How to Get Rid of Acne Pits

Acne is a skin condition that can lead to long-term scars on the skin. Acne pits occur after a bout with cystic acne. Dealing with cystic acne and the acne pits that follow can be damaging to self-esteem. Dermatologists have several different treatments available to eradicate pitted scars due to acne. Pitted acne scars tend to be difficult to treat, since permanent damage has been done to the skin.

Things You'll Need

• Dermatologist
• Sunscreen

Instructions

Instructions

1. Treat your skin to a chemical peel. This will need to be done at your dermatologist's office. Chemicals such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid are used to produce an actual injury to the skin. It is a controlled injury and stimulates new skin growth. There are medium and deep chemical peels that can be done. Deep peels are often used for the most deep-pitted acne. They do have an increased risk of infection compared to medium chemical peels.

2. Discuss subcision with a dermatologist. This is more invasive than some of the other treatments available. It involves a procedure in which the pitted scar is detached from the skin tissue. The area eventually heals and new skin emerges. The doctor will administer a local anesthetic before the procedure. Healing time varies, but generally takes about one month for any scarring to go away.

3. Invest in microdermabrasion. While there are over-the-counter microdermabrasion treatments available, they will not provide the same results that you can get from a dermatologist. Aluminum oxide crystals are blasted at the skin and then sucked up via a vacuum-type machine. It's reported to be painless with virtually no recovery time. You may need multiple treatments for it to be effective.

4. Consider getting laser treatment to get rid of acne pits. It is one of the most effective treatments against pitted acne and scarring. It is an ablative treatment, which means that it destroys the top layer of the skin. That makes it more effective, but it also requires some recovery time. The recovery time varies, but usually is less than one month.

5. Utilize dermal fillers to get rid of acne pits. They are injected with Restylane or another type of filler. The skin in the injected area is then smooth and even. However, the results are not permanent and last about three to six months.

Tips & Warnings

• Obtain a referral to a dermatologist from your primary care physician.

• Wear a sunscreen that has a minimum SPF 15 at all times when receiving any of the treatments listed.

References

• Health Guidance
• Acne Talks
• Derma Network

Resources

• American Association of Dermatology