Products to Treat Acne Scars
Acne is an embarrassing problem that effects not only teens, but adults alike. Severe acne often leaves behind deep scars. If acne is not embarrassing enough, scarring can emotionally effect someone even moreso. As medicine advances, there are many treatments and procedures that lessen visibility or eliminate acne scars.
-
Post Inflammatory Pigmentation
-
Post Inflammatory Pigmentation is often confused with scarring, but is just the de-coloration of the skin pigments. This problem is as visible as scarring and often turns the skin a red or purple color. To treat this condition, sufferers must apply Mederma or prescription hydroquinone and glycolic acid. Mederma is a gel-based lotion that must be used as prescribed, as too much Mederma can cause acne to flare up. Hydroquinone and glycolic acid are used to bleach the skin back to "normal" color. Over-the-counter treatments like Neutrogena's Advanced Solutions Mask also can be used to reduce markings. This gel's most active ingredient is salicylic acid and should be used one to three times a week.
Mederma and Scarguard MD
-
Mederma and Scarguard MD are two prescribed treatments used to clear or reduce acne scarring. These treatments are gel-based and can only be used to treat saucer-shaped scars. Both Mederma and Scarguard MD only should be used on newer scars that are still developing. The gel stops the scar from growing in size and works to repair deep tissue.
-
Vitamin A and Hydroxy Acids
-
Vitamin A and Cellex-C High Potency Serum are used together to stimulate collagen. Although both should be taken at the same time, they should be used at different times of the day using vitamin A in the morning and Cellex-C in the evening. This cream is oil free and does not have as high of risk as Mederma for causing an acne break out. Another treatment for scarring is alpha-hydroxy acid and beta-hydroxy acid. These two topical treatments are used to bring skin back to its natural glow.
Chemical Peels
-
Chemical peels are one of the most common ways to treat acne scarring. This process works by applying high potency acid to enter the skin and remove the top layers. By doing so, the scar becomes less visible, and the tissue is slowly repaired. The most common peels are My Personal Peel System or Cellex-C Speed Peel Facial Gel.
Laser Therapy
-
Laser therapy is the most extreme treatment for acne scarring. This procedure is only used when topical treatments are not effective. There are two types of laser therapy treatments: ablative and non-ablative lasers. Abrasive lasers remove the outer layers of the skin, burning away scar tissue. Non-ablative tattoos change the dermis without changing or damaging the epidermis. This process targets the sebaceous gland, reducing sebum and killing the bacteria under the skin that causes severe acne. When the collagen is heated, it tightens the dermis.
-
