Although acne scars are common and completely normal, many people who have them would rather get rid of them. Skincare brands and other companies are happy to respond to this situation and launch one cream or treatment after another to reduce scarring. But which options really work?
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The types of acne scars
Dermatologists divide acne scars into three different categories.
- Atrophic scars: these are the most common and are in turn classified into “ice-breaking”, “boxcar” and “rolling” scars. They occur because too little skin is produced during the healing process;
- Hypertrophic scars: These scars may itch and irritate, but they are never larger than the original pimple. These are usually small scars that can fade naturally over time;
- Keloid: This is an abnormal thickening of the original pimple. A keloid is more common on dark skin and is usually found on the chest or back.
Most of the popular treatments you will read about below involve reducing atrophic scars.
Is it possible to treat acne scars?
Can acne scars go away? Many treatments promise this, but as usually happens in the world of skin care, some myths also spread. Some treatments and creams are actually harmful to the skin and do more harm than good. Which treatments should you avoid, and which ones can you safely spend your money on? Let’s list the options.
Acne is common during adolescence, but can also occur during pregnancy, for example. It occurs because the sebaceous gland under the skin is inflamed. The fact that acne is especially common during puberty or pregnancy has everything to do with hormones. It is precisely in these moments that excess sebum is produced and the skin becomes inflamed more quickly. The result? Pimples and irritated skin.
Scratching those pimples can cause red acne scars, but even leaving them alone leaves you at risk of scarring. According to dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross with the natural production of collagen. While some of this factor cannot be influenced, scratching and picking at pimples increases the risk of scarring. And those scars? They remain visible for a long time. Luckily, there are also ways to reduce acne scars in 2024.
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Acne scar removal: microneedling
You can reduce acne scars using microneedling. This technique increases the level of collagen in the skin. Holes are made in the skin with a small needle. If all goes well, your skin will produce new collagen which should eventually make the scars less visible. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, microneedling never removes 100% of scars, but it is a great way to make your skin more elastic and smooth. While you can also remove acne scars at home with a microneedling kit, the Academy recommends consulting a board-certified dermatologist. The technique carries risks such as skin infections and must therefore be performed correctly. With microneedling, the later you act, the less likely it is that old scars will heal.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is also a good option for making pimple scars less visible. In this case, just like with microneedling, the skin is stimulated to produce the right amount of collagen. This laser treatment needs to be done several times to get a good result and is suitable for small scars, dimples and red spots. Both dermatologists and experts recommend laser therapy. The big downside? Since multiple sessions are required, this treatment is quite expensive.
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Remove acne scars with cream
If you prefer a simple, inexpensive at-home solution, there are several creams that may be worth your while. The most important caveat of these creams is that scars never disappear completely: according to the dermatologists at Stratum Clinics, you can only relieve scars with the cream. Coconut oil, tea tree oil, and vitamin C serums are all mentioned as home treatments. Aloe vera and honey are also cited by dermatologists as natural remedies to make scars less noticeable. Although the effects of these creams have not been scientifically proven, they appear to be a good option for helping the skin recover faster after an acne outbreak.
2024-01-09 13:19:34
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