Acne scars are a lasting reminder of acne, whether recent or from years ago. While there are different surgical procedures to reduce or remove these scars, most people rely on some type of corrective makeup to cover them up. Depending on the type of acne scar you want to cover, you will need to use different techniques and makeup.
There are several different types of acne scars, including dimpled, bumpy, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (which is not technically a scar). The methods discussed in this article address ways to cover pitted scars, such as ice pick, boxcar, or other depressed scars. These types of scars present a challenge to hide since they are not even with the rest of the skin.
To best hide pitted acne scars, you’ll first need to use a filler to raise the scar as much as possible to the same level as the rest of your skin. Two ways to do it are with:
- Wrinkle fillers. If they can fill in wrinkles, they can do the same for pitted scars. While they are unlikely to raise the scar significantly and are only temporary, they can reduce the amount of concealer you need to fill in the scar.
- Thick and creamy concealers. A thick concealer that is the same color as your skin can be applied with a very small concealer brush. Apply a small amount of concealer to the pitted part of the scar. Apply and blend carefully so the concealer stays on the scar and the edges blend with the rest of your skin. A couple of good concealers for scars are Kat Von D’s Tattoo Concealer and Smashbox High Definition Concealer. Cover FX also comes in a huge range of colors to hide scars on your face or body.
Tips for the best coverage:
- Always look for a concealer that is as close to your skin tone as possible. If anything, use a slightly lighter shade, as a depressed scar can cast a slight shadow, making it appear darker.
- If the scar is discolored, first use a green (for red scars) or yellow (for bluish scars) concealer. Peach colors can also work with scars that have a blue tint. Use concealer after concealer, if necessary, to even out the color to match the rest of your skin.
- If you apply foundation, put it on after using any wrinkle fillers but before your concealer. If you apply foundation after concealer, you run the risk of rubbing off the concealer you worked so hard to apply. Also, you may need less concealer after applying foundation.
- Always set your concealer with a loose powder. This will set it and prevent your makeup from smudging throughout the day. This applies to both face and body makeup.
While it is possible to hide acne scars, it is best to prevent them in the first place. Any time you get acne, whether it’s just one pimple or many, treat it right away and keep your hands away from your face. Take special care with inflamed areas, as these are the blemishes that are most likely to scar. There is no real substitute for a dermatologist’s advice when you have moderate to severe acne. However, don’t wait until your acne is bad to start treating it.