Acne Scar Reduction Methods
Many people find their acne scars embarrassing. The blemishes, the oily skin, and the resulting scars often add stress which in itself can trigger more acne breakouts. Fortunately, there are many methods of treating acne scars. Home remedies can help, as can over-the-counter medications. But a doctor usually offers the best solutions for reducing acne scars. These methods are more expensive but many believe worth the price for clear skin. Not all methods work for everyone, but with perseverance you are certain to find a remedy that helps to reduce your acne scars.
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Use Home Remedies
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Vitamin E is almost universally suggested as a scar reducer. The oil is easily found in drugstores and costs only a few dollars. Many people report ridding themselves of acne scars by applying vitamin E oil a few times a day for weeks or months. Cocoa butter is another top home remedy for treating scars. Made from cocoa beans, natural cocoa butter also is inexpensive and readily available. While no scientific studies prove that vitamin E oil or cocoa butter treat acne scars, many doctors recommend them.
Use Over-The-Counter Scar Removers
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Mederma is a popular over-the-counter skin ointment for scars. Many people use it and reviews on Amazon show a variety of results. Mederma costs about $30. ScarGuard was developed by a plastic surgeon and often is recommended by doctors. ScarGuard is a cream designed only for keloids or raised and thick scars. ScarGuard costs around $70, but some users have reported good results with this product on Amazon. Skin bleaches also may lighten acne scars. Many of these products contain hydroquinone, a bleaching agent. Other skin lightening ingredients are kojic acid and glycolic acid. Look for skin creams with one or more of these three ingredients.
Visit a Doctor
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A plastic surgeon or a dermatologist can help reduce acne scars. The doctor can access the scars and suggest a course of treatment. Prescription skin lighteners and bleaches are effective for some scars. Doctors also may suggest chemical peels or dermabrasion. Both are medical procedures that remove the top layer of skin. For a chemical peel the doctor applies acid or other strong chemical to the skin to burn off a thin layer. With dermabrasion the doctor uses a rotating brush to slough off the skin. Both these methods are good for discolorations and uneven skin texture due to depressed scars. As the skin heals from these procedures it is also renewing itself in the middle and bottom layers of the skin. When the new skin emerges, scars are less visible.
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