Acne is a skin condition known medically as acne vulgaris. It occurs when the sebaceous glands in the skin produce an excessive amount of sebum. This can block the pores and cause inflamed papules to erupt on the skin. In severe cases, acne can also cause scarring which can be improved by removing the upper layers of skin. The common methods of lightening acne scars include dermabrasion, laser resurfacing and chemical peels.
Step 1
Consider dermabrasion. This procedure will require you to take anti-viral medication beforehand to reduce the risk of infection. You'll also need to have your skin numbed with a local anesthetic or cold-producing substance before the procedure. Your dermatologist will remove the upper layers of skin with a dermabrasion tool. This tool has a head coated with diamond chips that rotates at very high speed. The dermatologist will apply a dressing afterwards which you'll need to change daily until a scab can form over the abraded skin.
Step 2
Receive laser resurfacing. This method uses the heat energy of a laser to ablate the upper layers of skin. The types of lasers used to treat acne scars include yttrium, aluminum and garnet (YAG) lasers and carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. The YAG laser is newer and is absorbed more efficiently by the skin, which results in a shorter recovery time. The CO2 laser has been in use for a longer period of time, and its long-term effects are better understood than those of the YAG laser.
Step 3
Do a chemical peel. Apply a dilute glycolic acid solution to the skin affected by acne scars. The solution will dry to a gel-like consistency which you can then peel from the skin. This will also remove the upper layer of skin. Chemical peels will cause the skin to be swollen and red for several days. They're commonly available as a home remedy, and may be effective in treating mild acne scars.
Things You'll Need
- Home chemical peel kit
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