Acne scars, like other type of pimples, can be a pesky reminder of our battle with breakouts. But don’t worry! With the right approach and a touch of patience, acne scars can be treated. So, how to get rid of acne scars?
The best treatment for acne scars is the one that complies with your skin type and how severe the scar is. Therefore, it takes a combination of different approaches to reduce acne scars.
This article will help you learn how to get rid of acne scars. That way, you can bid farewell to those stubborn acne scars and embrace smooth skin – a radiant complexion.
Different Types of Acne Scars You Should Know About
Acne scars come in various forms, including rolling scars, ice-pick scars, and boxcar scars. To effectively get rid of acne scars, it’s important to understand their nature.
Each type requires a tailored approach for successful acne scars treatment. Below are various forms of acne scars that you should know.
Rolling Scars
The first and most common acne scar is the rolling scar. It has unclear and sloping edges which are mostly wide and shallow.
This type of scar makes a rolling or undulating appearance. Along with age, the scars tend to get more noticeable.
Red Acne Scars
As the name suggests, this scar has brownish or red spots. This is probably the next common type after the rolling scar.
However, you don’t need to worry as red acne scars don’t leave permanent marks. With proper care, it will fade away.
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Boxcar Scars and Ice-Pick Scars
Both boxcar scars and ice-pick scars are caused by a loss of tissue, resulting in an uneven surface on your skin.
Boxcar scars are usually wide with sharp edges which can be shallow or deep. The shallow boxcar scars would better respond to skin resurfacing treatments.
Different from boxcar scars, ice-pick scars are relatively narrow with V-shaped scars and can go deep into the skin. If you are familiar with chickenpox scars, they are similar to them with small oval or round holes.
Compared to other types of scars, ice-pick scars are difficult to treat considering that they can go far under the skin surface.
Dark Spots
Dark spots refer to the discoloration or darkening of the skin that occurs after an acne breakout.
Also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), spots can be temporary and fade over time, or they may persist for a longer period.
Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids
Certain forms of acne can result in scars that manifest as enlarged, raised masses of tissue. These scars occur due to an excessive amount of scar tissue formation.
While hypertrophic scars and keloids share similarities in appearance, keloids tend to be more elevated compared to hypertrophic scars.
How to Get Rid of Acne Scars
Similar to getting rid of pimples, treating acne scars can be a process that requires patience and consistent effort. There are several effective ways to treat and minimize acne scars.
From home remedies to professional treatments, here are some approaches you can try:
Home Remedies
The first recommendation to get rid of acne scars is a list of natural remedies you can do at home. While not as potent as professional treatments, some natural remedies can help fade acne scars over time.
Therefore, you should use natural remedies with caution as it might cause irritation. Some home remedies that you can apply include:
- Aloe vera – it has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in skin healing.
- Honey – apply raw honey to scars and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. Honey has antibacterial properties and can aid in scar healing.
- Black seed oil – it helps you with skin pigmentation problems
- Vitamin C – it contains high collagen and anti-oxidant substance that could help protecting and rejuvenating skins.
Read also: Discovering the Cause of Pimples & Foods That Treat Them
Over-the-counter Remedies
There are various over-the-counter remedies to reduce acne scars you can find in the market. Look for products that contain the following ingredients.
They can be useful to get rid of acne scars or help minimize their appearance by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing discoloration. So, what are they?
Retinoids
Retinoids appear as one of the most effective ingredients to get rid of acne scars. It has scar-smoothing benefits, allowing you to get smooth skin again.
Further, this ingredient allows for better cell regeneration and skin texture recovery. A study also found that retinoids can help make acne scars less noticeable and reduce discoloration.
However, retinoids can lead to sensitive skin, especially to the sun. Therefore, always have sunscreen to protect your skin when using retinoids product.
It is better recommended to use retinoid products when you have boxcars, ice-pick, and rolling scars.
Salicylic acid
You might often hear about this ingredient when it comes to get rid of acne scars. Salicylic acid is in just about every kind of product to reduce acne scars.
Salicylic acid is useful to clear pores, exfoliate the skin, and reduce redness and swelling. Plus, it is considered one of the best treatments for acne scars. You can include this ingredient along with your skincare routine.
However, as it can cause irritation and dryness, it’s suggested to use the products three to five times every 3-4 weeks. The good news, salicylic acid works best for every type of acne scars.
Alpha hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can help for faster skin regeneration, remove dead skin, and prevent clogged pores. Experts suggested using a product with this ingredient to treat acne and get rid of acne scars.
AHAs are a mild form of acid that exfoliates the outer layer of skin to help remove rough skin and discoloration, unveiling new skin underneath.
However, using this ingredient in high concentrations might cause itching, swelling, and burning. As such, it is suggested to consult with the professional before. AHA is also best for every type of acne scar.
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Lactic acid
Lactic acid is also part of AHA that can help remove dead skin cells with a gentle peel. With consistent treatment, this ingredient improves skin texture and appearance.
The best thing about using lactic acid to get rid of acne scars is that it lightens dark scar tissue over time.
It is suggested to apply lactic acid on a small patch of skin before using them to reduce acne scars.
Medical Treatments
Another option to get rid of acne scars includes consulting with professional help. You can consult a dermatologist who can recommend suitable acne scars treatments based on your specific scar type. Some common options include:
Chemical Peels
Professionals use a strong acid to remove the top skin layer and minimize deep scars. While milder peels can be used at home, a healthcare professional can offer stronger solutions for more noticeable effects.
Fillers
It is helpful to treat acne scars and create a more even skin texture. These fillers are injected beneath the skin’s surface to plump up and smoothen depressed scars.
Injections
Several medications, such as corticosteroids, fluorouracil (5-FU), and interferons, can be injected into raised scars to flatten and soften them.
These injections are typically applied in a series, with intervals of a few weeks between each treatment.
Microneedling
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, microneedling has been shown to reduce acne scars, but it may take up to 9 months to see results.
Despite some initial apprehension, it is a safe acne scars treatment suitable for all skin tones.
Laser Treatment
The next medical treatment to get rid of acne scars is laser resurfacing. It eliminates the outer skin layer and offers faster healing compared to other resurfacing methods.
This treatment is not suitable for individuals experiencing ongoing breakouts and may be less effective for darker skin tones.
Fade Acne Scars with Super Hair Removal Treatment
Do you know that laser hair removal can help you get rid of acne scars? Well, this might be a sign for you to learn what Super Hair Removal (SHR) by Clean & Tidy offers to you.
To get you started, laser hair removal treatment is a good choice to reduce acne scars as it effectively addresses pigmentation, improves skin texture, reduces redness, and diminishes scar severity.
The SHR treatment uses advanced lasers to remove hair from the follicle, leaving your skin smooth and enhancing your appearance.
Need help for further discussion and consultation? Don’t hesitate to make your appointment with our professionals by contacting Clean & Tidy Bugis or Jurong.
Acne scars may seem like an everlasting battle but consistency and knowing how to get rid of acne scars can help you regain your smooth skin.
Are you looking for other insightful articles to help with your beauty journey? Explore our blog and see you on another chance.
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