Scars from acne can be a painful and bothersome reminder of the condition for some people, but there are home remedies and medical treatments that can help get rid of them. Options for managing acne and reducing the appearance of scars include natural, over-the-counter, and prescription remedies.
There are a variety of options available for those looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars, depending on the type and extent of scarring. These options include:
- chemical peels, such as salicylic acid
- retinoids and other creams
- laser treatment, micro needling, light therapy, and various other procedures
- surgery, in some cases
- In this article, learn about various ways to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and promote healthy skin.
Table of Contents
Types of acne scar
acne can cause different types of scarring, so treatment options will vary depending on the type of scarring you have. The three main types are: The best acne scar treatment for you may vary depending on the type of scarring you have. There are three main types of acne scars:
Atrophic scars
- Icepick scars are small, deep scars that can look like pinpricks.
- Boxcar scars are larger indentations with well-defined edges.
- Rolling scars have blurry edges and give the skin a rolling or undulating appearance.
- They occur when the skin doesn’t produce enough fibroblasts during the healing process. Fibroblasts are cells that are essential for wound healing and collagen production.
Hypertrophic scars
When acne spots heal, they can sometimes leave raised scars behind. This happens when the skin produces too many fibroblasts, which are cells that help with wound healing. These raised scars occur when the skin produces too many fibroblasts as the acne heals, resulting in a raised scar.
Keloid scars
Hypertrophic scars are similar to regular scars, but they are often thicker and darker than the original acne spot. They may also be red or brown. There may be itching or pain associated with them. Hypertrophic scars are thicker than the original acne lesion and can be itchy or painful. They tend to be darker than the surrounding skin due to hyperpigmentation and may be red or brown.
Microneedling
Microneedling is the process of insert small needles into the skin around the scar to help the body create more collagen. This collagen can help reduce the appearance of atrophic acne scars by making the skin smoother.
A 2022 review found that microneedling improved the appearance of atrophic or indented acne scars by 31-62%.
A 2022 study found that microneedling in combination with collagen gel use resulted in significantly more effective results than microneedling alone. Although side effects such as redness, pain, and inflammation are common short-term reactions to the treatment, they eventually subside.
Laser treatment
If you’re looking for a way to help improve the appearance of your scarring, whether it’s raised or discolored, you may want to try laser treatment. Laser resurfacing removes the top layer of skin cells to reveal the newer, healthy cells underneath.
Not only can this help improve the appearance of your scars, but it can also help improve their texture. If you’re interested in trying this type of treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor about your options and find a reputable provider who can offer you the best results.
Intense pulsed light treatment may be a better option for people with pale skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
However, it’s important to note that laser treatment is not suitable for everyone and each case will depend on the type of acne scarring as well as the person’s skin type. The treatment may also cause a reaction in some people, especially those with sensitive skin. It’s best to consult with a dermatologist beforehand to see if this treatment is the best option for you.
Surgery
If you’ve tried other treatments for your acne scars and haven’t seen results, you may want to consider surgery. Surgery can help remove raised acne scars, but it’s not always a cure-all. You may need to combine surgery with other treatments, such as medication, to see the best results. Your doctor can help you develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Electrodessication
This treatment may help reduce the appearance of boxcar acne scars by heating the skin and killing the tissues that cause the scars. A doctor will use electric probes to heat the skin and kill the tissues that cause the edges around the scars.
Frequently asked questions
What are acne scars?
Acne scars are markings that are left behind on the skin after an acne lesion has healed.
How do acne scars form?
Acne scars form when the body produces too much collagen in response to an injury, such as a pimple being popped. The excess collagen causes the scar to form.
How can I get rid of my acne scars?
There are many treatments for acne scars, including laser treatments, dermabrasion, and chemical peels. Consult with a dermatologist to find the best treatment for you.
How can I prevent acne scars?
While it’s not possible to always prevent acne or scarring, people who suffer from acne can reduce their risk by seeking treatment and avoiding any actions which might lead to infection or increased scarring. This means being careful not to pick, pop, or touch acne.
How can I remove acne scars and discoloration?
Depending on the type and depth of the scarring, there are many ways that acne scars can be removed or at least significantly reduced. Indented or atrophic acne scars, for example, can be helped with fillers.
Laser treatments may help to reduce hyperpigmentation and flatten raised scars. A dermatologist will be able to help you decide on the best course of action, depending on your skin type and the extent and type of scarring.
Can treatment remove scars permanently?
Scars can often be removed with treatment, but they also have a tendency to fade over time. The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the type and severity of scarring as well as the person’s skin type. Treatment can be costly and time-consuming, and it is important to think carefully and talk to a dermatologist about what to expect before making a decision.
Takeaway
No one wants to be reminded of a time when they had acne, but unfortunately, acne scars are sometimes a reality we have to face. The good news is that there are treatments available that can help make them less visible.
Home remedies have been known to work for some people, while others may need to seek medical treatment from a dermatologist in order to see results. Be sure to consult with a qualified dermatologist before beginning any treatment, as some treatments can actually do more harm than good if not used correctly.
Acne scars can be tough to deal with, but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are options available to help lessen their appearance so that you can feel better about yourself and move on from the reminders of your acne.
When to see a doctor
For those with mild acne, over-the-counter treatments that contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are often effective in reducing inflammation. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests giving these treatments six to eight weeks to work before making an appointment to see a doctor. However, for those who experience nodules, cysts, severe papules or pustules on a regular basis, it is best to seek out medical treatment without delay as these types of acne can lead to permanent scarring.
Summary
Acne is a very common skin condition, but it can be frustrating and even painful when it’s inflamed. If over-the-counter medications don’t seem to be helping, it’s important to seek professional care. A doctor can prescribe stronger medications that are more likely to keep inflamed acne at bay. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help reduce discomfort. avoiding picking or popping pimples, using a gentle cleanser, and applying a cool compress to the affected area can all help!
