If you have spent years combating acne, the last thing you want is to be left with unsightly acne scars that permanently mar the appearance of your skin. Acne scars can range from deep, “ice pick” fissures to side-by-side boxcar scars to a rolling, dimpled appearance. Fortunately, in most cases, you do not have to live with unattractive scarring forever. Read on to find out about the best treatment for acne scars, and you will be on your way to enjoying smooth, even skin.

Acne Scars Causes And Treatments

Why does acne cause scarring?

Certain types of acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads, only affect the outer layers of the skin and do not typically lead to scarring. However, severe acne that penetrates far below the surface of the skin can cause the dermal tissue inside the follicle to collapse, resulting in scarring. Popping or squeezing zits can exacerbate this problem.

What are the usual techniques for acne scars removal?

In some cases, your dermatologist may recommend topical creams to reduce the appearance of acne scars. For more severe scarring, there are several medical procedures that are commonly employed:

* Chemical peels – strong acids are applied to the face in order to remove the outer layer of the skin.
* Laser resurfacing – surgical lasers are used to even the skin’s surface and reduce the appearance of scarring.
* Microdermabrasion – a small machine is used to “sand” away the outer layer of skin cells and even out the texture of the skin.

Do home remedies for scar removal really work?

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of home remedies that are touted for their ability to heal acne scars. Some of these may be more or less effective for tightening the pores temporarily and reducing the look of scarring; however, in most cases, there is no evidence to suggest that they lead to lasting improvement. Read more

As difficult as it can be to deal with the redness, swelling, and pimples that come with acne, it can be even more difficult to deal with the scars they leave behind. Pimples go away with time, but scars can be permanent. If you don’t do anything to remove acne scars, you may have them for the rest of your life.

So, what can you do to remove acne scars? Well, there are four main treatment methods available. All of them need to be performed by a professional such as a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. None of them are all that pleasant, so the best thing to do is learn as much as you can about each of them and then decide (with your doctor) which one is right for you.

Four Best Ways To Remove Acne Scars:

Here is a brief overview of each of the procedures.

Dermabrasion and Dermaplaning

Both of these methods involve scraping off the top layer of skin. The purpose of this is to allow new healthy skin to replace the scarred skin that was removed. In dermabrasion, the skin is removed with a swirling wire brush. With dermaplaning, a motorized blade called a dermatome is used to skim off the top layer of skin.

Both of these procedures are usually done with the use of local anesthesia and a sedative to control the pain. They can also be done under general anesthesia. Another alternative is to use a numbing spray along with the local anesthesia.

Since the top layer of skin is removed in these procedures, the skin will be raw afterwards. For the first few days, the skin will ooze a clear liquid. Once the oozing stops, a crust will form over the skin. After about a week, and possibly for a few weeks afterward, the skin will appear red, shinny, and smooth.

Chemabrasion

This procedure is much like dermabrasion except it is done with chemicals instead of scraping. The top layer of skin is removed by applying chemicals that cause the skin to peel away. For this reason, chemabrasion is also called a chemical peel. Two of the chemicals that may be used are trichloroacetic acid and glycolic acid.

After the procedure, you can expect the skin to be red and swollen. After the skin heals, the procedure may be repeated if necessary. The depth of the scars will determine if multiple treatments are necessary and really deep scars may not be able to be removed completely, though their appearance will be improved.

Laser Resurfacing

This is essentially a more precise way of accomplishing the same thing as the two previous procedures. As with the others, the top layer of skin is removed so that new skin can replace it. The difference with this method is that a laser is used and it can be very precisely controlled. This allows the doctor to only treat the exact areas that need treatment.

Since this method is so much more precise than dermabrasion and chemabrasion, it is now the preferred method of the three. However, even with the precision of the laser, the skin will still be red and tender after the procedure.

Collagen Injections and Gelatin Implants

These two procedures are completely different than ones discussed above. These procedures are performed by using a needle to inject collagen or gelatin under the scars. The goal in this method is to raise the scared skin. Acne scars leave depressed areas in the skin. When collagen or gelatin are inserted under the scars, it raises the skin in that area up to the level of the surrounding skin making the whole surface of the skin look smooth again.

It is possible for some people to experience an allergic reaction or side effects to the collagen or gelatin. This usually manifests as redness, itching, or swelling. In addition to these side effects, it is also possible for hard bumps to form under the skin where gelatin implants are inserted. Read more

There is more information on this site and products to remove acne scars, don’t forget to check it out.

Acne can be treated through topical lotions as well as antibiotics, but a more effective form of treatment is through laser. Laser treatment for acne scars works by removing scar tissues and as a result it makes the skin smooth to feel and touch. As the laser light hits skin surface, it stimulates the growth of skin collagen, which is necessary for firm skin. It also helps to pull out those acne scars that have plunged into the skin and bring them to the surface to make the skin structure normal.

Procedures and types of laser treatment for acne scars:

Prior to application of laser a cream is applied to skin to make the area numb. The laser light is focused on the affected areas and in the process sebaceous glands which are the cause for pimple formation are diminished.

Types of laser treatment for acne scars:

Two types of lasers are used in laser treatment acne scars, one is ablative laser and other is non ablative laser. Ablative lasers remove damaged scar tissue. They work by vaporizing such tissues and they also stimulate skin collagen growth. However, they are not right for dark skin types as it makes skin pigmentation more affected in such skin types. Non ablative lasers work by simply enhancing skin collagen production so that scar on skin is raised. There is no skin tissue removal. This type of laser is also effective in reducing skin lines and it enhances skin texture.

Laser treatment is highly useful but for someone opting for this form of acne treatment it is also important to know about its side effects. Common side effects include changes in the skin pigmentation or color. This is more obvious in the case of those who are dark skinned. The skin becomes rough and there can be swelling as well. Discomfort level for skin is also very minimal. However, the side effects of laser treatment of acne are minimalistic to the positive things you gain from it. Read more

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the site for more information and products on laser treatment for acne scars.