How to Prevent Acne Marks
Acne is a common skin condition that affects nearly everyone at some point in life. In some people, acne clears up without causing permanent damage to the skin. For others, acne can cause extensive marks and disfiguring scarring. The American Academy of Dermatology states that family history of severe acne and acne scars is the greatest risk factor for scarring, but not everyone with a positive family history will develop the problem. Treatment of acne-related skin damage is expensive, so it is crucial to prevent acne marks before they develop. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Keep your skin clean to prevent acne outbreaks. Prevention of acne is the best way to prevent acne marks and scarring. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face with warm water and a mild cleanser and avoiding the use of oil-based moisturizers and other skin products.
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Treat acne as soon as it develops to reduce the likelihood of acne marks. According to the AAD, promptly treated acne is less likely to cause permanent discoloration and scars, especially in people with a family history of severe acne.
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Use a product designed to prevent and treat scars, such as Mederma. Applying Mederma to newly healed acne spots may reduce the severity of scarring and speed recovery.
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Keep your hands off your face. Do not pick at acne, and never squeeze or pop pimples. Doing so can force bacteria deeper into your skin, causing severe irritation, inflammation, and tissue damage. Acne is considerably more likely to scar when it is picked at or remains inflamed for prolonged periods.
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Visit a dermatologist for severe acne. He can prescribe medications to help control your acne and prevent marks and scarring.
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Wear sunscreen every time you leave your house. Sun damage can make acne marks more visible and exposure to UV radiation can slow healing of skin tissues, making scarring more likely.
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Tips & Warnings
In most cases, the reddish or brownish spots or marks left behind after acne heals will fade with time, according to the Nemours Foundation.
