Are you frustrated and conscious about your acne scars and wondering if you can get rid of them, so that you get clearer, brighter, smoother, and rejuvenated skin? Acne scars are stubborn but the good news is that they can be treated and a variety of treatment options are available for you. Your dermatologist is the best person to assess and advise an acne scar treatment or a combination of two or more therapies best suited for you depending upon your skin type, scar type, and extent of scarring.
We are here today, to enlighten you about what are acne scars and the different treatment therapies to get rid of acne scars, home remedies, and the best treatments for acne scars. This will help you to be informed before you make a decision for yourself to get that clearer, beautiful, flawless skin that you always wanted.
What are acne scars?
Acne scars are basically scarring developed as a result of acne, mainly on the face but in other areas also. Acne scars form due to the inflammation of acne blemishes due to clogging of the pores with dead skin, bacteria, and oils, which causes swelling and then a breakdown happens in the wall of the acne pores. They may either develop as an indentation on the skin or a raised area on the skin surface and take different forms and shapes.
How to remove acne scars from the face and other parts permanently?
Consult a dermatologist as soon as you notice these types of changes on your skin because any delay in the treatment might increase the severity of the scarring. Your dermatologist will examine, assess, and determine the type of acne scars and accordingly recommend the best treatment. Various cosmetic treatment modalities include:
Resurfacing Techniques:
- Chemical Peels: Different chemicals are used to remove the outermost skin layer(epidermis). This stimulates the inner layers to produce new skin which will be smoother, and clearer with lesser acne marks.
- Microdermabrasion: The same principle works for this technique, but the outer skin layers are removed by using an abrasive tool that causes friction and removes the top layer of the skin.
- Dermabrasion: It is the same as microdermabrasion, just that in this the deeper skin layers(Dermis) are removed.
- Laser treatment for acne scars: The laser resurfacing treatment is a painless non-invasive and the most effective technique for the treatment of acne scars. It focuses a beam of concentrated high-intensity light on the upper layers of your skin through a laser gun which heats up and breaks the scar tissue and peels it off. Simultaneously, it promotes the production of new collagen (A protein that makes up the skin) and stimulates the underneath skin to grow new, rejuvenated, and healthier skin. This will replace the old scarred skin and minimize its effects. Some lasers penetrate the deeper layers without affecting the upper layers. Depending upon the extent of scarring, your dermatologist will recommend the type of laser needed for acne scar removal for the best way to get rid of acne scars. Fractional carbon dioxide (FCO2) laser is considered gold standard treatment for acne scars. There is a downtime of 5-7 days as the entire skin peels off to give rise to fresh skin. During this time strict sun avoidance needs to be practiced. Acupulse from Lumenis is considered the most advanced machine in the world.
Other techniques
- Micro-needling: A roller containing many very tiny needles is rolled onto your skin to produce micro-injury to the skin which in turn stimulates new and healthy skin growth.
- MNRF (MicroNeedling with RadioFrequency): If you don’t want to have prolonged downtime of FCO2 laser then MNRF is the next best option. Its also the preferred choice if you have darker skin tone, deep acne scars or you haven’t had a desirable response to FCO2 Laser. Some redness and swelling occurs immediately after the procedure which resolves within 24 hours. Vivace from ShenB is an US-FDA approved device and delivers fabulous results.
- Derma fillers: In case your acne marks are depressed onto your skin, derma fillers containing collagen fibers, fat, and some other substances are put under your skin to raise the depression to make it look plump and smooths the scars.
- Steroid injections: Sometimes, injecting medications including steroids, cause the scars to soften and flatten them.
- Excision: Your dermatologists will cut the skin tissue and remove the scars, then the skin will be closed and stitched. This will quickly heal with fresh, smooth, and beautiful skin.
- Punch grafting: This technique is an extension of excision, wherein a skin graft from other areas like behind the ears will be filled at the excision site.
- Cryosurgery: This is a procedure where the scar tissue is frozen and slowly this dead tissue will fall by itself.
Are there some home remedies for treating acne scars?
Some of the home remedies for acne scars overnight are:
- Aloe Vera gel: Has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants aiding in removing scars and skin blemishes.
- Honey: The healing properties of honey make it helpful in treating acne scars and pimples.
- Coconut oil: It has anti-inflammatory properties and contains vitamins E, K, and antioxidants which nourish and rejuvenates skin and fade acne scars.
- Apple cider vinegar: Its pH balance helps to soak excess oil from the skin pores making it clean and exfoliate naturally.
- Zinc: Its supplements protect your immune system and battle harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Lemon juice: It is an effective bleaching agent, thus lightening your skin as well as acne scars.
- Turmeric pastes: It is an ancient medicinal herb having anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants to improve your acne scars.
What steps can you take to prevent and reduce the risks of developing acne scars?
- Protect from sunlight: Wear sunscreen to avoid the darkening of scars.
- Get it treated as soon as you see it: This will help to reduce and treat it at the early stages, which will be quicker and easier.
- Do not prick, squeeze or scratch: This will increase the inflammation and make them worse.
- Avoid smoking: As it increases the risk of scarring.
- See a dermatologist at the earliest: Get expert advice before your acne turns into scars.
Which is the best treatment for acne scars?
The best treatment for every individual will be different and it will depend on the type of your skin, the type of your scars, and the extent of scarring. Your dermatologist will recommend the treatment or combination of treatments for acne scars that works best for you.
Take away
Derma Circles is the best skin and hair clinic in Delhi, founded by dermatologists from AIIMS. Their expert team of doctors and staff assure you the highest quality of treatment with excellent results. They keep themselves updated with the latest treatment modalities and use modern technology and equipment for better accuracy and minimal side effects. You will experience a very comfortable and safe environment with all staff compassionately listening, understanding, and solving your queries and concerns. High standards for sterilization and infection control are followed for your maximum safety. Bring in the best in you with flawless, beautiful, and shiny skin with Derma Circles at the most affordable cost.