What Are the Treatments for Facial Scars?
Today's cosmetics market presents a plethora of products and treatments that aim to be the solution for a wide variety of skin conditions. From over-the-counter products, to topical skin medications prescribed by dermatologists, to procedures performed in the plastic surgeon's office, virtually any skin condition has a cosmetic solution available. Facial scars were once considered unsolvable, but by special makeup to cover up the irregularity as much as possible, but as of 2009, there are plenty of options to remove facial scars completely. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Scar Condition
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Most, but not all, facial scars are the residual evidence of acne. Acne scars are an illustration of how scars present two separate skin conditions for cosmetic correction. Skin discoloration is the first component of the irregularity. Skin discoloration is either an issue of hyperpigmention or hypopigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a buildup of melanin (the substance responsible for skin color) in the skin cells that causes the area to be dark. Hypopigmentation is the opposite, as a lack of melanin creates a distinct light spot on the skin. Textural irregularity is the second part of scar correction, and is either in the form of sunken, dimpled skin or raised skin. Acne scars can fall into both categories, providing an example of both skin discoloration and textural irregularity.
Retin-A
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Retin-A was originally used for treating acne, but has become popular in anti-aging corrective treatments, since it can restore healthy skin. Its ability to promote elastin and collagen (two proteins essential to healthy skin structure) regeneration, and rejuvenate the skin cells makes Retin-A effective for both color and texture correction. Topical application of Retin-A can smooth out acne scars and improve the abnormal cells that cause discoloration. It replaces the unusable and unwanted cells with new, healthy cells, and the discoloration, therefore, begins to fade over time with continued use. Retin-A can treat both the discoloration and textural irregularity of scars simultaneously.
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Anti-Aging Products
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Anti-aging products can be used to treat facial scars, since these products are designed to restore the smooth texture and even color of the skin. Plenty of these products claim to reduce skin discoloration and erase wrinkles, and the same ingredients used to achieve these goals can treat facial scarring as well. Many products include strong ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (typically in the form of glycolic acid), retinoids, vitamin C (typically in the form of L-ascorbic acid), and beta hydroxy acids. These ingredients are able to slough off dead skin cells on the surface layer of the skin, and restore the skin with new cell production. Vitamin C penetrates the skin and works from the inside out to restore cells and also protect the skin cells from further damage. All of these ingredients stimulate collagen production, and all work to yield a smoother, more even skin tone.
Microdermabrasion
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Microdermabrasion kits are now mass marketed in home-use products, in addition to the microdermabrasion treatments offered by dermatologists, spas and beauty salons. Microdermbrasion involves a hand-held "sanding" device that brushes special exfoliating crystals over the face in a process that expedites the skin's natural exfoliation process. Again, old cells are shed and new cells make up the visible layer of the skin. This process, with consistent use, can smooth out textural irregularities and fade scars, although a stronger treatment might be needed depending on the depth of the facial scar conditions.
Chemical Peels
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Chemical peels are available in varying strengths, from mild to in-depth, and aim to promote new skin. A chemical peel procedure involves the application of a chemical solution to the facial skin, which will peel off and reveal a rejuvenated skin layer. Chemical peels are often used to treat wrinkles, scars and discoloration problems. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon can examine the scars and prepare an optimal chemical solution and strength to treat the scars and diminish their appearance. The side effects and recovery time for chemical peels vary with the strength of the peel solution.
Laser Treatment
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Laser rejuvenation is an increasingly popular cosmetic solution for a slew of skin conditions, including facial scars. Usually performed by a dermatologist, laser treatment involves use the use of intense, energy-filled laser beams that penetrate the skin's surface to target the unwanted cells beneath. The old cells are dissolved and destroyed without damaging the surrounding skin tissue. New cell generation is stimulated thereafter, and the skin irregularity, be it of texture or color, is diminished. There are a number of laser treatment types used to treat many different skin conditions of varying depths. The benefit of using laser treatment to correct facial scars is that results are seen immediately, and downtime is little to none. Only a few treatment sessions are required to correct facial scars, depending on their depth and quantity, and many facial scar conditions can be corrected with only one treatment.
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