Acne breakouts are common in both men and women especially during adolescence. They occur in various forms like comedones, nodules and cysts. According to dermatologists, acne comedones do not leave scars on the skin if they are not picked at with the finger. However both acne cysts and nodules leave behind scars on the skin tissue long after the acne has been healed. This not only reduces the beauty of the face, it also reduces one’s confidence! But do not fret as there are various acne scar treatments that can help you bid goodbye to the marks once and for all! Listed below are some such treatments.
How to Get Rid of Acne Scars
Dermatology Chemical Peels – These peels have a very strong effect on the skin and must be used only under the supervision of a medical professional. The peels are coated with trichloroacetic and glycolic acids which, on contact with the skin, accelerate the rate of shedding of scarred tissue.
Salicylic Acid – This is a very gentle acid which is applied directly on the scar tissues. The beta hydroxy compounds in the acid promote shedding of skin and reducing the appearance of a scar.
Microdermabrasion – Done only by a dermatologist, a tool is used to cover the acne scars with crystals of aluminum oxide or zinc. These sand crystals are propelled against the skin so that the outer layer sheds off and new skin tissue takes its place.
Subcision – In this surgical method, the scar is detached from the skin tissue to allow blood to accumulate under the skin surface. After a few days new connective tissues grow in the region to take the place of the scar.
Retinoids – Tazarotene and adapalene are two types of topical retinoids used to treat acne scars. They are rich in vitamin A, which accelerates the rate of turnover of skin cells. This means that the scar affected cells are fast turned over into new healthy skin cells.
Laser Resurfacing – In this form of surgery laser ray is used to burn the outer layers of skin affected by acne scars. As soon as they are removed, new skin cells begin to fill their place. This is one of the most expensive acne scar treatments.
Saline Injections – As soon as you insert a saline injection in the skin affected by acne scars, the liquid flows below the skin tissues and increases the formation of collagen in the blood. Collagen is very effective in lightening and reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Punch Replacement – In this surgical treatment tissue from the scar affected area is removed by drawing deep punch holes. This gap is then filled with graft tissues taken from other parts of the body. This surgery is prescribed only to people with very deep acne scars on their face.
Augmentation – Dermal fillers like collagen are injected just below the skin that has been scarred by acne marks. The skin tissues in this area then rise to get rid of the scars.
Natural Acne Scar Treatments – Rub ice cubes or olive oil on the acne scars. These help to tighten the skin pores, regulate the flow of blood to this part of skin, exfoliate the dead cells and promote growth of new tissue. Tomato, rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, also helps in removing the dead acne scarred skin cells replacing them with new ones.