Effective Removal of Acne Scars
Acne scars are the result of the skin healing itself after a blemish. While acne is a common skin condition, it reality it is a wound to the skin. Scar tissue forms over the wound as the pimple, blackhead or cyst heats. There are a few types of acne scars which are removed in different ways. Depressed scars are ice-pick scars or pockmarks that form craters in the skin. Raised scars are thick like keloids. The removal of acne scars ranges from vitamin E oil to surgery.
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Natural Treatments
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Vitamin E is frequently recommended as a treatment to remove or reduce the appearance of scars. Applying natural (not synthetic) vitamin E oil a few times a day to the acne scars can reduce them. Many people claim that vitamin E works, but there is no scientific evidence the oil works. Cocoa butter is another natural product that helps to eliminate scars, especially stretch marks.
Over-the-Counter Creams
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There are many commercial products available that help to remove acne scars. Mederma is a popular choice. It has many testimonials on its website. Another product is ScarGuard MD which is used for raised scars like keloids. A doctor developed this produce which contains silicone and cortisone. For best results apply the products to the scar twice a day for a few months.
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Silicone Sheets
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Many doctors believe that silicone helps to fade or eliminate scars. Silicone sheets are paper coated with silicone and have an adhesive back. A person cuts the sheet to a size needed to cover the scar. The pressure of the silicone sheet around the scar reduces the size of the scar.
Chemical Peels
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Chemicals peels can be done at home or in a doctor's office. At home treatments include alpha hydroxyl acids which are natural fruit acids. Glycolic acid or lactic acids can be purchases in low concentrations in beauty supply stores. Stronger concentrations of these chemicals or prescription chemicals can be used in a doctor's office. The chemicals burn the top layer of the skin. When new skin forms, the scars are less noticeable.
Dermabrasion
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With dermabrasion, the doctor uses a small wire brush to remove the epidermis of the skin. This method also smooths depressed scars and reduces fine lines. When the skin heals, the scars are removed or less noticeable.
Laser Surgery
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Laser surgery is usually reserved for the most stubborn of scars. With laser resurfacing a beam of light is used to burn the top layer of the skin. The laser can go deeper into the skin layers than a chemical peel or dermabrasion. The heat of the laser also stimulates skin renewal. More healing time is required with laser surgery, but the results are better. Laser surgery can only be preformed by a trained dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
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