cecmissions.org

How to prevent acne scars

Even long after acne has healed, new spots no longer form, and any sign of the old ones have disappeared, scars can remain. This is because of damage that can occur during the time an individual suffers from acne. Usually, during acne treatment, due to picking, scratching, general poor care, or even simply due to unlucky genes, the tissues can become injured and scars can remain. Sometimes the visibility of these scars can decrease, and they can heal over time without any special treatment. However, sometimes, the scars are deep, unsightly, and will require special treatment to reduce their visibility. In many ways, acne scars are as ugly and unsettling to the sufferer as acne itself. They can certainly have the same negative effect on emotional well-being and mental health, even leading to social anxiety and depression in some cases. In some ways, scarring can be considered worse, because unlike acne, there is no guarantee that the problem will simply go away as you get older.

The deeper the wound caused by picking or scratching, the worse the scar will appear. Therefore, the best way to treat acne scarring is by preventing it in the first place. Failing this, treatment must be effective and early. There are two types of acne scars; those caused by a decrease in the formation of skin tissue, and those formed by an increase in formation of skin tissue. There are many treatments available for scarring, some more effective than others:

Saline injections can be effective. This is the process by which saline is injected into the scars so that new collagen may form.

Punch techniques, including excision, replacement and elevation treatments can be combined or used individually to diminish the appearance of scars.

Laser resurfacing or laser acne removal involves a laser removing the surface of the skin so that new skin can grow and take its place. This method generally gives positive results for sufferers, but may be expensive and time-consuming depending on the extent and range of scarring.

Chemical peeling is most effective for those with mild or shallow scars. Acid peels are applied to the skin to slough off dead skin cells. New, rejuvenated skin can then grow in its place.

Dermabrasion is a process by which a machine with a quickly rotating diamond-edged wheel is applied to the skin, sloughing of the old skin cells. Like most other treatments, this also paves the way for new skin cells to grow; however, results may depend on a number of factors.

Professional acne products like Exposed acne treatment can avoid the problem of scarring. There are also several home remedies you can try to improve the appearance of scarring; a tomato and cucumber mask can help to rejuvenate and refresh the skin, while a paste of sandal wood and rosewater applied overnight can help to reduce the appearance of scars.