Having to deal with an unsightly pimple is already annoying enough, but pimples are even more frustrating when they leave behind scars. Depending on the severity of your acne, you may be left with scars years after the incident. There are all sorts of home remedies and old wives tales that focus on getting rid of acne scars, but the reality is that lightening scars requires a scientific approach. Use these tips to get rid of acne scars whether they are dark, red, raised, or sunken.
Dealing With Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
The deep red marks that people often call acne scars are not always an actual scar. They are often post inflammatory hyperpigmentation which is an area of collected pigment around the sign of a skin injury. This type of acne scarring will eventually fade on its own, but you can use a few methods to speed up the process. Look for creams that contain AHAs, BHAs, Azelaic, or Vitamin C. All of these are acids that can be found in skin creams. They help to increase the turnover rate of skin cells and boost collagen levels, so they are helpful at clearing up these areas of hyperpigmentation easily. Any UV rays can deepen the marks, so be sure to wear sunscreen on any acne scars while you are trying to fade them.
Talk to Your Doctor About a Retinoid Prescription
Retinoids are a type of compound that is essentially a form of vitamin A. Retinoid creams are commonly used among skincare enthusiasts because they unclog pores, prevent acne, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and help to reduce scars. All of these helpful activities happen because retinoids increase the production of new, healthy skin cells. Retinoids are very powerful, so you typically need to get a prescription from your dermatologist to use them. They can be a little drying on the skin, so be sure to include a moisturizer when using retinoids.
Boosting Scar Reduction With Dermapen
Though topical creams can be helpful at increasing skin cell growth, you may need more intensive procedures if you have deep scars. Particularly helpful acne scar treatment is the Dermapen. This is a form of microneedling that involves tiny punctures in the skin. It helps to break down the scar and encourage new skin growth in the area. Dermapen is ideal for those who just have a few scars because it provides localized treatment.
Reducing Scars with Laser Treatments
Laser skin resurfacing treatments can be very helpful for those with a lot of stubborn acne scars that are raised. They work by removing some skin cells to encourage your body to produce new skin in the area. Depending on the type of laser used by your dermatologists, you may be able to boost collagen production and give the area a smooth and even appearance. Laser treatments are typically very quick, lasting no more than 90 minutes or so. During this type of treatment, you may feel some stinging, zapping sensations, but most offices offer numbing creams or local anesthetic that can make the treatment more comfortable. The area around your scar will look rough and red for about a week, but you should still be able to go to work or school normally.
Using Fillers to Smooth Skin
Some people suffer from a type of acne scar called an ice pick scar. This is a very deep, pitted scar that does not respond well to other types of treatment. You may want to consider speaking to a cosmetic surgeon who can inject a filler in the area. This will raise the scar and make it the same height as the rest of your skin. A filler is a very quick and simple procedure, but keep in mind that you will need touch ups every few months.
Cosmetic medical procedures can be very beneficial for those with acne scars. At Aesthetic Surgery Center, we have a variety of skin resurfacing and filling services that can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars. To learn more about how we can help you to get the skin you have always dreamed of call our office at (239)-594-9100 and get a consultation with Dr. Anurag Agarwal at our Naples, FL location or fill out our online contact form.
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