Are you expecting the bothersome acne scars to fade over time, but it never really goes away?
After battling an annoying acne breakout, the worst part is the appearance of acne scars and marks that are too stubborn and sometimes never go away.
Fortunately, available treatments can end your self-contemplation caused by the frustrating acne scars.
If you want to learn more about the kinds of acne scars and how to treat them, read on for effective acne scar removal treatments to regain your confidence to show off your radiant skin!
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Types of Acne Scars
To know which treatment works best, you must first identify what type of scar you have before deciding on a treatment.
You won’t have to worry because the upside is that there are many treatments for different types of scars to fade them away.
Here are the common types of acne scars:
Ice Pick Scar
Another type of scar is the ice pick scar; this is a severe form of depressed scar that, despite being small in size, has deeper depression in the skin compared to other scar types.
Rolling Scar and Boxcar Scar
This scar creates a hollow depression, typically round or oval with steep or sloped angled sides.
To identify this scar, you would have to stretch your skin, and if the scar fades, it means that it is a rolling or a boxcar scar.
Hypertrophic Scar
Hypertrophic scars appear when the body produces excess scar tissue while healing, creating a thick, raised acne scar.
Acne Scar Treatments
Acne scar removal varies depending on its severity. There are at-home treatments and dermatological procedures to fade the appearance of acne scars.
Consider consulting with your dermatologist first before deciding on a treatment that works best for your skin.
Acne Scar Removal Ingredients for At-Home Treatments
Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs
According to Healthline, using Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs can help reduce the appearance of mild to moderate acne scars.
The benefits that Alpha Hydroxy Acids offer include the exfoliation of the outer layer of the skin to make acne scars appear less noticeable.
Retinoids
Retinoids help speed up the cell turnover rate to regenerate new skin cells that improve overall skin texture.
You can purchase over-the-counter retinoid creams, but it is better to consult with a licensed dermatologist to get a prescription for higher concentrations that would work for your skin.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is typically used in treating hyperpigmentation, age spots, acne scars, and other factors that contribute to uneven skin appearance and texture.
According to a study, lactic acid helps fade acne scars through the exfoliation and removal of superficial lesions that regenerate new skin cells.
There are OTC lactic acid peels, serums, and cleansers that you can use to minimize the appearance of all types of acne scars.
Sunscreen
Using active ingredients on your skin makes it sensitive to the sun, so it is essential to include sunscreen on your daily regimen to protect your skin from sun damage.
Discoloration of acne marks can also be caused by exposure to the sun, which makes wearing sunscreen extremely important to prevent acne scars from discoloring.
Dermatological Procedures for Acne Scar Removal
Microneedling
Microneedling is a common acne scar treatment that offers the best solutions for depressed acne scars by puncturing the skin using micro-needles to induce collagen production.
This treatment fades indented acne scars, but it may require several sessions for different cases to achieve the desired outcome.
Subcision
For depressed acne scars, subcision is a great option if you prefer an incision-less procedure to treat your acne scars.
Subcision improves the appearance of the skin by releasing fibrotic tissues that cause a superficial indentation in the skin by inserting a small needle into your skin.
This procedure is ideal for rolling acne scars, ice pick scars, and boxcar scars.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve removing the top layer of the skin to allow the healthy skin to resurface that smoothen the texture and appearance of the skin.
In-office chemical peels are ideal for a more intense treatment, and it comes with a varied treatment plan to fade atrophic acne scars.
There are many options available, so it is best to proceed with the treatment with the guidance of a dermatologist.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments help fade acne indentations and marks by either peeling off the outer layer of dead skin cells or boosting collagen production.
There are plenty of laser treatments for acne scar removal, depending on different skin conditions. It is better to consult with your dermatologist to know which works best for your skin.
Fillers
Dermal fillers can improve the skin’s texture by elevating acne indentations and stimulating collagen production for a long-term result.
The procedure involves injecting fillers to the indented areas to see immediate results that will improve over time.
Conclusion
There are acne scars that fade on their own, and there are frustrating ones that permanently damage your skin.
But with the right treatment as advised by healthcare providers, you can permanently reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Remember that the best remedy for acne scars is to prevent it in the first place—curate a skincare routine that works wonders for your skin, and avoid picking on acne to avoid damaging the tissue.
