How to get rid of post-acne: remove scars and red spots with products or see a cosmetologist, effective treatment of scars on the face

From this article you will learn:

• analysis of the composition of the drug Effezel,
• instructions for use,
• reviews of Effezel gel from dermatologists.

Effezel gel is a medicine for external use against acne, which contains a combination of active ingredients (retinoid adapalene 0.1% + antimicrobial component benzoyl peroxide 2.5%). The drug belongs to the Swiss company, which specializes in the production of drugs for the treatment of skin diseases and is known to dermatologists all over the world. It is she who produces such drugs for the treatment of acne as Differin and Baziron AS.

Reviews from dermatologists about Effezel gel are quite clear - it is the first choice drug in treatment regimens for papulopustular acne (pimples). The clinical effectiveness of the combination of 0.1% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide has been confirmed by the FDA and is recommended by this organization for the treatment of acne. It is worth considering that, according to the instructions, the drug Effezel is a prescription drug and can only be used in patients over 9 years of age.

Photo of Effezel gel packaging –

Prescription supplies should not confuse you, because... this is due to the peculiarities of registration of the drug. For example, the drugs “Differin” with adapalene 0.1% and “Baziron AS” with benzoyl peroxide 5% (this is twice as much as in the drug Effezel) are available over the counter. In this article we will talk about the features of using this drug, as well as for what forms of acne - it must also be combined, for example, with an antibiotic.

How much does Effezel gel cost in pharmacies, analogues:

For Effezel gel, the price in pharmacies starts from 1300 rubles and up to 1900 rubles (the price is indicated for 2021). This drug also has an analogue with a completely identical composition, which is sold under the brand name Epiduo. This generic is produced in India, but the price for it will not be less than 3,000 rubles (apparently because at the moment it does not have a Russian registration certificate, i.e. it is imported illegally).

An alternative to the combined Effezel gel is to buy two single preparations. These are the drugs Baziron-AS (with benzoyl peroxide 2.5 or 5%) + the drug Differin (with adapalene 0.1%), each of which will cost you between 800 and 900 rubles, respectively. On the one hand, it may not be cheaper, but on the other hand, it will allow you to use a gel with benzoyl peroxide in the morning, and a gel with the retinoid adapalene in the evening. This separate application will result in less risk of skin irritation.

What it is

This term suggests a symptom complex of secondary rashes. They appear after various forms of skin inflammation, pimples, and acne. Considering that its debut usually occurs in adolescence, the remaining traces pose a serious problem for youth and affect the psychological state of young people. If acne develops at an older age, the patient may also experience post-acne; treatment in this case is complicated by the general condition of the skin.

The consequences come in the following forms:

• hyperpigmentation;
• pathological scars;
• atheromas;
• milia (whiteheads).

Treatment and subsequent recovery of patients requires an integrated approach.

Reasons for appearance

Human skin has a complex structure; in addition to the cells themselves, it contains hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands. If the functioning of the latter is disrupted, their ducts narrow, making it difficult for secretions to reach the surface. It accumulates inside the gland, creating ideal conditions for the proliferation of bacteria and the formation of inflammation.

Over time, swelling occurs in the area of ​​the pimple, and collagen begins to be actively produced in this area. This means that denser tissue is formed, so patients’ requests often sound like this: “How to remove post-acne scars on the face?” The capillary network also grows and the work of pigment cells is stimulated. Darker stains are formed that are more durable.

Also factors that provoke the negative consequences of acne are:

• long-term fight against inflammation;
• unprofessional acne removal;
• the presence of nodules or cysts on the skin.

Persistent acne

Post-acne may be a consequence of this phenomenon, which cannot be dealt with for a long time. As a rule, to solve this problem it is recommended to do a hormone test.

The fact is that the receptors of the sebaceous glands, which are directly involved in the process of acne formation, are sensitive to male hormones, androgens (they are produced in the body of both women and men). An increase in their production also leads to a decrease in the content of linoleic acid in sebaceous secretions, and subsequently to the reliability of the skin’s protective barrier.

Such situations, and therefore prolonged inflammation on the surface of the epidermis, can be provoked by the following factors:

• puberty;
• endocrine diseases;
• obesity;
• menopause;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• taking medications;
• stress;
• chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.

