We know that “Acne is a skin condition that occurs when our hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders”. But what is more frustrating than acne is the scars that are left behind. These scars are caused when the acne is so severe that the tissue beneath the skin layer is also damaged. But, no need to worry as with improvements in science and skin care treatments, even the deepest of the scars can also be treated efficiently. However, before one decides to treat acne scars, they need to understand the various types of acne scars to choose the correct treatment accordingly.
What are the types of acne scars?
• Atrophic scars are flat, and thin scars are also the most commonly found scars. They are similar to depressed acne scars or the condition of anetoderma. They are formed when the scars are partially healing below the skin surface, but then, the skin is unable to generate new tissues. Therefore, uneven scarring is observed in this case.
• Ice-pick scars are deep, narrow, and pitted. Because of the nature of these scars, they are considered more severe than some other types of acne scars. It is certainly typical to get rid of scars at home that are of this nature. However, professional treatments also do not guarantee complete removal of these scars, but significant improvement in skin texture can be observed after these treatments.
• Rolling scars are acne scars with broad depressions and a sloping edge. They are quite shallow, and so if one stretches the skin, they almost look invisible in some cases. They are a result of a prolonged period of inflammatory acne. However, as age passes by, these scars become more prominent.
• Boxcar scars acne scars also have broad depressions but with edges that are sharply defined. They are formed when there is an inadequate amount of collagen production in the body. The thing to note here is that more than the treatment, the timeline of the acne and its scar removal treatment is important. There are chances of low surface inflammations when the acne is healed faster.
• Hypertrophic or keloid scars are raised scars that are thick and lumpy in their appearance. Although they are harmless, they may cause aesthetic concerns to some people. It is formed by a fibrous scar tissue that grows over the affected area to protect it further. This full-grown scar tissue becomes hard and smooth in its nature is known as keloid scars.
How to get rid of the acne scars?
Normal acne scars that are not much deep can be easily treated using some well tested natural remedies and some over the counter products. For the deep ones, proper medical treatments have to be taken for minimizing them as well as removing them.
If the acne scar is very light, they can be removed using natural products like:
• Coconut Oil
• Lemon Juice
• Raw Honey
• Baking Soda
• Shea Butter
• Aloe Vera Gel
Some of the over the counter items that have proven to be helpful in reducing acne scar visibility are:
1. Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid minimizes the prominent appearance of the scar by reduces the swelling in the affected area. It also clears dirt and repairs skin cells, thereby cleaning the pores properly and reducing further chances of acne.
2. Retinoids
They speed up the process of cell regeneration and reduce acne lesions or deep cuts. However, one of the side effects of retinoids is that they make the person’s skin very sensitive to the sun. Therefore, people opting for this remedy should mandatorily wear sunscreen, especially when going out. They work well for all skin tones.
3. Lactic acid
Lactic acid helps in reducing the visibility of scars and smoothening the texture of the skin. However, it suits some people but causes hyperpigmentation to some, so it is highly advisable to test products containing this acid on a small area of skin. It can also be found in diluted Apple Cider Vinegar.
What are the types of scar treatments?
Acne scar treatments are chosen according to the degree of the scars, tolerance of the skin towards certain chemicals, their results as well as possible side effects. Some of these medical scar treatments for treating acne are:
1. Chemical peels:
There are distinct types of chemical peels, depending on the degree of scar, skin type, and skin tolerance. It is found that Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), which is a specific type of chemical peel, shows maximum improvement in people’s scars compared to other types of chemical peels.
2. Injections:
In the case of keloid scars, corticosteroids injections may help a great deal in the treatment. A dermatologist monitors the results and decides the frequency of these injections accordingly.
3. Dermal filler:
In some cases, the dermatologists recommend the use of soft tissue fillers, which are collagen-based, that help in a significant reduction of scars visibility. These fillers are available for temporary as well as permanent results.
4. Microneedling:
It is a procedure of inserting small needles around the affected area so that the body is stimulated to produce more collagen. This process shows improvement but also causes some temporary side effects like inflammation and pain.
5. Laser Therapy:
Laser scar removal therapy is generally the last resort where the topmost layer of the skin is removed with laser treatment, avoiding the use of scrubs and chemicals. Although this treatment results in a reduction in the visibility of prominent acne scars, it causes a reaction for people with sensitive skin.
What are the best products for acne scars?
It is best to work towards stopping the acne scars in the first place. Some of the products that contain ingredients and chemicals that help in minimization and removal of acne scars are:
1. Honeydew Scar Cream
2. Keeva Organics- Intensive Acne Scar Removal Treatment Cream
3. Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream
4. AZALLY Advanced Scar Gel
5. Aromas Advanced Scar Gel
6. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Mark Treatment with Salicylic Acid
There is a solution to every problem:
Acne scars sometimes cost you your peace of mind, but thanks to various solutions available around you, that you can totally get rid of these scars. A little bit of patience and correct analysis of the nature of the acne scar is required before you decide to go for any type of treatment. Then, the chances will increase up to a large extent of you having a better skin inside out.
