following develop:

1. Purulent-septic complications, when an oblong formation rises above the level of the skin, from which pus periodically oozes. This is a slow-burning process of inflammation.
2. If the eyes are affected, then a gradual deterioration of vision occurs. With advanced ophthalmic rosacea, complete loss of vision is possible.
3. Deterioration in appearance caused by distortion of facial features. With persistent erythrema and edema, phymatous growths are observed, which spoils the appearance. With such a complication, the quality of life deteriorates.

In case of exacerbation of the disease or its complications, social maladjustment develops: people are afraid to go out, communicate, and appear in society.