Mechanical damage to the skin

In order not to solve the problem of how to quickly get rid of post-acne scars forever and remove neoplasms, during the period of exacerbation of acne, it is recommended to avoid rough influence. Squeezing pimples, as well as mechanical damage (often resulting from careless care), leads to the formation of scars and age spots in this area. This is especially dangerous for people with dark skin, and also if the patient’s age exceeds 35 years. The peculiarities of the functioning of the endocrine glands during this period often lead to the formation of scars after acne and acne.

Mechanical injury to the face can also result from inaccurately performed cleaning or deep peeling. These procedures are not recommended during an exacerbation period.

Indications for use of Effezel-gel –

The instructions indicate that the drug belongs to the pharmacotherapeutic group of drugs intended for the treatment of acne. But this is not entirely correct. The term acne implies that the patient has only white or blackheads - they are also called closed or open comedones (Fig. 4-5). Comedones are non-inflammatory elements of acne, and therefore the use of antimicrobial agents (such as benzoyl peroxide) is not only pointless, but may even be harmful.

White and blackheads (comedones) –

Prescribing Effezel-gel for acne will be harmful because benzoyl peroxide has a fairly pronounced irritating effect. This can be especially pronounced in patients with dry and/or sensitive skin, as well as in the first weeks after starting to use the drug (until the skin gets used to benzoyl peroxide). Therefore, the gel can lead to increased dryness of the skin and, on the contrary, provoke an exacerbation of acne.

The use of the antimicrobial component benzoyl peroxide (together with the retinoid adapalene) is justified precisely in the presence of inflammatory elements, for example, papules and pustules. You probably know that there are 2 types of acne. Firstly, they can be in the form of pustules (these are classic pimples with pus inside), and secondly, in the form of papules without pus. Papules have this peculiarity: they can disappear without a trace, or they can transform into pustules.

Pimples in the form of papules and pustules -

Thus, the indication for the use of Effezel gel is actually not acne, but the papulopustular form of acne (i.e. pimples). Moreover, if the patient’s inflammatory elements are represented predominantly only by papules, we will prescribe the drug Effezel as monotherapy, and this will be enough. But if the patient has pustules with pus, then Effezel alone will not be enough in this case. And in this case, we will need to prescribe combination therapy to the patient.

Areas of localization and how to remove post-acne spots

The place where scars appear can be not only the face, but also other areas of the body:

• neckline;
• back;
• neck.

Be that as it may, in most cases the marks are on open areas of the body, which worsens the psychological state of the patients. Improper treatment can lead to the skin retaining an uneven texture, and the places where there were inflamed acne will be clearly visible. That is why it is important for the doctor to give comprehensive recommendations on how to quickly cure and remove post-acne on the face, how to get rid of spots on other parts of the body, so that the patient’s quality of life does not decrease and the emotional background is normalized.

Kinds

The consequences of acne are of several types:

• scars - at the site of the pimple, an area of ​​dense tissue is formed, which is noticeably different from the surrounding skin and is characterized by a high content of collagen fibers;
• pigment spots - they form at the site of acne rashes and are noticeably different from the general tone;
• congestive erythema - a complication that occurs as a result of inflammation of small vessels, as well as subcutaneous fatty tissue and is accompanied by redness and thickening at the site of the former pimple;
• whiteheads, enlarged pores, etc.

To understand how to get rid of post-acne on the face and what removes it well, you need to establish which of the main types your problem belongs to. Only after this can you create an effective comprehensive treatment program.

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Enlarged pores

The fact is that these are opening ducts of the sebaceous glands and the problem is directly related to acne. They expand due to hormonal imbalances, increased oily skin, poor diet, use of inappropriate cosmetics and other reasons. An additional factor that has recently been identified is the impact of free radicals, their content is increased in the atmosphere of large cities. In search of a way to exactly how and whether it is possible to cure post-acne on the face, you need to find out why the pores are enlarged.

Should we fight this problem? Certainly. They look unaesthetic, worsen the dermal relief, and in addition, they are an entry point for infections and are clogged with the secretion of the sebaceous glands. The processes of skin respiration and metabolism are disrupted.

To avoid enlarged pores and acne formation, you can undergo professional cleaning on time. This procedure stimulates their narrowing and normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands. With its help, you will stop thinking about how to get rid of post-acne spots and remove redness on your face with the help of a cosmetologist.

Stagnant traces

They are also called erythema. They arise as a result of capillary expansion. As a result, red areas form on the skin. In some cases, such phenomena go away on their own, especially if they arise as a response to mechanical stress, due to a reaction to intense sun or similar factors.

But most often, it is better to consult a specialist with such a problem, since usually the consequences of this kind are persistent and cannot be removed with home remedies.

