Acne Scars

You have outgrown those acne days. Now the aftermath, acne scars. An unattractive reminder of that equally grotesque period of discomfort, insecurities and shame caused by acne. Acne may have disappeared, but scars persist.

Acne scars develop after a lesion is healed. They formed on the spot of the damaged tissue. Acne scars are the most visible reminder of an injury or a ruptured tissue. Preventing scars sound effortless but since almost millions of the population worldwide have acne scars, it is not that easy after all.

Who usually develop acne scars? How severe can it be? Genetics play a vital role in scars formation and its severity. The more severe the acne is, severe scar formation later can be expected. Since 95% of people with acne develop scars to some extent, earlier treatment is appropriate. This brings the odds of mild scar formation.

For some, acne scars is a minor concern or not an issue at all. While for others, it is a major devastation. Teens withdraw from peers and the public because of the shame and anguish of bearing the scars. Others have low self-esteem and severe depression because of this. Worst of all, this is enough reason for some to commit suicide, mostly among males.

Acne therapies formulated and develop newer acne scar treatments. Aside from the laser acne scar removal, there are now different techniques and methods in removing acne scars. A certain treatment is called laser resurfacing. This can be done inside the doctor’s office. The process takes off the blemished top layer of the skin and constricts the next layer, making skin even and smooth. The treatment takes a few minutes to a maximum of one hour. Pain will be lessen by a local anesthesia. The skin will heal completely after three to ten days.

Another method is the dermabrasion. This is more like scrubbing. A spinning instrument or rotating wire brush is used to scour the skin surface. After 10 days to three weeks, a smoother skin coating takes place the scraped skin.

The latest acne scarring treatment is the fractional laser therapy. This works deeper compared to dermabrasion. This treatment therapy does not bruise the topmost layer of skin tissue. Thus, healing is faster. Fractional laser therapy is expensive and insurance companies usually do not cover this kind of treatment.

Microdermabrasion acne scar treatment or chemical peel is also suggested to patients depending on the seriousness of the scars. The process can enhance scar appearance on the skin. This is just a mild treatment and can be performed inside the doctor’s office or clinic.

At certain times, doctors or dermatologists infuse treatment beneath the scar to alleviate it to normal skin level. In some cases, surgery is recommended. In dealing with acne scars, do not apply masks or facial lotions in your face. This will not help at all. Instead, it will only upset your skin the more.

If you notice a brownish or reddish mark or spot in your face because of a zit, do not be scared. This is not a reason to worry either. It will fade in time similar to the scars on the knees after falling from a bike. Although it may take some time like a year or longer for these marks to totally fade, at least it is just temporary.

There are abundantly new acne scars treatment products that has been out in the market. To name a few, there is the Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel. It has 2% Salicylic Acid and must be used once or thrice a week to lessen visibility of acne scars. There is also the mederma acne scar treatment. A gel-based medication used to extinguish discoloration. Some non-prescriptive bleaching choices to reduce blotches include Peter Thomas Roth Potent Skin Lightening Gel Complex, B. Kamins Skin Lightening Treatment and ScarGuard Lightener. You may consult your dermatologist first before trying on any of these.

Not all acne scars are the same. Their appearance may not be that harsh. But the emotional distress it can cause is overpowering that one may wallow in depression and self-pity. The earlier you seek medical treatment, the better. Early care and prevention is always favorable.