The following ingredients are offered in a wide variety of products which promise to reduce scars and make you look great. Here's more information about them:
1. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Topical Ascorbic Acid)
Well known for its healing effects on wrinkled or sun damaged skin, AHA is a water soluble acid derived from plant sources such as lemons, grapes, and apples. It reduces acne scars in two ways: by stimulating the synthesis of collagen fibers in your skin, and by assisting the natural exfoliating process of dead skin cells. In addition, it also helps protect skin from something known as 'free radical damage' (in a word - aging).
While Alpha Hydroxy can reduce acne scars over time, it is not an ultra-quick or instant solution. Usually it takes regular application for weeks before the results become obvious. At this point, however, it does have much positive feedback for making a difference.
2. Copper Peptide
These are often used in conjunction with alpha hydroxy acid. Copper peptides can accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation. They reduce scar formation by stimulating the production of several skin compounds, including collagen, elastin, and others. Some copper peptides can also bond with skin cell nerve receptors, making them a useful anti-inflammatory.
3. Zinc
Zinc has both antibacterial properties and the ability to stimulate the production of essential skin components. The body uses zinc in many areas for defense, including the intestinal tract and skin surface wounds.
Using zinc creams for acne can reduce inflammation of breakouts, assist in the healing process to reduce scaring, and reduce future breakouts by disrupting bacteria-favorable skin conditions. Zinc can also be taken orally for similar effects, though less pronounced.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin is is used topically for its anti-oxidant properties to promote skin healing. Scientifically, however, it has not been shown to benefit in this way. Many have reported it does help with inflammation, however. In reality, it's probably much better when eaten naturally (as d-alpha tocopherol) in food. Its synthetic version however, dl-alpha tocopherol, has been associated with liver damage.
5. Aloe Vera
Extracts from Aloe Vera have been used by ancient civilization as far back as the Chinese Dynasty. It was additionally made popular by its mention the the New Testament. Today, however, it does not fare as well with science. Research has indicated it may not be as effective for would healing and moisturizing as popular folklore would claim. None the less, it is commonly used in hundreds of products for just that, along with commonly being found as a food supplement. Reviews from individuals indicate that higher quality concentrations do make a difference.
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