Acne scars can be a real confidence-killer. If you're looking to reduce or remove them, read on for the basics of what you need to know. This guide covers acne scarring treatments and how to treat and reduce their appearance, too.Here's what you need to know:- What are acne scars and what causes them?
- The different types of acne scars
- How to treat acne scars
- Home remedies for reducing the appearance of acne scars
- Medicated treatments for reducing the appearance of acne scars
- Cosmetic procedures for reducing the appearance of acne scars
What Are Acne Scars and What Causes Them?
Acne scars are permanent changes to the texture of your skin that occur as a result of inflamed pimples. They can appear as raised, pigmented bumps (known as hypertrophic scars) or as tiny indentations in the surface of your skin (known as atrophic scars). Acne scars are caused by a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin. This can be the result of picking at pimples, squeezing them, or using harsh skincare products.The Different Types of Acne Scars
There are two main types of acne scars: hypertrophic and atrophic. Hypertrophic scars are raised, pigmented bumps that form as a result of excess collagen production. They can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, such as gels and creams that contain silicone or vitamin C. Atrophic scars are tiny indentations in the surface of your skin that are caused by a loss of collagen. They can be treated with dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, or microdermabrasion.How to Treat Acne Scars
Acne scars can be treated with a variety of methods, depending on their type and severity. Home remedies, such as using aloe vera gel or banana peel, may help to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Medicated treatments, such as OTC gels and creams containing silicone or vitamin C, can also help to treat acne scars. If home remedies and medicated treatments don't work, there are a number of cosmetic procedures that can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars, such as laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and dermal fillers.Related: Your guide to sunspot treatmentHome Remedies for Reducing the Appearance of Acne Scars
There are a number of home remedies that can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars. These include:- Using aloe vera gel: Aloe vera gel has been shown to improve the appearance of acne scars. It is thought to work by increasing collagen production and moisturizing the skin.
- Applying banana peel or cucumber: Some people use banana peels and cucumbers to treat their scars, but with varying degrees of success.
- Applying raw honey: Raw honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that some people believe can help to heal acne scars. This isn't scientifically backed, but you may have heard people say it's helped them.
- Using lemon juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which some people feel helps to brighten the skin; some also feel that it helps to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Medicated Treatments for Reducing the Appearance of Acne Scars
There are a number of medicated treatments that can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars. These include:- Gels and creams containing silicone: Silicone is thought to help heal wounds and reduce scarring. There are a number of OTC gels and creams that contain silicone, such as ScarFade, Dermatix, and Mederma.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to reduce the appearance of scars. It can be found in OTC products, such as serums and creams.
- Retinoids: Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that can help to improve the appearance of acne scars by increasing collagen production. They are available in both OTC and prescription form; examples include tretinoin, adapalene, and isotretinoin.
Cosmetic Procedures for Reducing the Appearance of Acne Scars
The most popular cosmetic procedures for reducing the appearance of acne scars are:- Microneedling
- ICON 1540 laser
- Platelet-rich plasma
- Deep chemical peels
- Hydrafacials
