How can post-acne marks be prevented?

PIH is mainly triggered by the way skin regenerates after an inflammation. To prevent it, though there are no guarantees, avoid picking at or pressing your pimples. The best prevention is, however, to target acne-related PIH at the root, meaning preventing blemishes from appearing and getting inflamed. Use a mild but effective cleanser and use light, non-comedogenic skincare with anti-inflammatory ingredients, like licochalcone A and keratolytic salicylic acid, which are used in our Eucerin® Dermopure Triple Effect Serum to prevent pores from clogging. Additionally, sun exposure can aggravate PIH symptoms, so we recommend sun protection. Limit the time you spend in the sun and keep out of the sun during its most intense hours. Wear protective clothing and sun hats whenever possible and apply a sun protection factor of at least 30, to protect marks from darkening and help prevent new marks from appearing by using specialized skincare like Eucerin® Dermopure Protective Fluid SPF 30.

What is so special about Thiamidol?

Thiamidol is an exclusive and patented active ingredient developed during a 10-year research project. It reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by addressing the root cause, the production of melanin in the skin. Many known ingredients have undergone testing on mushroom enzymes alone rather than on human skin enzymes. The efficacy of Thiamidol in our Eucerin® Dermopure Triple Effect Serum has been demonstrated in real-life testing. Clinical trials* and other responses have shown that our formulation effectively reduces post-acne marks. *Clinical efficacy study, 12 weeks, 2× daily use, 40 female and male patients, 18–40 years of age.

Beyond Thiamidol, what makes the DermoPure Triple Effect Serum so effective on blemish-prone skin with post-acne marks?

In addition to Thiamidol to reduce persistent post-acne marks and prevent their appearance, it contains salicylic acid to reduce blemishes as well as licochalcone A to prevent new blemishes from appearing. Thanks to the sebum regulation technology, the formulation leaves the skin with a long-lasting, matte and non-shiny look. In addition, the serum is non-comedogenic and has a decidedly light feel on application.

Why does the serum feel so light on application?

To optimally suit the formulation of the active ingredients Thiamidol and salicylic acid for blemish-prone skin, we tried to avoid lipids and make the product extra light. It contains alcohol to make the active ingredients bioavailable and further support the anti-bacterial efficacy of the formulation. Alcohol does not harm the skin, but a slight stinging sensation may occur, which is harmless and will fade after minutes. Extensive clinical testing of the product guarantees its good suitability and safety for blemish-prone skin.

What is the benefit of using both DermoPure post-acne marks products together?

The products have enhanced efficacy when used in combination. This is one of the findings of our product-in-use study, among other user responses. In an eight-week study, three groups of 100 volunteers each tested the products: one group used Eucerin® Dermopure Triple Effect Serum alone, one group used Eucerin® Dermopure Protective Fluid SPF 30 alone, while the third group used a regimen of the two products in combination. After eight weeks, the scores for the regimen cell were the strongest – after regular usage twice daily, volunteers even agreed that it has the highest efficacy of any solution they’ve ever tried* In fact, 95% of users say the combination finally beats their post-acne marks*. *Product in use study with 100 volunteers, eight weeks of regular usage twice daily.

Will post-acne marks come back if I stop using the products?

The main active agent of Eucerin® Dermopure Triple Effect Serum, Thiamidol, has a direct effect on melanin synthesis, which causes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. As a rule, post-acne marks fade over time, but can take several years or even a decade to disappear. Eucerin® Dermopure post-acne marks products support and accelerate the process. Once they have vanished, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation spots are unlikely to reappear. At the same time, to prevent new post-acne marks from appearing, we recommend to keep using the products even after present marks have faded. Keep using the products as long as the skin is prone to blemishes.

Can I use the Eucerin anti-pigment product line alongside the DermoPure Triple Effect Serum?