Hyperpigmentation (brown spots)

Increased skin pigmentation usually occurs as a result of inflammation of papulopustular elements. Papules are inflamed small nodules with a diameter of 2-4 mm. Pustules are nodules with a cavity filled with pus formed inside them. A light-colored crust may form on their surface.

The formation of hyperpigmentation is usually promoted by active solar and mechanical exposure, for example, when trying to squeeze out pimples.

Whiteheads

The problem of how to effectively get rid of post-acne, how to cure the consequences of inflammation, is especially aggravated if the skin lesion takes the form of whiteheads (milia).

As a rule, they are localized in the following areas of the face:

• forehead;
• nose;
• cheeks;
• chin;
• around eyes.

Most often, milia appear during periods of hormonal changes, including adolescence, as well as during pregnancy. The second factor influencing the formation of whiteheads is increased fat content.

Ways to effectively remove post-acne scars, how to get rid of them in these situations, should include changing your diet, a competent approach to skin care, as well as monitoring hormonal levels and its timely correction.

Scarring

They can form where pimples once were. Studies have been conducted in which it was found that about 1% of people who have suffered from acne suffer from them. However, approximately one-seventh of scars are disfiguring in nature, which means they lead to serious psychological problems. This condition requires an individual approach and careful study of the quality of the skin around the scar. Also, the nature of treatment depends on the stage of maturity.

Types and stages of post-acne

Among the main signs of post-acne, hyperpigmentation is identified - these are areas of normally colored and darker skin, alternating with each other and forming an uneven tone.

In addition, the typical presence of stagnant red spots, enlarged skin pores, often filled with sebum, as well as pathological scars. In the area of ​​blockage of the sebaceous glands, atheromas (sebaceous gland cysts filled with fatty secretions) or milia (whiteheads) are formed.

The main sign of post-acne is old cicatricial changes, scars after healed purulent acne. They can take three forms:

• depressed areas of skin, dimples (or atrophic scars);
• convex, lumpy areas, often with areas of erythema (hypertrophic);
• areas of dyschromia (the surface of the skin is spotty, with areas of increased pigmentation).

Sometimes the formation of keloid scars is mistakenly added to the classification. This is the wrong approach. People with a hereditary predisposition to the formation of rough and poorly healing scars that disfigure the appearance do not often suffer from acne, and therefore post-acne phenomena are rare for them.

The most common type of post-acne is the appearance of atrophic scars. According to the Jacob CI classification, they can take the form of rounded, chipped and square elements. This division helps doctors plan treatment and predict its results.

Round scars are the shallowest, and the prognosis for them is the most favorable. The square ones are somewhat deeper, but are also eliminated quite well. The biggest problem is the chipped forms of post-acne, they look like the Latin letter “V”, their bottom is located deep in the dermis.

Types of skin damage from acne

Methods of disposal

Advising on what works well to remove acne marks on the face, experts draw attention to the need for an integrated approach:

• diagnosis by a doctor, drawing up recommendations taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s skin;
• consultation with a cosmetologist who will recommend hardware and injection methods;
• regular use of home care products.

What can you do at home?

To get rid of stains, it is best to take the advice of experts who recommend home care products designed to resolve scars, such as Contractubex. The enzymes contained in these medications are designed to break down the dense collagen fibers that form scar tissue.

But home peels and self-exfoliation are unlikely to give the expected effect. They act at the level of the epidermis, and acne is a deep-seated change in the skin that affects the dermis. That is why it is recommended to consult a doctor for professional treatment of post-acne and prescribe the necessary products, which should be designed for deep care.

What treatment methods are used in cosmetology?

How to quickly remove acne, spots, scars and cysts? Patients often come to a cosmetologist with such a request. Experts most often recommend the following treatment options:

• Phototherapy. Exposing the affected areas to light of a certain length improves the condition of the skin. As a result, inflammation decreases and erythema disappears.
• Microdermabrasion. This is a delicate procedure, during which the cosmetologist removes the top layer of the epidermis and carefully polishes its surface. It is effective if home cosmetics do not allow you to choose a product that can remove post-acne.
• Laser resurfacing. It is not mechanical and is necessary to improve the relief due to the action of the light beam. The laser allows you to fine-tune the depth of exposure, but it is important to remember that for about 10 days after it, crusts and redness will remain on the face.

