How to Treat Acne Scars

When you have acne scars, you’re not just dealing with cosmetic concerns; you’re dealing with psychological trauma as well. Acne scars can make it difficult to feel confident in your skin, and they can become the source of low self-esteem that keeps you from doing the things you want to do. However, there are safe and effective treatments available to remove acne scars and help your skin return to its natural beauty. To learn more about acne scars and how to treat them, read on.

6 Tips to Treating Acne Scarring

Understanding acne scars

It's important to note that not all acne scars are created equal. Each scar is different and responds differently to a treatment. Understanding your type of acne scar can help you find what works best for you. The most common types of acne scars include ice pick, boxcar, rolling, hypertrophic, and keloid. To get rid of each kind of scar in an effective way, you first have to understand how it formed in your skin. Once you know what type of acne scars you have and their triggers, it’s easier to determine an effective treatment plan.

You may want to start by figuring out what kind of acne scars you have. For example, keloid scars are raised and usually occur on the chest, back or shoulders. Rolling scars usually form as a result of picking or squeezing your skin. Ice pick and boxcar scars are small and shallow, but deep enough to leave significant marks behind. Lastly, hypertrophic scars aren’t raised but appear larger because they’re red or thickened due to excess collagen production in response to injury or trauma.

Determining your acne scar level

acne scars come in a few different levels of severity. There are mild, moderate, and severe acne scars and there are also icepick, boxcar, and rolling acne scars. Milder forms can easily be treated with topical creams or over-the-counter retinoids while more severe acne scars may require dermabrasion or laser surgery. 

In general, treating your scar will take time since you have to kill off bacteria that may still be lingering on your skin before you can even get rid of dead skin cells trapped below the surface. For example, it takes roughly two months for regular peeling cream to do its work so if you're hoping for quick results it might not be realistic unless you use stronger treatment methods.

What causes scarring

These types of scars can occur from cuts, abrasions, burns, or infections like acne. Scars that form underneath your skin’s surface are called keloids and they tend to form more commonly among people with darker skin. It may seem counterintuitive, but as a general rule, you should try not to pick at or squeeze pimples since scarring is one possible side effect. 

You can treat acne when it’s new with over-the-counter treatments like benzoyl peroxide or prescription medication like retinoids. However, keep in mind that these treatments typically take weeks before your pimples clear up and other possible side effects include irritation and redness.

This is why it’s important to work with a dermatologist before proceeding. If your doctor prescribes you isotretinoin, don’t hesitate in taking it. This pill (better known as Accutane) has been shown effective in clearing up acne quickly and preventing scarring from developing. However, one of its most common side effects is dry lips, so be sure not to skip out on lip balm during treatment!

Reducing your risk of scarring

There are certain steps you can take to make sure you don’t get acne scars in the first place. First, wash your face at least twice a day with a gentle cleanser designed for acne-prone skin. Also, try cleaning once a week with an exfoliating scrub containing ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid. 

The idea is that gently sloughing off dead skin cells will prevent them from clogging pores and causing breakouts in the first place. You may also want to consider using products that contain retinol or other types of vitamin A; these have been shown in some studies to reduce hyperpigmentation and help keep acne scars lighter.

Anti-scarring treatments

No matter what kind of acne scars you have, these treatments can help get rid of them. Proven ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C are particularly effective at fading and reducing existing acne scars. Exfoliation is a critical part of any skincare routine, and it's especially important if you want to treat acne scars effectively. 

Gentle exfoliants, like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, can help dissolve dead skin cells that are in your way. You also need antioxidants—both topical ones (like green tea extracts) and oral ones (vitamins A and E)—and hydration since a dry complexion is more prone to scarring.

The best part is that it’s not just about repairing your skin from within. There are topical creams and treatments you can use alongside oral supplements to get rid of your acne scars for good. But make sure you choose a product with proven ingredients, like vitamin C and retinol. 

Exfoliation and antioxidants are also key for improving overall skin health—and thus reducing your chances of new breakouts—as well as helping to fade your acne scars once and for all. To fight existing scarring, be sure to use gentle exfoliants, such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, both of which will break down dead skin cells more effectively than physical scrubs.

Ways to help prevent future breakouts

The good news is that even after you've gotten rid of your active acne, breakouts can still be prevented with a few skincare basics. Keep your hands off of your face: Keeping your hands away from your face is by far one of the best ways to prevent future breakouts. Dirty hands tend to cause clogged pores which can lead to breakouts. 

Washcloths and towels are also dirty and should never be used on the face or neck. Be gentle with cleaning products: Using harsh chemicals or rough exfoliators will not only exacerbate existing acne but leave scars as well. If you're going out into public make sure you have some clear cover-up on hand in case you happen across a pimple before having time to treat it at home.

Conclusion of Treatment of Acne Scars

The best way to make sure your acne doesn’t come back is to stay on top of it. By having a detailed plan for acne treatment, you can quickly get rid of any active breakouts that come your way and start off 2017 with a clean slate. And even if you do get a new breakout, remember that they won’t last forever. With these tips in mind, you can finally have beautiful skin again!