The active ingredient Thiamidol is used in both product lines, but for different reasons. In Eucerin® Dermopure Triple Effect Serum, its purpose is to reduce post-acne marks. In addition, the range contains agents to reduce blemishes and control shiny skin. The Anti-Pigment line, on the other hand, is not designed to address blemishes. For these reasons, we recommend the Anti-Pigment line for those who suffer from hyperpigmentation and the Dermopure line for those suffering from blemish-prone skin with post-acne marks.

DERMOPURE Serum | anti-marks, anti-blemish, anti-shine

Main findings

95%

finally beats post-acne marks

97%

my skin looks clearer

86%

my skin looks instantly refined

94%

my skin looks more even

About

NART: 66862-10000-01

Acne is a fact of life for a huge cross-section of society. It affects up to 95% of adolescents and 40% of adults*. Many people experience post-acne marks (Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH for short) long after the acute acne has vanished. After tackling blemishes, they are still stuck fighting their post-acne marks, which can persist for several years or even a decade** with the sun aggravating the symptoms.

About 1 in 2 people experience post-acne marks. Men and women are equally susceptible, and all skin types can get post-acne marks, although it is more prevalent in darker tones of skin***.

Eucerin DermoPure Triple Effect Serum with patented Thiamidol enables you to finally beat blemishes and post-acne marks with 3 key factors:

Anti-marks: Patented Thiamidol acts at the root cause of hyperpigmentation to reduce persistent post-acne marks and prevent their appearance.
Anti-blemish: Salicylic Acid effectively reduces blemishes and Licochalcone A helps to prevent new blemishes from appearing.
Anti-shine: Sebum Regulating Technology delivers a long-lasting dry, matt finish.

The Triple Effect Serum has enhanced efficacy when used together with the Eucerin DermoPure Protective Fluid SPF 30. In fact, respondents in our studies report that the products not only improved their lives and provided relief, but also have the highest efficacy against post-acne marks of any products they have ever tried. “The combination beats post-acne marks,” say 95% of users****.

* Zouboulis, C. C., Hautarzt. 2014; 65(8):733–750.

** Abad-Casintahan, F. et al., “Frequency and Characteristics of Acne-Related Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.” J Dermatol. 2016; 43:826–828.

*** Kaufman et al., Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018; 19:489–503, Perkins et al., JEADV. 2011; 25(9):1054–1060.

**** Product in use study with 100 volunteers, 8 weeks of regular usage twice a day of both Serum and Fluid SPF 30.

How To Use

Apply morning and evening Apply one full pump to thoroughly cleansed skin. Apply all over your face. Avoid eye area. Follow with an appropriate care product. We recommend the Eucerin DermoPure Protective Fluid SPF 30 for enhanced efficacy in the morning and DermoPure Mattifying Fluid in the evening. Suitable to be used underneath a facemask Do not use for children under 12 years old. A slight stinging sensation can occur. Do not apply on highly inflamed blemishes Do not use other Thiamidol containing products Tip: Try out on a small area of skin first. A slight tingling sensation may occur which is harmless and will fade after minutes. If your skin shows a visible reaction for a longer period of time, consult your dermatologist or pharmacist.

Step-by-step guide for DERMOPURE Triple Effect Serum

Cleanse and tone

Cleanse skin in the morning and evening: am: to remove the sebum and dead skin cells that have accumulated overnight pm: to remove make-up and free skin from the day’s dirt Use gentle cleansing products such as Eucerin DERMOPURE Cleansing Gel with lukewarm water and follow with an appropriate toner. You may also benefit from using a scrub once a week to unclog pores and refine skin texture. We do not recommend using an alcohol-based toner and the scrub alongside acne medication as it can make skin more sensitive. If you like the refreshing feel of a toner, try the alcohol-free Eucerin DERMOPURE Micellar Water instead.

