Acne is a common problem, but not an easy one to treat. The reason is that every skin type is unique and the same treatment cannot be applied to everyone. The worst part is that acne breakouts can leave scars that may take a very long time to fade away. To treat them there are some general guidelines, home remedies as well as professional help available.
If the acne problem is a serious one and the home remedies are not helping, then it is best to take professional help. An expert may have to figure out a customized treatment plan or a combination of treatments, depending on different factors like your skin type, scar type and severity of the problem to come up with the best treatment for acne scars.
Here are some ways to get rid of acne scars:
1. At-Home Skincare Remedies
It is recommended that when you go out in the sun, use a good quality sunscreen. Sun exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation and make it difficult for the acne spots to fade easily. There are many medicated creams available too. Look out for creams having azelaic acid or hydroxyl acid. Derma clear facial is also an effective specialized facial treatment. It is offered at clinics as well as spas. It helps to cleanse skin and targets clogged pores. It must be noted however that natural acne scar treatments may not work in all cases and for them there are other treatments available.
2. Injectable Skin Fillers
Injectable skin fillers are used by medical professionals for more serious cases and for targeted results. These are also called dermal fillers. This includes injected substances into the skin to raise depressed areas of the acne scars or to remove stubborn wrinkles and fine lines.
3. Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are used to treat cystic acne that do not respond to typical acne therapies, topical medications or antibiotics. Cystic acne is considered the most severe type of acne. The injection is targeted and applied to the cyst to reduce its size, pain or inflammation. It is not a regular treatment to treat acne but can be used for occasional cases to speed up the healing process. Be sure to consult a certified dermatologist for corticosteroid injections.
4. Laser Skin Treatment
A popular trend to have a healthier skin is to go for a laser skin treatment. There is a reason for its growing popularity. It is a highly versatile, precise and non-invasive cosmetic way of treating skin that gives highly satisfying results. Many individuals prefer laser treatment for pimples because it is proving to be very effective. Since it addresses the underlying causes of pimples it helps in skin improvement.
The process involves using targeted beams of light to treat different skin concerns and improve skin condition. There are different types of laser techniques from ablative laser, non-ablative laser, fractional laser and more. The pimple scar laser treatment technique will be determined by your dermatologist according to your skin problem.
5. Light and Radiofrequency Therapy
Light and radiofrequency treatment (RF) is a non-invasive therapy used for skin tightening purposes and acne management.
- The process required the use of low-frequency electromagnetic waves that generate heat deep within the skin.
- The heat stimulates the production of collagen and improves skin.
Face radiofrequency treatment is safe and typically painless. It is being popularly used as it helps to promote a youthful appearance.
6. Mechanical Skin Resurfacing
Mechanical skin resurfacing involves physically removing the outer layer of the skin. This is done by dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a more intensive process as compared to microdermabrasion which is a gentler version. The aim of both is to reveal smoother skin from underneath. It is a surgical method where superficial, medium depth or deep application can be made depending on the target. The surgery can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. People may opt for this process for acne scar care or to eliminate wrinkles.
7. Chemical Skin Exfoliation
Chemical skin exfoliation is the process that uses alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) to encourage the skin to shed. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) are water soluble acids, while BHAs are lipid-soluble. When the uppermost epidermal cells shed, new healthier skin emerges. It can target the deeper layers of skin and can be more suitable for people experiencing acne as it doesn’t require abrasion.
8. Microneedling Therapy
Microneedling is also referred to as “collagen induction therapy.” It is a minimally invasive process because it focuses on the outer layer of skin only. In this process, the dermatologist uses very thin needles to make holes in the skin. This stimulates the skin’s healing process as more collagen and elastin is produced which helps improve the overall appearance of the skin.
9. Scar Revision Surgery
As evident by the name scar revision surgery is a medical procedure. Those facing scar issues, surface irregularities or disfigurements can opt for this process. There are different techniques for this process and a dermatologist or plastic surgeon may opt for a combination of these techniques tailored to your needs. A scar revision surgery can improve the appearance and function of scars and in some cases completely eliminate scars.
10. Botox for Scar Improvement
Botox is being used for scar improvement since it reduces muscle tension. Mostly it is used for hypertrophic, facial and keloid scars. Since botox paralyzes muscles temporarily it can help prevent scar widening.
