Resisting the temptation to squeeze or pick at a pimple is difficult--but failing to do so can cause blemish scarring. These scars look like red or brown marks that may fade over time. Luckily, there are several treatment options that may improve and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Ranging from topical applications to laser therapy, it is best to begin with a conservative treatment, then use more invasive methods if you don't see results.
Step 1
Follow an acne treatment regimen that helps to clear your skin. Before you can treat acne scars, the current acne must be under control. This means washing your face daily with an acne-fighting wash (typically one that contains salicylic acid), applying an acne spot or skin treatment to reduce and prevent blemishes and using a daily moisturizer to keep the skin soft and supple.
Step 2
See a physician or dermatologist to determine your next best step. Initial treatments often include topical products, such as Mederma (a scar reducer that can be purchased over the counter) for new blemish scars or hydroquinone mixed with glycolic acid to reduce brown or red acne spots--over-the-counter options are called skin brighteners or skin lighteners or prescription treatments are available.
Step 3
Consider deeper treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion uses a specialized wand that abrades the top layer of skin, revealing fresher skin underneath. Achemical peel uses mild chemicals to essentially burn off this top skin layer. These procedures both require minimal recovery--typically side effects are mild irritation and redness.
Step 4
Schedule an appointment for laser therapy if your blemish scars are numerous, deeply pitted, are older than three years or show other signs of severe scarring. Laser therapies include laser resurfacing, which removes the outer layer of skin while tightening the skin underneath, or fractional laser therapy, which penetrates to the lower layers of the skin to break up scar tissue while not disturbing the outermost layer. Because these treatments are associated with longer recovery times than other treatments, use them a last resort. However, they have proven effective in reducing a scar's appearance.
Tips and Warnings
- Practicing an effective preventive treatment plan can help you to never have blemish scars in the first place. For this reason, refrain from picking, irritating or squeezing blemishes as these actions are the chief contributors to scarring. Wearing a daily sunscreen will also help to reduce the development of acne and acne scarring.
Things You'll Need
- Acne-fighting face wash
- Topical blemish fighter
- Topical scar reducer or skin brightening/lightening treatment
- Moisturizer (with SPF 15 or higher)
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