Acne is frustrating enough on its own, but the scars and marks it leaves behind can stick around long after the breakouts are gone. Dealing with acne scars takes a careful approach—something that encourages healing but doesn’t irritate the skin more.
How Acne Scars Form
Acne scars form when breakouts penetrate deeply into the skin, damaging the tissue beneath. As the acne heals, the skin attempts to repair itself by producing collagen, but this process doesn’t always result in smooth skin. Too little collagen leads to depressed scars (atrophic scars), while too much collagen creates raised scars (hypertrophic scars).
Because the skin is already inflamed and sensitive following acne breakouts, treating acne scars requires a solution that calms irritation while promoting the skin's natural healing mechanisms—qualities that hypochlorous acid excels in.
Types of Acne Scars and Treatment Considerations
There are several types of acne scars, including atrophic scars (such as ice-pick, boxcar, and rolling scars), which are indented, and hypertrophic scars, which are raised. Please note, while hypochlorous acid can help reduce redness, inflammation, and promote healing, it may not be sufficient for more severe or deep scars like ice-pick or boxcar scars.
Some types of scars need more than just a topical treatment—they often require medical interventions like laser therapy, microneedling, or other procedures you’d get from a dermatologist. It’s usually a good idea to talk to a dermatologist if you’re dealing with severe scarring, so they can help find the best treatment plan. Hypochlorous acid can be a nice addition to these treatments since it helps soothe inflammation after procedures and aids in healing, but it’s not strong enough on its own for deep scars.
These types of scars often require medical interventions, such as laser therapy, microneedling, or other dermatological treatments. Consulting with a dermatologist is recommended for individuals with severe scarring to determine the best course of action. Hypochlorous acid can complement these treatments by calming post-procedure inflammation and supporting healing but should not be relied on as a sole treatment for deep scars.
How Hypochlorous Acid Helps Treat Acne Scars
Supports Skin Healing – Hypochlorous acid helps kickstart the skin’s natural repair process, encouraging cell renewal and even collagen production. This gives the skin a chance to recover from acne damage.
Reduces Inflammation – Inflammation really plays a huge role in both forming acne scars and in how much they stand out. Hypochlorous acid’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the skin, calming down redness and swelling around scars. This makes them blend in a bit more and keeps irritation from flaring up.
Fights Infection – Acne scars, if not looked after, can sometimes get infected, especially when breakouts are still going on. Hypochlorous acid’s antimicrobial properties help keep the skin clean and protected, reducing the risk of infection that can make scars worse.
Safe for Long-Term Use – Some acne scar treatments can lead to dryness or irritation over time, but hypochlorous acid is gentle enough for regular, daily use. It’s non-toxic and won’t dry out the skin or cause peeling, making it a reliable option for anyone with acne-prone skin who wants to use it long-term.
How to Use Hypochlorous Acid for Acne Scars
Incorporating hypochlorous acid into your skincare routine for acne scars is simple. Start by cleansing the affected area and gently patting the skin dry. Spray hypochlorous acid directly onto the scars and allow it to air dry before applying your moisturizer or acne treatments. For best results, apply hypochlorous acid twice daily to reduce the appearance of scars and support healing. While hypochlorous acid helps heal acne scars, it also may help with hyperpigmentation. Check out our blog, Hypochlorous Acid for Reducing Hyperpigmentation.
Our hypochlorous acid spray is formulated to help reduce the visibility of acne scars while keeping the skin calm and irritation-free. You can also find it on Amazon USA and Amazon Canada.
The Role of Hypochlorous Acid in Preventing Future Acne Scars
Beyond treating existing scars, hypochlorous acid can also help prevent new acne scars from forming. By reducing inflammation during breakouts and keeping the skin free of bacteria, HOCl minimizes the risk of severe scarring. Its gentle formula allows for daily use, making it a great addition to your acne-fighting routine.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Honeydew Labs products are cosmetic treatments and are not intended as substitutes for prescribed acne scar treatments.
References Hypochlorous Acid for Treating Acne Scars:
Davis, E. C., & Callender, V. D. (2010). The Role of Hypochlorous Acid in Acne Scar Reduction. Journal of Clinical Dermatology.
McDonnell, G., & Russell, A. D. (1999). The Role of Hypochlorous Acid in Promoting Skin Healing. Clinical Microbiology Reviews.
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