Do you need to hide acne scars? To teach you how to get rid of those noticeable scars temporarily, we're sharing a basic step-by-step technique.
As if dealing with acne wasn't difficult enough, you may also be left with acne scars. And, while you may be a pro at acne skin care, have you nailed the acne scar makeup look? Yes, you can use cosmetics to conceal the look of acne scars temporarily. Are you curious about how that works?
One of the most popular Google searches is "how to cover up spots." You may learn how to do it right on this blog, but the first and most important thing to remember is: Do not squeeze the spot!
As enticing as it may sound in the moment, you are not only putting yourself at risk of producing skin infections, but you are also putting yourself at risk of leaving post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which makes the healing process take considerably longer.
Many popular articles provide a wealth of information on treating and eliminating acne, but what about how to conceal acne and the scars it can leave?
Learn how to disguise acne scars by following our step-by-step tutorial. There are no skin blemishes or scars a good makeup cannot take on. By the way, what is the purpose of makeup if not to conceal acne, pimples, and other skin flaws? With the correct cosmetic techniques and methods, you can hide acne scars and achieve a flawless appearance.
Types of Scars
Before we get into the fine art of scar hiding, it's important to understand the various types of scars that exist.
Flat, light scars are frequently the consequence of wound healing; these can appear when sutures have been used. Acne scarring can cause pigmentation, such as red or brown spots, and if you've had severe acne, you may have pitted or sunken patches on your skin, known as ice-pick scars. Your scar may be raised in some situations; these are known as keloid and hypertrophic scars. Both arise when your body produces an excessive amount of collagen during the healing process, but keloid scars are typically larger and more bothersome.
When concealing a pigmented acne scar, you must use a different technique than when concealing indents in the skin. Indents are typically a few shades lighter or darker than the natural skin tone, and they are also smoother. The goal is to make the skin tone more even and to slightly fill out the indents. Rosacea is a difficult skin ailment to camouflage because it necessitates the use of cosmetics.
Acne scars are typically darker. The goal is to match the color of the scar to the rest of the skin before applying setting powder to the area to guarantee it doesn't slide off.
When it comes to scar concealment, pick creams with a creamy texture because they work best. These allow you to build coverage while still drying slowly, giving you enough time to blend and achieve a flawless finish.
Step 1: Complete Your Skin Care Routine
Before reaching for your makeup, it’s a good idea to work through your skincare routine. First, use a facial cleanser like the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Purifying Cream Cleanser, then follow up with a moisturizer formulated for your skin type. Consider using a water-based facial moisturizer, like the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel.
Step 2: Prep with Primer
You’re probably ready to break out the correctors and concealers to start hiding your acne scars, but you’ll actually want to reach for a makeup primer first. The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base smooths skin and blurs imperfections. The formula glides onto the skin with a matte finish that lasts all day. Apply it all over your face or to targeted areas, wherever your acne scars are located.
Step 3: Correct the Look of Imperfections
Besides being marked by texture, you may notice that acne scars have the appearance of redness. That’s where green color-correcting concealer can come in handy. Remember the principle of the color wheel? Yep, the same one from elementary school art class! The theory is that colors opposite each other on the wheel can cancel each other out. That’s why, for redness, you’d want to use green concealer. Try the E.l.f. Color Correcting Stick, dotting it onto any scars and blending it out with your finger. Once you’ve finished correcting the appearance of your acne scars, you can use a peach crayon to neutralize dark circles and a yellow one for discolorations.
Step 4: Apply Concealer
For added coverage, use flesh-toned concealer on any acne scars, directly over the areas where you applied the color corrector. With the Nars Radiant, Creamy Concealer paints a criss-cross pattern over acne scars, then blend out the edges using a makeup blender.
Step 5: Follow up With Foundation
To keep your acne scars completely covered, wear a full-coverage foundation. Using the Blender, apply an even layer of the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation Concealer all over your face, bouncing it onto your skin for a seamless finish. This may require several layers. Use a careful dabbing motion to keep the layers thin.
A concealer is an excellent tool for concealing scars. Its great pigmentation hides any discoloration and matches the color of your skin. Finding a concealer that matches your skin tone is very important for hiding scars. With all that extra pigment in the scar, you must make the right choice. If you can't locate your particular hue, you could buy several and mix them to create the ideal match. Make sure the area is clean before applying concealer. To ensure that there is no surplus oil, apply a thin layer of powder to the scar.
Light-colored concealers should be avoided for hiding a raised scar. For example, the concealer you use under your eyes is probably too light. Instead of covering the scar, you will draw more attention to it. Use a concealer that matches the color of your skin.
Step 6: Set Your Makeup
After applying face makeup to cover your acne scars, setting all of your products with a finishing powder or spray is a must. A setting product can help prevent your makeup from budging—revealing your scars—as you go about your day. Use the Make It Last Dewy Setting Spray, holding the bottle eight inches from your face and misting it four to six times. Spray in an “X” and “T” motion to help ensure your makeup is totally locked in place.
Step 7: Finish Your Face
Once you’re happy with how hidden your acne scars are, it’s time for a few finishing touches. Pair your seemingly perfect visage with a vibrant lip color or a statement smoky eye. For lips that stand out, try the Lancome L'absolu Mademoiselle Shine Lipstick or Buxom Full Force Plumping Lipstick —depending on your preferred finish. Don't forget the mascara if you’d rather rock a dramatic eye makeup look. Try the Clinique High Impact Mascara Black Allergen free.
Check our article 5 ways to make your eyelashes look longer and fuller - the correct way to apply mascara and more to learn tricks and tips for beautiful lashes.
Covering Keloid Scars
To cover raised keloid scars, use the same layering method that you use to cover acne scars. This method can be used to cover any scars on the body as well, even tattoos if you want to conceal them at any time. Remember to set your foundation or concealer with translucent powder to ensure longevity.