Effezel gel: instructions for use

Effezel gel is for external use only. Externally, the gel has a white or light yellow color and is not transparent. In pharmacies, this drug can usually be purchased only in tubes of 30 g. The pharmacological effect of Effezel gel is due to the presence of 2 active components in the composition. Firstly, it is adapalene, which belongs to the 3rd generation topical retinoids, and secondly, it is a highly effective antimicrobial component “benzoyl peroxide”.

Gel composition (in terms of 1 g):

→ Gel Effezel official instructions (PDF)

How to apply the drug correctly. What course of treatment?

Effezel gel is applied to the affected areas of the skin in a thin layer using your fingertips. The drug should be used only 1 time per day (preferably in the evening before bedtime). First you need to thoroughly clean the skin with a mild detergent and dry it well. If you apply the gel to skin that is not completely dry, you will get severe irritation. The duration of treatment depends on the specific situation and is determined by the doctor individually.

At the very beginning of using the drug, dryness, redness, irritation, burning or itching of the skin may occur. If such symptoms occur, you should take a break from treatment for several days, after which you should start using the drug only 3 times a week for 1 or 2 weeks (this will allow the skin to get used to adapalene and benzoyl peroxide). Also, to reduce the risk of facial skin irritation, it is advisable to use products to moisturize it, but it is very important that they are non-comedogenic.

When you see the result - usually the first improvement in the condition of your facial skin can be noticed within 7-10 days (in some patients up to 4 weeks). The standard course of treatment is about 3 months, however, if a good therapeutic effect is achieved, the drug can be discontinued earlier, and in its place a single drug with a topical retinoid adapalene 0.1% (this can be Differin or Clenzit) is prescribed. In any case, the decision to discontinue or replace the drug should be made only by a dermatologist.

How to quickly lighten or conceal

This is only possible if you use an effective integrated approach. That is, here it is necessary to combine competent home care and post-acne treatment from a cosmetologist, and you also need to take the necessary preventive measures.

Cosmetic and therapeutic products provide noticeable positive results, including:

• retinol;
• soft acids;
• keratolytics;
• natural ingredients, including badyagu and arnica.

However, they must be used with caution. Skin with acne scars is sensitive and needs delicate and competent care; active components of cosmetics can only aggravate the situation. In particular, it is important to remember that retinol is UV sensitive and should not be used if you plan to go out in the sun. That is why it is not recommended to get rid of this problem on your own, but should be done under the supervision and control of a doctor.

Effezel gel: reviews from dermatologists

We have already said above that reviews of effezel gel are confirmed only by the fact that drugs containing adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% are recommended by the FDA (the most famous organization in the world for monitoring the quality and effectiveness of pharmaceuticals).
This is a really working drug, and below we will talk about the schemes for its use. However, this will not be a very good drug for patients with sensitive and dry skin, because... it is highly likely to irritate their skin and possibly worsen their acne symptoms. The fact is that both the topical retinoid adapalene and the bactericidal component benzoyl peroxide have an irritating effect on the skin, even separately. You can somewhat reduce the risk of irritation if you divide the application of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide over time, but for this you already need 2 single preparations. For example, you will apply the drug Baziron with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (once a day, in the morning), and in the evening before bed - the drug Differin with 0.1% adapalene, and for patients with dry and sensitive skin it is better to choose a form in the form cream, not gel.

International protocols for the treatment of acne (pimples) –

Let us remind you once again that we do not use Effezel gel for acne. This drug is indicated only if you have inflammatory elements on your skin - papules, pustules or nodes. Those. the indication for use of the drug is papulopustular acne of any severity (we call it pimples), however, there are several nuances (24stoma.ru). These nuances relate to differences in treatment regimens - depending on the severity of acne, as well as on the predominant type of inflammatory elements.

The treatment regimens described below are taken from the famous textbook on dermatology “Fitzpatrick's Dermatology”, which is the most authoritative publication for dermatologists around the world. Treatment regimens take into account the “treat according to clinical manifestations” strategy (UpToDate 2009), i.e. which inflammatory elements are predominant in the patient.

1) Papulopustular acne of mild to moderate severity - if you have only papules without pus as inflammatory elements, then in this case monotherapy with the drug Effezel (or its analogue Epiduo) is sufficient. However, we have already said that it is not necessary to use one combination drug, and it is quite possible to replace it with 2 single drugs. The drug with benzoyl peroxide is applied in the morning, and with the retinoid adapalene in the evening.

