Acne scars can be a constant reminder of the trauma already experienced by acne itself. They often leave people wondering what they can do to get rid of them. There are many products and treatments that promise to get rid of acne scars, but discerning what works from what doesn't isn't easy. With a few helpful tips on how to get rid of acne scars, you should see clear skin in the mirror soon.
Determine Scar Types
Most acne scar treatments specify the type of scar they aim to heal. Discolored spots left behind after an acne outbreak are often thought to be scars, but according to SkinCarePhysicians.com, they are merely spots that will fade over time. Other acne scar types include rolling scars, which leave a wavy texture behind; boxcar scars, which are angular and can be superficial or deep; ice-pick scars, which are deep pits within the skin; and hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are thick scars that rise above the skin's surface. Acne spots and shallow rolling, boxcar and hypertrophic scars can be greatly diminished with over-the-counter products, and a dermatologist should be consulted for scars covering large surfaces or that are deep.
Sunscreen
SkinCarePhysicians.com recommends wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher daily to protect the skin from sun damage, which can cause acne spots or discolored scars to become darker. To avoid further acne breakouts, use an oil-free sunscreen. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin 20 minutes before you go outdoors.
Topical Treatments
OTC and prescription bleaching creams are available to treat acne spots. Look for products with 2 percent hydroquinone for maximum effectiveness, and follow the manufacturer's instructions closely to prevent further skin damage. There are also topical treatments that claim to get rid of acne scars, but they generally target superficial, shallow scars. When selecting an OTC scar treatment, look for products that treat old scars, as some treatments are just for preventing scars from wounds still healing. Topical treatments are also available in prescription strengths.
Skin Resurfacing
Scars are formed layer by layer, and mild to moderate scarring can be diminished by removing layers of skin to reveal new skin underneath. Light chemical peels and microdermabrasion are used to treat acne spots and superficial scarring. Deeper chemical peels, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion are used to treat moderate to deep acne scarring. Pulsed dye lasers are used to treat keloid scars.
Surgery
Various forms of surgery are often used to treat ice-pick and keloid scars. They are typically outpatient surgeries, with minimal recovery time. Surgeries are often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as skin resurfacing.
Member Comments