The only thing worse than dealing with acne is dealing with the acne scars that are left behind when they finally clear up.
Acne scars are the lesions that are visible on the skin due to inflammation and damaged tissues underneath it.
Types Of Acne Scars :
1. Atrophic Scars Or Depressed Scars
Atrophic scars are formed when the skin produces inadequate connective tissues and collagen during the wound healing process.
They are called depressed scars due to their indented appearance. They can be further divided into three types :
- Boxcar or U-shaped scars
- Ice pick or V-shaped scars
- Rolling scars
2. Hypertrophic Scars Or Raised Scars
Hypertrophic scars are formed when the skin produces excess connective tissues and collagen during the wound healing process.
3. Dark spots and discolouration
These are marks and scars left behind due to increased pigment production in the skin's affected area.
Things To Look Out For While Buying Scar Removal Products
There are plenty of scar removal creams, serums and lotions available in the market for treating acne scars and marks but remember to look out for the following ingredients while buying them:
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
• Salicylic acid
• Retinoids
• Vitamin C
• Hydroquinone
• Nicotinamide
• Glycolic Acid
• Azelaic Acid
Treatment For Acne Scars
1. Laser Treatment
Laser treatment removes the uppermost layer of the skin by using focused light therapy. It reveals new, youthful and blemish-free skin.
It also boosts collagen production which gives the skin a smoother and clearer appearance.
2. Chemical Peeling
Chemical peeling involves applying a layer of chemical solutions like lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid etc on the affected area.
The skin starts to blister and slowly peels off revealing new and fresh skin underneath.
3. Microneedling
Microneedling involves inserting tiny micro needles into the skin which surrounds the acne scars.
This stimulates extra collagen production which rejuvenates the skin and evens out the skin texture.
4. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers fill out the indentations and craters caused by depressed acne scars. This involves injecting the affected skin with fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm.
Dermal fillers raise up the depressions and even out the skin giving it a smooth and polished appearance.
5. Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion involves using a rotating instrument to exfoliate the upper layers of the affected skin.
It enhances the skin's appearance by treating wrinkles, fine lines and acne scars. It clears the skin and makes it youthful.
6. Platelet-rich plasma technique (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma technique uses the body's own blood platelets to fade the scars by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.
Injecting the concentrated plasma into the affected area results in lots of benefits for the skin.
7. Surgery
The surgery uses the punch excision method to cut and repair individual acne scars.
Another method involves injecting needles under the affected skin to loosen the fibres below and improve the skin's appearance.
Surgeries should only be performed by registered and certified dermatologists.
Home Remedies For Acne Scars
While deep indentations, dips and craters take a long time to heal and require medical attention, most acne scars fade away with time.
You can speed up the process with a few simple and effective home remedies!
Let's take a look at some of the most popular home remedies that you can DIY using inexpensive and common ingredients found in the kitchen.
1. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric contains curcumin which stops excess production of melanin in the skin and thus treats pigmentation. Turmeric gives the skin a beautiful golden glow and is also antiseptic.
Mix a pinch of turmeric paste or powder with a little bit of curd or honey and apply it on the acne scars. Wash it off thoroughly after 10 - 15 minutes.
Using this paste regularly will even out the skin tone and lighten the scars.
2. Orange Peel Powder
Bright and cheerful, orange peels are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants. Orange peels also have medicinal properties and are ideal for all skin types.
Sun dry the orange peels and grind them into a fine powder. Store the powder in an airtight container. Mix a little orange peel powder with aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil. Gently rub the paste on the acne scars. Wash off with lukewarm water after 10 minutes.
Repeat it regularly to get brighter complexion and refreshed skin.
3. Lemon And Honey
Lemon is a natural bleaching agent and helps in lightening the skin and removing discolouration. Honey works well for treating red and inflamed spots.
Disclaimer: Do not use lemon if you have sensitive skin, or do a patch test before!
Squeeze out a few drops of lemon juice and mix it with a little honey. Gently rub the paste on the spots and scars. Wash off after 10 minutes using cold water. Repeat it twice a day.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is anti-inflammatory, has antioxidants and helps in healing the skin. It also helps the skin to grow new and fresh skin cells.
Scoop out fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf and slather the gel evenly on the affected area. Let it stay overnight. Wash it in the morning to get smooth and clearer skin.
Apply aloe vera regularly and the blemishes will fade away very quickly.
5. Potato Juice
Potatoes have natural bleaching properties and hence are really effective in treating blemishes and scars. Potatoes also soothe the skin and absorb excess oils.
Take a thin potato slice and rub it on the acne scars using circular motions. You can also blend the potato and apply the juice on the scars. Wash it off with cool water after it air dries.
Repeat this process regularly and the scars will vanish in no time.
6. Besan And Rose Water
Besan or gram flour has some amazing benefits of the skin. Besan exfoliates the skin, removes tanning and lightens the complexion.
Mix besan powder with rose water to form a paste. You can also add sandalwood paste to it. Apply it over the scars and wash after it air dries.
Repeat this twice a day to get cleaner and fresher skin.
7. Tomato And Cucumber
Tomatoes remove dead skin cells, suntans, and help in shrinking pores. The antioxidants in tomatoes can brighten the skin and prevent ageing.
Slice a tomato in half and gently rub it all over the scarred area. Or puree the tomato and cucumber to make a fine mixture and apply it all over the face. Let it sit for 20 minutes and wash off with cold water.
Repeat it daily to get rosy and glowing skin.
8. Rice Powder
Rice powder works wonderfully for fading away spots and scars to reveal blemish-free skin. Rice powder exfoliates the skin and fights pigmentation spots to remove discolouration.
Mix rice powder and milk together to form a thick but smooth paste. Apply it evenly on the scars and rub gently in circular motions. Wash it off with cold water after 15 minutes.
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Do not obsess over the scars or touch them often.
Using these homemade remedies will quickly fade away the scars but remember to protect the fresh new layer of skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Always apply sunscreen or carry an umbrella while going out in the sun.
Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated as it will improve the overall health of your body and reflect on your skin.
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