Everything You Need to Know About Acne Scar Treatment

Active breakouts can be frustrating enough but acne scars can feel downright diabolical. However, the good news is that acne scars are treatable. Today, in this post, we will shed some light on the acne scar treatment so that you can have spotless and glowing skin. So, let us get started!

 Different Types of Acne Scars

Before we talk about the treatment options, you should know about the different types of acne scars. So, check out the following for detailed information:

1.      Depressed or Atrophic Scars: These are the most common types of scars present on the face. These scars typically sit below the surrounding skin and form when not enough collagen is produced when the wound is healing. These atrophic or depressed scars have three types. And they are:

 

• Boxcar: They are u-shaped and wide scars with sharp edges. They can be deep or shallow. It is said that the shallower they are, the better they react to the treatment.
• Ice Pick: These scars are narrow and v-shaped that can go deeper into your skin. They sometimes look like oval holes or small rounds just like chickenpox scars. According to skincare experts, these are the most difficult scars to treat as they can easily extend far under the skin surface.
• Rolling: These scars generally have rounded edges with a rolling and irregular appearance.

 

2.      Raised or Hypertrophic Scars: These scars are quite common with back and chest acne. They typically stand above the surface of the affected area of your skin. They occur due to excessive production of collagen during healing.

 

3.      Dark Spots: It is a discoloration situation that is left behind after a zit has completely cleared. However, these red, brown, or purple marks fade over a few months without any medical treatment.

Acne Scar Treatments You Can Try

Different types of acne scar treatments are there, so we have categorized them into ‘At Home Treatment’ and ‘In-Office Procedures’. The detailed information has been given below:

At-Home Treatment

Before you begin any scar treatment, you need to be seen by a licensed dermatologist. They can better help you choose the method that is right for your problem. They will also determine whether the marks on your skin are scars and not another condition. Some at-home treatment options are given here:

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids: It is often found in the products particularly made to treat acne. By using products having alpha-hydroxy acids, you can prevent clogged pores and remove dead skin. In addition to this, with regular use of such products, your acne scars can start appearing less noticeable. It is suitable for all types of acne scars.
• Lactic Acid: Do not fret! It has nothing to do with the ‘gym’! As per a small study held in 2010, dermatologist-performed lactic acid peels (once every two weeks for 3 months) can significantly improve the texture, pigmentation, and appearance of the acne scars. Countless ointments, serums, and peels with lactic acids are there but you should consult with your dermatologist to find the most suitable one for your acne scars.
• Retinoids: Topical Retinoids come with scar-smoothening benefits. Additionally, they can speed up cell regeneration and make your skin’s texture better. This treatment option can reduce discoloration and make acne scars less noticeable. This option is highly effective for depressed or atrophic scars.
• Salicylic Acid: The chances are quite higher than you have used salicylic acid in the past to treat your acne. From lotions to face cleansers and spot treatments to pads, it is just about every type of acne treatment option these days. When applied topically, salicylic acid is quite effective for clearing pores, reducing redness and swelling, and exfoliating the skin. It is yet another great option to treat all types of acne scars. To see the real difference, it might take a few weeks. It can also cause irritation or dryness sometimes. So, it is suggested to consult your dermatologist before using it.

In-Office Procedures

If ‘at-home treatments’ do not work for you, then a skincare expert or dermatologist can better help you with the following possible acne scar treatments:

• Dermabrasion: It is one of the most common yet effective treatment options for facial scars. While this treatment uses a similar principle as the micro-dermabrasion kit, an expert uses a wheel or a wire brush to deeply exfoliate the upper layer of the skin. You will get outstanding results with this treatment if you have rolling scars or shallow boxcar.
• Chemical Peels: They are not like the face masks you use while watching your favorite show but chemical peels are something that has strong acids needed to remove the upper layer of your skin to reduce deeper acne scars. Some mild chemical peels can be used at home but it is good to have a professional by your side to get more dramatic results.
• Laser Resurfacing: Just like Dermabrasion and chemical peels, this treatment is also used to remove the top layer of your skin. However, after treatment, you will need to cover the treated area with bandages until it is completely cured. If you are getting breakouts even after the treatment, you should immediately stop this treatment. Besides, it is not an effective solution for those having a darker skin tone.
• Fillers: Another effective solution could be fillers. Your dermatologist will fill in your acne scars with collagen, commercial filler, or with your own fat. These fillers are directly injected underneath the surface of your skin to smooth out the depressed scars. However, this should ONLY BE done by a professional.

Summing Up!

Acne and scars can be extremely frustrating but these acne scar treatments can make them less noticeable. Some scars are indeed permanent but a good dermatologist can help you find some useful ways to reduce the appearance of these scars. The most effective way to treat these scars is to prevent them in the first place. You are less likely to develop these scars if you breakout less. Avoid popping, squeezing, or picking any breakout, irrespective of how tempting it is. This habit will prevent damaging the underlying tissues and skin irritation which can lead to scars.

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