But if you have papules with pus, then the use of an antibiotic is already mandatory. In this case, we prescribe a gel with clindamycin in the morning (this could be the drugs Dalacin, Clindavit, etc.) + Effezel gel in the evening. Why do we use two antimicrobial components at once in this case - an antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide. The fact is that with pustules with pus, the antibiotic will be the main antimicrobial component, but benzoyl peroxide is prescribed so that the P. acnes bacteria do not develop sensitivity to antibiotics.

2) Severe papulopustular acne - if you have severe forms of acne, then an antibiotic is prescribed only orally for a long course of up to 6-8 weeks. In parallel with this, we will prescribe the patient Effezel in the evening before bed.

Can spots go away on their own?

How to quickly remove acne marks, and can they disappear without any help? This question is asked by many patients who are encountering this problem for the first time. It is important to remember that scarring and pigment formations on the skin cannot be ignored; it is imperative to undergo treatment. They do not go away on their own, and without the necessary therapy the situation can only get worse. Therefore, we recommend that you come for a consultation with a dermatologist and, if necessary, undergo an examination.

We recommend

Curacen Essence (20 fl x 2 ml)

Nanoneedles with ultra-thin walls 30G

Nanoneedles with ultra-thin walls 33G

Curacen – for injection

What is post-acne

Acne can appear on the face and neck, in the interscapular area, on the back and in the upper chest. Acne or acne is the formation of inflammatory elements on the skin - compacted reddened tubercles (papules) and blackheads, purulent white heads with redness around them. If elements are injured, squeezed out or heal poorly, post-inflammatory, scarring, and pigmentary changes form on the skin - this is post-acne.

This is what post-acne looks like

How to cure with the drug Curasen

When looking for an option on how to effectively remove post-acne on the face, placental therapy comes first. In particular, dermatologists recommend using the drug CURACEN. Due to the fact that it is made on the basis of human placenta hydrolyzate, it has the following effects:

• deep hydration and nutrition of the skin from the inside, prevention of inflammatory processes;
• increasing elasticity and firmness;
• compaction and alignment, creation of an internal cellular framework;
• smoothing out fine, moderate and deep wrinkles;
• elimination of hyperpigmentation, as well as reducing the severity of dark circles in the lower eyelid area;
• tightening in conditions of gravitational ptosis of soft tissues;
• stimulation of the body’s own synthesis of new cells, as well as acceleration of metabolism;
• assistance in restoring the dermis after aggressive cosmetic procedures or plastic surgery.

How to prevent acne

To remove acne and red post-acne, remove traces, treatments in cosmetology and therapy turn out to be very effective. However, in many cases it is easier to prevent the formation of acne and subsequent complications:

• balance your diet, exclude fatty foods, limit your consumption of sugar, tonic drinks, and canned foods;
• use cosmetics suitable for your skin type;
• do not overuse makeup;
• do not squeeze pimples;
• consult a dermatologist.

Side effects and contraindications –

Symptoms of skin irritation may appear - this may include dryness, flaking, redness, as well as itching and burning. Usually such symptoms disappear after 1-1.5 weeks. According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, if such symptoms appear, it is advisable to reduce the number of gel applications (apply it every other day, not every day), and also begin to simultaneously use skin moisturizers.

But to prevent side effects, we recommend using such moisturizers from the 1st day of therapy. In addition, while using Effezel, you should not use other products containing retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or drugs with similar effects, as well as cosmetics with an irritating and drying effect, containing alcohol, as well as peelings, scrubs, etc. And besides, you will need to be sure to use sunscreen with SPF 50, which must be non-comedogenic.

An example of a product with SPF 50 for patients with acne (suspension) –

Absolute contraindications –

• during pregnancy (if breastfeeding is possible),
• in children under 9 years of age,
• if you are allergic to one of the components of the drug.

Dermatitis and eczema are relative contraindications (use with great caution).

Special instructions for use –

• the drug should not be applied to skin that has abrasions and scratches,
• should not be applied to the mucous membranes and red border of the lips,
• avoid getting the gel in your eyes,
• Keep in mind that upon contact with dyed hair and clothing, Effezel causes discoloration. We hope you found the article useful!

Sources:

1. Textbook on dermatology “Fitzpatrick's Dermatology” (8th edition), 2. “Etiology, pathogenesis, classification and clinical picture of acne vulgaris” (Barinova A.N.), 3. “Acne from the position of evidence-based medicine” (Anisimova M. .Yu.), 4. “Modern methods of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with acne vulgaris” (Barinova A.N.).