As it is, acne can be quite frustrating having a negative impact on our confidence. What becomes even more upsetting about this skin condition is the scars that it leaves behind. Acne scars serve as that painful reminder making you wonder what you did wrong to scar the soft tissue. Now, these scars can be a result of cystic acne or when your skin constantly breaks out in the same place. The good news in all this mess? The fact that not all acne scars are permanent.
You can opt for home remedies as well as medical treatments to get your skin as smooth (as much as it can be) as before. In this article, we have made a list of the most effective ways in which you can prevent and get rid of scars.
Ways to Prevent Acne Scars
The idiom, prevention is better than cure, isn’t without context. If you’re able to prevent acne scars from forming, that’s already a battle won. While it’s mostly resisting temptation, you won’t have to worry about scarred tissues months after your blemishes have disappeared.
- Firstly, make sure that you do not burst that pimple. Many people argue that popping a pimple can take the gunk outside of your skin’s surface helping it heal faster. This is actually incorrect. Instead, what happens is that the gunk makes way to the nearby skin paving the way for more pimples to form.
- Secondly, make it a habit to apply sunscreen whenever you go out in the sun. A sunscreen with a high SPF can protect you from the harmful radiation of the sun that, in turn, leads to a decrease in the appearance of acne and acne scars. In fact, there are also high SPF moisturizers available in the market as well as makeup to make this even easier to follow. Just make it a point to apply sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before you leave the house.
- Thirdly, you can use a face mask for acne that contains specific ingredients to reduce the appearance of blemishes. Aloe vera, bentonite clay, retinol, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and so on are just a few ingredients that can help your skin condition.
Ways to Get Rid of Acne Scars
As mentioned above, you can use home remedies as well as medical treatments to get rid of your scars, giving you an even complexion. Read on as we discuss some of the most effective ways of improving your skin’s texture.
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Chemical Peels
You should schedule a meeting with a dermatologist and ask them to recommend a type of chemical peel that would be suitable for you to reduce scarring and acne severity. As per a research conducted by experts in 2017, it was found that nearly six of the ten participants experienced a 70% improvement in their acne scars. They had opted for a special type of chemical peel with trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
On the other hand, it was found that not every chemical peel was as effective. For example, about 25% of the people who had opted for a glycolic acid chemical peel did not notice any improvements. It is due to these reasons why a proper consultation with an experienced dermatologist becomes a must. -
Acne Scar Treatments
Acne scar treatments are definitely a boon when it comes to reducing acne marks. These treatment products contain ingredients like Vitamin C, tea tree oil, vitamin A, and various other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that can help to improve the overall texture of your skin in the most efficient manner.
Before you select a product, try to figure out the time that it would take to show results and whether it is moisturizing or not. In the former case, it should be fast-acting whereas in the case of the latter, always opt for a moisturizing or hydrating formula. -
Using Salicylic Acid
When it comes to anything acne related, salicylic acid is always the go-to product. It is a compound which is a common ingredient to help unclog your pores and remove any debris or dirt that causes the appearance of acne. The other advantages of using salicylic acid include a reduction in redness and swelling. You can also introduce face washes or face creams that contain this acid and include it in your daily skincare regime. -
Rubbing Natural Ingredients on Your Face
The best part about natural ingredients is that, more often than not, they are found in your refrigerator or kitchen. You can reduce acne scars by rubbing items such as fresh lemon juice, coconut oil, raw honey, and aloe vera gel over your scars. -
Getting Dermal Fillers
In a few cases, you may be recommended to get soft tissue fillers by dermatologists to improve the overall look of your skin. These fillers may contain collagen that helps to expedite the cell turnover rate. But, you will need to make sure that you are not allergic to them as well.
Another option can be to use a filler that sucks out fat from the other parts of our body and is then injected into the scars directly. Commercial fillers such as hyaluronic acid (HA), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) are other options to try out as well. This will help you develop more uniform and smoother-looking skin.
All in all, these were a couple of effective ways in which you can prevent and get rid of your acne scars. The first step to help you prevent getting acne scars is to help you prevent getting acne in the first place. With the absence of acne, there will be no acne scars for you to worry about. To minimize the potential of getting acne scars, try to adopt an effective skincare routine to keep your face clean at all times. Not only will this give you better skin texture, but you will also have more glow and shine.
