Pimples are ugly when they're in full bloom, and they can leave a lasting legacy. Acne is most common on the face, and Dr. Audrey Kunin of Dermadoctor.com warns 95 percent of acne sufferers have some degree of scarring. Scars often become more prominent after age 40 as the skin loses collagen. Fortunately, you can minimize scarring and its negative effects.
Step 1
Treat your facial acne as soon as you notice it. Dr. Kunin advises you are much more likely to develop scarring if you delay treatment. You can buy acne treatment creams, gels, pads, washes and wipes containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and other effective ingredients at pharmacies and department stores.
Step 2
Apply an acne treatment consistently, even if you don't get immediate results. The Mayo Clinic warns improvement may take up to eight weeks. Your skin may also get irritated when you first start using a product, but this will ease up if you keep using it.
Step 3
Touch your pimples as little as possible, even if they itch. Scratching, picking or popping them and squeezing out the pus often causes scarring. Scars can also result from vigorous scrubbing. The Mayo Clinic recommends face washing no more than twice a day with the mildest possible cleanser. Apply it gently and don't scrub your face when washing and drying it.
Step 4
Consult a dermatologist if the acne stays the same or worsens with over-the-counter treatment, advises Dr. Kunin. Doctors have a variety of stronger treatment options, from topical products to antibiotics and other drugs, that can tackle tough pimples and prevent scars.
Step 5
Use non-oily sunscreen, cosmetics and other products on your face. The Mayo Clinic recommends products marked "noncomedogenic" or "water-based." Oily substances make acne worse, raising the chance of scarring. They also cause irritation, which may tempt you to scratch your face and cause further problems.
Tips and Warnings
- You have some treatment options if you develop facial scars from acne. The Mayo Clinic explains fat and collagen can fill out scarred areas when it is injected under the skin. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion resurface your face to reduce the visibility of deep scares and eliminate surface blemishes. Lasers are also used for skin resurfacing, but it often takes multiple sessions. Severe facial scars may be removed surgically.
- Cystic acne is a deep, severe form of the skin condition that is very prone to scarring. Make an appointment with your doctor if your pimples are deep, hard and painful. They may need a cortisone injection or other aggressive treatment.
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