While active breakouts can be frustrating, the scarring acne can leave behind can be downright debilitating. Acne scars are treatable. You must first get rid of all acne. New breakouts can cause scarring.These scar treatments can’t all be used in conjunction with your usual acne medication. Inflammation from breakouts can also decrease treatment effectiveness.
Different Types of Acne Scars: Atrophic or depressed scars
Atrophic scars are most common on the face. A depressed scar sits below the surrounding skin. They’re formed when not enough collagen is made while the wound is healing. There are three types of atrophic scars:
Boxcar
These are wide, U-shaped scars that have sharp edges. They can be shallow or deep. The shallower they are, the better they respond to skin resurfacing treatments.
Ice pick
Ice pick scars are narrow, V-shaped scars that can go deep into the skin. They can look like small round or oval holes, like a chickenpox scar. These are the most difficult scars to treat because they can extend far under the surface of the skin.
Rolling
These are wide depressions that typically have rounded edges and an irregular, rolling appearance.
Treatment of Acne Scars
1. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid, a naturally occurring compound, is commonly used in acne skin care products. Salicylic acid is a natural compound that helps remove dirt, skin cells, or other debris from the skin’s pores.It may also reduce the swelling and redness, which can help to minimize scarring.
Salicylic acid can be beneficial for all types of scars. For people with acne, it is a great addition to their daily skin care routine.Some people with sensitive skin might need to test the product on a small portion of their skin before applying it to their whole face. It may cause irritation or dryness.
2. Retinoids
Topical retinoids can be used to treat acne scarring. The authors of a review published in Dermatology and TherapyTrusted Source noted that topical retinoids can reduce inflammation, speed up cell renewal, and block acne lesions. Retinoids may also be able to lighten scars from hyperpigmentation, even in those with darker skin tones. Retinoids can cause skin to become sensitive to sunlight. Retinoids are used to treat scarring or acne. It is important to use sunscreen outdoors.
3. Alpha hydroxy acids
AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) are a great way to get rid of skin cells that have become dead and clear pores. AHAs can be recommended by doctors to treat acne and reduce the appearance of scarring.AHAs, a mild acid, remove the outer layer of the skin to reveal new, healthy skin beneath. This may be helpful in reducing discoloration caused by scarring.
4. Lactic acid
It can be used to gently peel off dead skin cells with lactic acid. It can reduce scarring and improve the skin’s texture. Although lactic acid can lighten dark scar tissue it can also causeTrusted Source hyperpigmentation. It is best to test any products containing lactic acid on a small area of skin before you use them to treat scarring from acne. Lactic acid is a common ingredient in many products for treating acne. Diluted apple cider vinegar also contains lactic acid, making it a cost-effective and natural treatment.
Natural remedies
Although natural treatments are popular for treating acne scarring, the science behind their effectiveness is not clear. They can cause irritation and other problems, so it is important to be cautious when using them. There are many home remedies that have been used for treating acne scars in the past.
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- aloe vera gel
- raw honey
- baking soda
- Lemon juice
