How to Get Rid of Scarring From Acne
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin disorder affecting Americans. Although struggling with acne can be frustrating enough, the scarring that it leaves behind can be equally detrimental to your self-esteem. But with a little perseverance, you may be able to get rid of acne scarring for good.
Instructions
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Use sunscreen daily. Scars can be darkened by sun exposure, so it's important to wear sunscreen while outdoors to keep the condition from worsening while you are in the process of lightening the acne scars.
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Use over-the-counter creams. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can masquerade as acne scarring. True scarring is deeper, but PIH exists in the upper layers of the skin. There are several creams available with lightening agents, such as kojic acid and azeliac acid, that will help lighten the hyperpigmentation caused by acne. A chemical called hydroquinone is also available without a prescription, but only in doses that are 2 percent or lower. DDF, Murad, Proactiv and Civant Skin Care make skin-lightening creams that will help lighten or completely fade acne scars.
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See a dermatologist. If the first two steps do not work, go see your dermatologist. A doctor will be able to write you a prescription for potent, topical skin lighteners, such as 4 percent hydroquinone. She will also be able to tell you why other methods are not working and whether further measures should be taken.
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Get fraxel laser treatments. Fraxel laser treatments are available for serious acne scars. This treatment involves the application of a numbing cream and the use of laser beams on the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin.
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Consider surgery to fill skin depressions or remove scarring caused by acne. If your acne scars are still visible, your doctor might recommend surgery. Depending on the type of acne scarring you have will depend on the type of surgery performed.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are still struggling with acne, it's important to get it under control before attempting laser treatments. Fraxel laser treatments can be expensive, and continuing acne problems will only cause more scarring after you complete the treatments.
If you are still struggling with acne and are worried about sunscreen clogging your pores, try non-comedogenic products, which will not clog pores.
Other at-home procedures, such as microdermabrasion, can exacerbate acne and irritate skin if you still have acne problems. Consult with your dermatologist first before trying it.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit skin treatment applying image by starush from Fotolia.com
