There isn't one technique that can get rid of both blemishes and scars. You usually need to use a combination of methods to first heal the skin; and then an entirely separate product or procedure to fade or remove scarring. Actually, it's recommended that you allow acne lesions to heal before ever attempting to remove scars. Active blemishes can often lead to further scarring, which offsets any improvements made with acne scar revision treatments.
Blemishes
Step 1
Wash the skin each day, urges the Mayo Clinic. Gentle cleansers help remove dead skin and excess oil that could lead to additional breakouts. Acne-prone areas can often benefit from twice-daily cleansing.
Step 2
Pick up an over-the-counter acne cream. Mild-to-moderate acne responds favorably to acne creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These active ingredients in particular can effectively dry excess oil, remove dead skin and eliminate bacterial build up, all of which contribute to acne breakouts.
Step 3
Apply a prescription acne cream, urges the American Academy of Dermatology. For moderate-to-severe acne, over-the-counter creams don't always provide results, so you'll need a topical medication containing a retinoid, antibiotic or both. Retinoids minimize the obstructions within your pores causing the blemishes, while the antibiotics kill bacteria that trigger the inflammation associated with the lesions. Some prescription creams also contain higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide than their OTC counterparts and are considered another option for healing active acne lesions.
Step 4
Talk to your dermatologist about cortisone shots. According to Acne.org, severe acne can be treated with corticosteroid injections before other topical applications are used. Your dermatologist injects cortisone directly into the nodules or cysts associated with severe acne to lessen inflammation, speed healing and even prevent scarring.
Step 5
Consider using an oral contraceptive to improve your complexion. Women can see a vast improvement in acne lesions with oral contraceptives, explains the Mayo Clinic. The hormones used in birth control pills regulate the androgen hormones that could be causing your breakouts.
Scarring
Step 1
Invest in a scar cream, suggests the American Academy of Dermatology. Silicone-based scar creams can reduce the size and severity of raised scars when used each day. Some scars may benefit from the twice-daily application of tretinoin, a prescription acne cream.
Step 2
Talk to your dermatologist about corticosteroid injections. Like severe acne lesions, raised scars can sometimes see an improvement with a series of corticosteroid shots. This substance softens and flattens scar tissue, making it less visible to the eye. Interferon can also be used for this purpose.
Step 3
Take advantage of acne scar excision surgery, advises the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology. Acne scar excision is a grouping of surgical procedures that remove the actual scar tissue from your skin. Skin grafts and tissue elevations can then minimize surgical scarring after the irregular tissue is removed. Your dermatologist can help you determine which procedure is best for you.
Step 4
Follow-up with facial skin rejuvenation. After a surgical procedure, you can further improve the appearance of your skin with facial skin rejuvenation, which includes chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. All of these procedures remove the surface layer of the skin, encouraging the regrowth of skin cells that are more even in tone and texture. This can not only minimizes acne scars, but also help to fade any surgical scars left after acne scar excision.
Tips and Warnings
- Soft tissue fillers, like collagen, fat or hyaluronic acid, are another option to lessen the appearance of depressed scarring. Results last anywhere between three and six months.
- The Mayo Clinic cautions against facial scrubs, exfoliants and astringents when dealing with active acne lesions. These types of products can irritate the skin, and thereby worsen and even prolong your breakouts.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle cleanser
- OTC acne cream
- Prescription acne cream
- Scar cream
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