Acne Scars or Hyperpigmentation? Know the Difference!

Acne Scars

Acne scarring occurs when breakouts change the skin’s texture during the healing process, commonly attributed to picking pimples or cystic acne causing changes in deeper layers of the skin. There may sometimes be a lack of collagen production due to inflammation of the skin, therefore not allowing the skin’s surface to fully heal. The most common types of acne scars are rolling, ice-pick and boxcar scars - all types of atrophic scars that heal below the top layer of skin, causing dents in the skin’s texture.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the affected skin darkens but the skin’s texture remains unaffected. During a breakout, pimples may appear red and the color may darken due to too much melanin being released on the surface of the skin, in an attempt to aid the healing process. When treating hyperpigmentation, the length of time the skin takes to heal depends on skin type and other factors. But, one very important practice is to always use sun protection as exposure to the sun may increase melanin levels and therefore darken active hyperpigmentation.

In addition to using sun protection, there are many great skincare products designed to improve acne scars and hyperpigmentation including Vitamin C, bakuchiol, glycolic acid and niacinamide to name a few. However, one particular ingredient which is known for its effectiveness, yet kindness to skin is Centella asiatica - more commonly known as Cica.

Why is Cica So Popular?

Cica is a fantastic, naturally occurring skincare savior traditionally used in Chinese medicine for centuries, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It is great for soothing irritated skin and even calming sensitive skin.

When treating acne scars and hyperpigmentation, those with sensitive skin may suffer adverse reactions to less gentle skincare ingredients, however, Cica is an ingredient which is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Let’s take a look at a ‘Cica Care Package’ which contains 4 steps of a skincare routine to help heal sensitive and irritated skin.

Rovectin Cica Care Package

The Rovectin Cica Care Package includes 4 products for your skincare routine from a purifying toner to a hydrating sheet mask. All of these products contain Cica, so are suitable for acne-prone, sensitive skin, and for those needing extra hydration and nourishment for reducing the appearance of dark spots and acne scars.

• Rovectin Cica Care Purifying Toner (260ml) x 1

This toner is great for lifting away dead skin cells, whilst restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It also contains madecassoside, a key active-ingredient in Cica which is a natural antioxidant, helping to reduce redness, acne scars and hyperpigmentation. It is ideal for sensitive skin as Centella asiatica and Houttuynia cortada have anti-inflammatory properties and help strengthen the skin barrier.

• Rovectin Cica Care Balm (40ml) x 1

This vegan-friendly, calamine-containing balm is ideal for soothing skin and reducing the appearance of scars and dark spots. Calamine is a key ingredient for calming skin during a breakout and when paired with madecassoside, together they reduce redness, hyperpigmentation and scarring.

• Rovectin Cica Care Sleeping Pack (80ml) x 1

This sleeping mask is here to keep skin hydrated overnight and thanks to its ingredients such as protease enzymes, ceramide and panthenol, this mask aids in restoring a damaged skin barrier, allowing you to wake up with soft and silky skin. 

• Rovectin Dr. Mask Cica (25ml) x 5

This sheet mask contains three fantastic main ingredients - calamine, madecassoside and BHA. As mentioned, calamine calms the skin and eases irritation during breakouts; madecassoside is a key active ingredient in Cica and therefore helps soothe skin and BHA is a gentle exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells from the surface and brighten your complexion.

Overall, 

Cica by itself is an effective skin soother, but when paired with other ingredients present alongside it in this Rovectin Cica Care Package, the necessary steps can be taken to reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation. All products are suitable for sensitive skin, are gentle yet effective and the addition of these products to your skincare routine can help reduce damage caused by hormonal breakouts, rosacea and aging.