Acne scars can cause permission scars on the face and other areas. For some people, they are an unwelcome reminder of a painful and embarrassing condition, and however, home remedies and medical actions can help get rid of them.
And options for managing acne and reducing the appearance of scars include natural, over-the-counter, and prescription remedies.
Options will depend on the type and amount of scarring and will include:
Chemical peels, such as salicylic acid
Retinoids and other creams
In some cases, there are laser treatment, micro-needling, light therapy, and various other procedures.
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Types of Acne Scars
Appropriate treatment options may vary slightly contingent on the type of acne scar. There are three chief types of acne scars:
Atrophic Scars
These scars look like small indentations in the skin.
Ice pick scars are small scars that look like pinpricks.
Boxcar scars are larger indentations with transparent borders.
Wavy scars have smooth edges and give the skin a rippled or wavy appearance.
They happen when the skin does not produce sufficient fibroblasts in the curative procedure. Fibroblasts are cells that play a vital role in wound healing and collagen production.
Hypertrophic Scars
These happen when the skin crops too many fibroblasts as the acne patch heal, causing a raised scar.
keloid Scars
These are like hypertrophic scars but tend to be thicker than the original acne blemish. There is frequently hyperpigmentation, making them darker than the surrounding skin. They can be red or brown, and there may also be itching or pain.
Natural Medicine
Many people use natural remedies to help get rid of acne scars. However, the science behind them is unclear. Some can cause additional irritation or other problems, so people should use them with caution.
Home remedies that people traditionally use to treat acne scars include:
black seed oil can help even out skin pigmentation
rosehip oil, which has helped reduce discolouration of post-surgical scars
honey, which can help with wound healing and minimize future scarring
aloe vera, combined with manuka honey, can promote scar-free wound healing.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Several over-the-counter remedies can help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Products containing the following ingredients may be helpful.
However, over-the-counter creams and lotions are improbable to remove or smooth a raised scar completely.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a natural compound often an ingredient in acne skin care products. Salicylic acid peels help remove dirt, skin cells, and other acne-causing debris from your skin pores.
A 2010 review suggests using an exfoliating product that contains 30% salicylic acid and applying it three to five times every 3 to 4 weeks. The authors also state that it is unlikely to cause hyperpigmentation and is appropriate for use on darker skin.
It also helps decrease swelling and redness in the area, which can minimize the appearance of scarring.
Salicylic acid can help treat all types of scars. However, people with sensitive skin must do a patch test on a small area of skin before using it on the entire face, as it may cause dryness or irritation.
Retinoids
Certain topical retinoids can help with apparent acne scars. As the authors of a 2017 appraisal note, topical retinoids block inflammation, decrease acne lesions, and speed cell regeneration.
The authors also state that retinoids can help lighten hyperpigmented acne scars, including those of people with darker skin.
It is significant to note that retinoids can type the skin sensitive to the sun. Anyone using retinoids to treat acne or scars should wear sunscreen when outdoors.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) can help surge the rate at which the skin renews its cells. Some doctors recommend AHAs to treat acne and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
