Tips & Tricks For Covering Up Acne & Acne Scars

[darkintragedy]

Since this doesn't have to deal with the treatment or prevention of acne, id thought id make a new thread.

So ever since I've been on retin-a over the summer, the pimples are reduced dramatically, but im left with acne scars. A LOT!

And it makes me reallly self-councious. So my question is, what are good brands of makeup that can "cover-up" acne scars or at least minimize the appearance of them, without looking too cake-y or fake that can be found at target and such?

And if it makes any difference, I'm a guy.

thanks to all.

 

[Sephora_Socialite]

This should be moved to Paint that face....

Lately I've had the same problem with acne and what I do is make sure the basics are done-moisturize my face and lightly exfoliate peeling skin away since this makes the foundation obvious and cake. Then I use some green concealer on red blemishes and then on dark scars is a yellow based concealer....and I've been using a liquid to powder medium coverage formula called Mac Select Spf 15 (has something it it to even out skintone redness as well) and I apply with a foundation brush instead of a sponge... I never really liked their foundations, but I went in there was was pleasantly surprised by the makeup artist. I don't know any drugstore makeup that does the trick but the Mac one is fairly reasonable in price considering the other foundations I've used in the past.

It looks so natural that some people thought that my scars were gone.

 

[darkintragedy]

yeah, I just realized this was in the wrong section after it was posted.
Thanks for that tip. I'll check out the mac store this weekend.
cheers.

 

[johnnykenton]

darkintragedy, i feel your pain, right down to the self deprecation of it all. its no fun, and dreadful.

i grew up with cystic acne and had to be put on accutane.

its been 4 years or so and my scars have somewhat diminished, but it is something that would make anyone, male or female, extremely self-conscious.

i'm a guy as well, this is what i use [sometimes and not all at once]:

1. covergirl's cg smoothers tinted spf 15 tinted moisturizer

2. neutrogena's healthy skin enhancer -its virtually the same as above, but with retinol treatment and spf 20

hope that helps.

just know this, your skin will regenerate and your scars will diminish.

"The absence of flaw in beauty is itself a flaw."-Havelock Ellis, Impressions and Comments (1914)
English sexual psychologist (1859 - 1939)

 

[LucindaMay]

Rosehip oil!

 

[darkintragedy]

johnnykenton: thanks for the suggestions on those 2. I will check em' out first thing tomorrow.

Lucindamay: thanks for that suggestion. I assume that is an oil that will work to help reduce acne scars?

 

[Hanne]

Secret Camouflage by Laura Mercier

 

[angela xx]

im pretty sure youre talking about hyperpigmentation(where the spot where your pimple was is darker than the rest of your skin) and not the scars that sort of look like "ditches"

but if you dont want to spend a lot of time on make up like me, i would suggest mixing in 3/4 self tanning lotion with 1/4 of your reg moisturizor. this doesnt really "cover up" the spots, but it just makes the skin around it darker, so it will "blend in" more. i hope im making sense

and for me, i use things that can be bought at target as well. i use cetaphil moistorizor and neutrogena build-a-tan for face

 

[darkintragedy]

thats what it is. hyperpigmentation. yuck.
thanks for that tip.

 

[Hipkitten]

Right now I'm loving DiorSkin Ultra-Matte - gives good coverage, wears well, and it even looks great under florescent lighting

 

[angela xx]

oh yea, i would definately suggest giving this place a try: acne.org


they even have a full section devoted to hyperpigmentation here: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php?showforum=34

 

[darkintragedy]

^ thanks for that. Knew about the site, but wasn't aware of the scarring forum.

Hipkitten: Thanks for that recommendation. I'll look for that at sephora tomorrow.
cheers all!

 

[darkintragedy]

Another quickie question
What's the best type for good coverage?
Liquid, cream, or powder foundation?
Thanks again.

 

[Posh Princess]

You also need to be careful that any new products you try don't start another break out.

After years of searching for the same thing my favourits are:-

Jane Iredale mineral makeup topped off with Bare Escentuals Mineral translucent powder.

or

Armani Luminous foundation which is gorgeous on again topped over with BE powder.

Kanebo foundation/powder all in one gives excellent coverage too and a lovely natural look - I use this when my skin is really yuck !

Another good one which is a US small foundation company called Illuminaire (do a google search and you should find it) her foundations are simply lovely. I think its called Flawness Finish adn they are designed to cover acne scars and have no troublesome ingredients.

Just remember that your skin never ever looks as bad as you think it does to other people.

HTH

 

[vix123]

I've suffered acne since I was 15 so I have a lot of scarring, and i feel your pain, it made me so self conscious, its just depressing when you have to wear makeup when you're swimming!
i've played around with so many brands, cheap and expensive and I just recently started using Shiseido concealer and highly recommend it!!!

this is from their website
Corrective Concealers
4g/ .14 oz. $ 30.00
A unique makeup artist palette - 2 shades mix perfectly to match skin tone and a translucent setting powder prevents creasing and smudging for a flawless look that lasts all day.

To Use: Using a smaller brush, mix two colors to create a personalized shade. Apply directly onto the area you want to cover and blend well. Then using a wider brush, dust with translucent powder to set.

http://www.sca.shiseido.com/

 

[Renie]

While we're on the subject, do "ditch" type scars ever go away? I have a few small ones, look kinda like they're from chicken pox except I've never had it. How do I conceal these and/or make the skin come back up?

 

[i.heart.MJ]

I would recommend the mac select cover-up (comes in a sqeezable tube) just cause it's so easy to apply and it covers my scars pretty well

 

[palyxa]

Since you're a fella you probably don't want a heavy make-up look. Try Physicians Formula Pearls of Perfection in translucent. It evens out the skin tone with a made up look. I don't know how dark the marks are so it might cover everything but it will look natural.

 

[LucindaMay]

"Rose Hip Oil contains 80% essential fatty acids to aid the repair and regeneration of damaged skin tissue and the powerful antioxidants beta carotene and lycopene to protect the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals on the skin. Rose Hip Oil has a super-fine consistency, making it the perfect facial oil - absorbing quickly, instantly hydrating the skin while allowing it to breathe naturally. Replenishes dull or tired skin, helps repair damaged skin, may reduce the visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles and pigmentation. Rose Hip Oil may also help heal scarring associated with acne, surgery and minor burns and relieve symptoms of eczema and dermatitis."

http://www.trilogyproducts.com/

http://www.coventgardenlife.com/rosehip/default.htm

 

[Deleted member 36123]

Try s product called bio-oil - its about $14 from supermarkets and you rub it on your face at night and it seriously reducing scarring! It is great! Made so much difference! I really hope it works for you.