People who suffer from acne can testify how horrifying the experience can be. The prominent scars left behind once the acne goes away can give rise to even more emotional distress. The good news is that there is many best acne scar treatment available in the market so, you can get these acne scars treated. One important thing to keep in mind is that before treating an acne scar, make sure to get rid of the existing acne.
You need to gain some knowledge about acne scars and the type that you are suffering from before jumping into acne scar treatment. This article consists of all the information you need to know about Acne Scar: Type, Treatment and Check how to get rid of Acne Scars.
Table of Contents
What are the acne scars? What causes them?
Acne scars are the outcome of the breakouts you get due to blocked skin pores. Blocking gives rise to swelling of pores and that could lead to breakage in the follicle’s wall. This can make deep or shallow lesions. These lesions can penetrate through the skin and damage the tissues underneath. Hence, a mark or pit behind.
Types of Acne Scars
You need to know the type of acne scar you are suffering from to find the right acne scar treatment for them. There are two types of acne scars: Hypertrophic and Atrophic. Hypertrophic acne scars are the raised scars and are commonly found on the chest and back area. These are caused due to excessive collagen production during wound healing. Atrophic scars are the type you see on your face. This is a depressed scar that just lies below the surrounding skin. These are produced due to a deficiency of collagen during wound healing. These are of the following three types:
Ice Pick Scars
Such scars arise due to severe acne lesions. These develop after you get an infection from cysts that penetrate deep into the skin.
These are narrower than boxcar and rolling scars but deeper and more noticeable.
At-home remedies might not work for these.
Boxcar Scars
These scars are wider when compared to ice pick scars. They have the appearance of round craters with sharp edges that give the skin a pitted and rough look.
These could be narrow or deep and arise due to inflammatory breakouts that attack collagen. As a result, the tissue is a lot and depressions are created in the skin.
Rolling Scars
These are wide scars with rounded edges. They can make your skin look rough and irregular. These are caused by fibrous tissue bands that can develop between your skin and subcutaneous tissue underneath. These bands pull your epidermis and give the skin a rolling appearance.
Acne Scar Treatment with Home Remedies:
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in most skincare products used to treat acne. It helps minimize swelling and redness, clears the pores and prevents scarring.
This magic ingredient is perfect for treating any form of acne scars. However, it is recommended for people with sensitive skin to do a patch check before applying it on the entire face.
Suited for: All acne scars
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are commonly used in products designed for the treatment of acne, as they help eliminate dead skin and avoid obstructed pores. Better still, AHAs can also help make acne scars look less visible.
The mild acid exfoliates the skin’s outer layer to help remove discoloration and gritty skin.
Suited for: All acne scars
Lactic Acid
This is sold at your closest drugstore in the form of various creams and lotions. Lactic acid enhances skin texture and decreases scar prominence. However, lactic acid may, in some cases, cause hyperpigmentation. It is recommended that you run a patch check before using it.
Suited for: All acne scars
Retinoids
These are very helpful in reducing discoloration and treating fresh acne scars. Topical retinoids can also improve your skin texture. Using these in the first stages of acne could help prevent and reduce scarring.
These could cause sun-sensitivity, so make sure to wear a sunscreen before you step out.
Suited for: Atrophic/ Depressed Scars
Acne Scar Treatment with Natural Treatments
There are several natural and home remedies people have been using over centuries now, to treat acne scars. These include:
- Coconut oil
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Lemon Juice
- Shea Butter
- Raw Honey
- Baking Soda
There are some other at-home effective treatments you could try out. These include:
- Niacinamide
- Sunscreen
- Azelaic Acid
Acne Scar Treatment in Dermalogist Clinic/In-Office Treatments:
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is one of the most potent and effective facial scar treatments. While it follows the same general concept as the at-home microdermabrasion kits, health care professionals use a wire brush or wheel to exfoliate the skin’s top layer more deeply.
Suited for: Boxcar, Rolling Scar
Chemical Peeling
A chemical peel is a strong acid that can be used to strip the skin’s surface layer to reduce deeper scars.
Certain chemical peels are mild enough to be used at home, but your doctor might be able to offer a stronger solution for more satisfying results.
Many different types of chemical peels are available, so it’s best to consult with your health care provider about which one is suitable for you.
Suited for: All acne scars, especially for deeper scars.
Microneedling/ Rolling
Microneedling is particularly effective in reducing scars, wrinkles, acne marks, and discoloration. It also helps to rejuvenate skin and enhance texture.
The procedure involves micro-needles inserted around scars. This stimulates the body to have more collagen produced.
Rolling is an inexpensive way to cope with acne scars, too.
These can, however, cause temporary side effects such as redness, pain, and inflammation.
Suited for: Atrophic acne scars
Laser Treatment for acne scars
This is a common procedure, and one of the favored methods used by dermatologists to remove acne scars. Laser treatment for acne scars involves removing the skin’s uppermost layer. This procedure uses intense light therapy and requires no chemicals at all. It might not suit those with sensitive skin.
Things to keep in mind before going for laser treatment for acne scars:
- Needs a board-certified dermatologist to operate.
- Side effects include redness, scratching, swelling and oozing.
- Based on the depth of the scars, sometimes sedation is needed.
Laser treatment for acne scars should be one of your final resorts because it might not be suitable for everybody and could initiate a reaction in people with sensitive skin.
Suited for: All acne scars