Care

The care product you use depends on the severity of your acne and on the type of treatment you are undergoing. If you are using medical treatment for acne, Eucerin DERMOPURE Adjunctive Soothing Cream helps to alleviate some of the symptoms such as intense dryness. It should be applied five minutes after your medication so the treatment can absorb fully. If you have mild to moderate acne, but are not undergoing medical acne treatment, use a soothing and mattifying moisturiser such as the in the morning and the Eucerin DermoPure Mattifyng Fluid in the evening. For clearer and smoother-looking skin over time, you may also like to incorporate our skin renewal treatment into your routine. It is suitable for all blemish-prone skin that is not undergoing medical acne treatment and should be used once a day only − ideally in the evening. You can use it before the mattifying fluid or on its own. If you have blemish-prone skin with post-acne marks you can also use the Eucerin DermoPure Triple Effect Serum and Protective Fluid SPF 30 to reduce post-acne marks and protect them from appearing.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is an important step in your morning routine. Blemishes can cause pigmentation issues if over-exposed to the sun, and acne medications can make blemish-prone skin even more sensitive to UV rays. Eucerin Sun Gel-Creme Oil Control Dry Touch SPF30 and SPF50+ offers the levels of protection that your skin needs and should be applied before your cover-up and make-up. If you’re applying sun protection after a topical acne treatment wait five minutes to allow the treatment to fully absorb.

Concealer and make-up

Cover blemishes and even out skin tone with foundation and/or a concealer. Choose products that are non-comedogenic (i.e. that will not block pores) and, ideally, ones that contain ingredients that work to improve the condition of blemish-prone skin. Be sure to remove all make-up before you go to bed.

FAQ´s

What are post-acne marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH for short)?

PIH is a type of hyperpigmentation of the skin that is mainly triggered by the way skin regenerates after inflammation. It can affect the face and body, typically especially UV-exposed areas, and appears as flat spots of hypercoloration. These range in color from pink to red, brown or black, depending on skin tone and the depth of hypercoloration. The root cause is increased melanin production, the pigment that defines the color of a person’s skin, which is stimulated by inflammatory factors. The blemish triggers melanocytes – the melanin-producing cells – to release excessive melanosomes (pigment granules). The excessive pigment granules darken and discolor the formerly stressed area. Once initial blemishes have subsided, spots of hypercoloration, so-called post-acne marks, can remain.

Additionally, sun exposure can aggravate PIH symptoms, darkening the affected patches and prolonging the time it takes for them to fade. Most acne-related PIH will eventually fade over time, but it can take several years or even a decade until it is fully gone*.

^{*Abad-Casintahan, F. et al., “Frequency and Characteristics of Acne-Related Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.” J Dermatol. 2016; 43:826–828.}

Is exposure to sunlight after applying the products a problem?

No, there is no issue regarding the products in combination with sun exposure. At the same time, skin areas prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation should limit sun exposure, as sun exposure can aggravate symptoms, darkening the affected patches and prolonging the time it can take for them to fade. This is why we recommend using our Eucerin^® Dermopure Protective Fluid SPF 30 in addition to the Triple Effect Serum since it includes broad-spectrum ultraviolet radiation filters that protect from both UVA and UVB rays.

Can I use the Triple Effect Serum under my make-up?

Yes, you can use it underneath your make-up.

Can I use the Triple Effect Serum underneath a face mask and does it work against Maskne (Mask-induced blemishes)?

Yes, you can use the Triple Effect Serum underneath a face mask. In fact, 91% of the volunteers in our product in use study* confirmed it is suitable to be worn with a mask.

88% of the volunteers also confirmed the product prevents blemishes coming from wearing face masks frequently. Learn more about Maskne (mask-induced blemishes) on the Maskne page.

*100 volunteers, eight weeks of regular usage twice daily.

Who is affected by post-acne marks?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common among many acne sufferers since a root cause for acne is inflammation. Those post-acne marks left behind after blemishes subsided can be even more aggravating and emotionally distressing than acne itself. Men and women are equally susceptible, and all skin types can get post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, although it is more prevalent in darker tones of skin, with over 65% of the Black Americans experiencing it, followed by 53% of Hispanics, 47% of Asians and 25% of Caucasians*. This means that we need effective and tolerable skincare fighting both blemishes and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for consumers all over the world.

^{* Kaufman et al., Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018; 19:489–503, Perkins et al., JEADV. 2011; 25(9):1054–1060.}