Acne scars appear in two forms. The first form is a red or brown mark on the skin that will eventually fade but can be treated at home. These marks are not true scars because no skin tissue has been lost or permanently damaged. The second form of scarring is pockmarks in the skin where acne blemishes healed; these scars are more severe and harder to treat. See your dermatologist to consider additional treatments, such as laser resurfacing and reconstructive surgery.
Step 1
Use an at-home microdermabrasion kit once a week. Focus on the areas where you have acne scars. The microdermabrasion will speed cell turnover and smooth the surface of your skin.
Step 2
Wash your face once a day with a cleanser containing alpha hydroxy acid. This type of cleanser mimics the smoothing effects of a chemical peel, but is gentle enough to use in conjunction with weekly microdermabrasion.
Step 3
Apply a face lotion containing retinoids once a day. Apply an additional moisturizer if you find that the retinoids are drying or irritating your skin. Retinoids speed cell turnover and keep your pores from clogging.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about more intensive treatments, especially if you have pockmarks that do not appear to be healing on their own. Your dermatologist may recommend laser treatment or a prescription medication to smooth your skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Reduce your treatment with cleanser and lotion to every other day if your skin becomes irritated or dry. Alternate with a cleanser and moisturizer formulated for normal to dry skin.
- Wear sunscreen every day, regardless of your level of sun exposure. Retinoids and other exfoliating ingredients put you at high risk for sunburn.
Things You'll Need
- Microdermabrasion kit
- Face wash containing alpha hydroxy acid
- Face lotion containing retinoids
- Moisturizer
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