It’s bad enough having acne. But then when that acne leaves scars on your skin, it’s a constant reminder of something you’d probably much rather forget.
Scarring is the skin’s way of healing itself after injury (as in a bad bout of acne). Scars are basically made of collagen, just like your skin, but the fibers form differently from normal skin, and the result is usually a scar that you can see and feel. [1] While scar tissue is better than having a perpetually open wound, it’s still not fun to live with, especially if you have acne scars on a highly visible place like your face.
So what can you do about those scars? Here are five idea to help you get rid of acne scars:
(1) Derma Roller
Check out last week’s post, which is all about microneedling treatment, also commonly called Derma Roller (or dermaroller) treatment. The tiny needles stimulate blood flow, which encourages the skin’s collagen and elastin formation. Read on to find out all the details about how to use the dermaroller to deal with scars – especially those deep ones, like ice pick scars.
(2) Natural Remedies
If you want to stay away from medications and medical procedures, there are several tried-and-true at-home remedies for reducing scarring and discoloration. Here are a few ideas:
- Lemon juice. It’s a natural bleach, so it can work for lightening dark and discolored scars
- Honey. It is gentle and soothing, and great for sensitive skin.
- Aloe Vera. Not only is the gel from this plant soothing for irritated areas, it promotes healing and regeneration of skin.
- Olive oil. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, and is full of skin-friendly vitamins like A, E, C, and others.
- Baking soda. It makes for a natural and gentle exfoliator.
- Tea tree oil. This moisturizing oil is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and more.
Check out this article for other natural remedies, and suggestions for exact usage and dosage. [2]
(3) Over-the-Counter Creams
Most non-prescription creams and drugstore treatments are best for discoloration and mild scarring. Deeper, more intense scars usually require something like microneedling (see tip #1) or chemical peels or laser treatments (see below). Many creams work at evening out skin tone, color, and texture, which is why they’re best for mild scarring. [3] If you have sensitive skin, deep scars, or other skin issues, see your doctor.
(4) Laser Treatments
This is a more drastic form of treatment, but it might be what is needed if your scarring is deep and hasn’t responded to some of the previously mentioned treatments. Laser treatments involve heating up and vaporizing the scarred sections of skin using a very precise laser; new, healthy skin then has a chance to grow to cover the spot. This may sound painful or drastic, but laser treatment has been proven to be safe, effective, and does no damage to any healthy skin surrounding the treated area. This is something that needs to be done by a licensed professional, so check with your doctor. [4]
(5) Chemical Peels
This is another treatment that’s best left to the professionals. Even if you want to try an at-home chemical peel, it’s our recommendation to check with your doctor first. Just like the name suggests, a chemical peel involves using chemicals to strip away the scarred top layer of skin, allowing healthy skin to grow. Many chemical peels have proven effective at treating acne scars, but some can have some side effects, so do your research first. Here is a brief overview of several different types of chemical peels and what type of scarring they can treat. [5]
With all of these treatment options, it’s still best to consult your dermatologist or another medical professional, especially before approaching chemical peels or laser treatments. This blog is to help inform you of options and encourage you to keep fighting for the clear skin that you deserve, but though we have done a lot of research and feel as if we know our stuff, we’re still not licensed medical professionals.
That being said, if you have tried any of these techniques – or if you have a treatment option that’s not on this list – please share! We want to hear your success stories and recommendations in the comments below!
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scar
- http://www.rapidhomeremedies.com/7-top-remedies-remove-acne-scars.html
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/09/acne-scars-prevention-treatment_n_3728437.html
- http://www.webmd.com/beauty/laser-resurfacing-surgical
- http://www.livestrong.com/article/155976-the-best-chemical-peels-for-acne-scars/