How to Treat Acne Holes
Acne holes are essentially scars caused by prior acne. While acne doesn't generally scar, many individuals pick or squeeze their acne, thereby damaging the skin. This damage often leads to long-term scars. Acne holes can occur on any area of the body, though they are most common on the face, neck, chest and back. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to improve the appearance of acne holes. With regular treatment, your skin will appear smoother and your acne scars will be less noticeable.
Instructions
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Wear sunscreen daily. Sun exposure can worsen the appearance of your acne holes. As the sun damages your skin, it weakens its ability to heal from scarring. Cover your acne holes with a high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen every day.
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Use an exfoliating scrub on your acne holes. Exfoliation aids in skin cell regeneration as the top, dead layers of skin are removed. Exfoliate once to twice weekly, and your acne holes will become less noticeable over time.
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Apply a bleaching cream to your acne holes. Oftentimes, acne holes are darker in color than the surrounding skin. Bleaching creams can help to gradually lighten the scars so they blend in with the rest of your skin.
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Talk to your dermatologist about retinoid creams. Made from Vitamin A, retinoid creams encourage skin cell production. This means that new skin cells are more rapidly developed to replace your older, damaged cells. With regular application, your skin will repair itself more quickly, leading to a smoother and more even appearance. You must have a doctor's prescription to get retinoid creams.
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Get microdermabrasion. Since acne holes often appear as depressions in the skin, microdermabrasion essentially buffs the skin's surface to achieve a smooth, even surface. A mini sandblaster-type device is used by a certified professional, and a series of sessions are usually required. Expect your skin to be pink and irritated after sessions.
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Consider laser therapy. During laser resurfacing treatments, the top layers of your skin are essentially burned away to reveal younger, less damaged skin below. Laser skin resurfacing is the most effective way to get rid of acne holes and scars. Treatments are painful and expensive, and repeated sessions are often needed. Your skin will appear burned after laser treatments.
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Try chemical peels. A licensed professional, often a dermatologist, will apply chemicals to your acne holes which burn away the skin's top layers. Once your skin heals, scars and holes are less noticeable. Chemical peels are available in different strengths, from light to deep. Talk to your dermatologist about which strength would be appropriate for your degree of scarring. Depending on the strength of the peel, your skin may only be slightly pink after a peel or appear seriously burned.
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Tips & Warnings
Eat a healthy diet and consume lots of water. Both are essential to healthy, beautiful skin.
Stay out of the sun after laser treatments, microdermabrasion sessions and chemical peels. Your skin will be incredibly vulnerable to the sun, and such exposure could result in serious damage.
