If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from acne, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with the aftermath. Acne scars can be an embarrassing reminder of your skin problems for years after the acne has cleared up. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available that can help reduce the appearance of acne scars. In this blog post, we will discuss ways to treat acne scars.

How Do Acne Scars Form?

Although acne shows itself above the skin, acne scarring is a result of what’s happening underneath the top layer. When the skin becomes inflamed, it causes trauma to the epidermis. The body’s natural response is to repair the damage by forming new collagen fibers. When the body forms too much collagen the scar becomes raised. When there is not enough collagen production, the scar is indented.

Post inflammatory pigmentation from acne is also very common. It is not a true acne scar because there is no loss of tissue, rather the surrounding skin tone becomes pink, brown or white. The brown hyperpigmentation are more common on darker skin tones.

Types of Acne Scarring

Ice pick scars

Icepick scars are deep, narrow, pitted scars. They appear as small, sharp indentations that are wider at the skin's surface and narrow into a point as they reach down into the skin. These deeper scars are often caused by severe acne, such as cysts and papules that occur deep in your pores.

Rolling scars

Rolling acne scars are a result of volume where the acne was causing broad depressions with a sloping edge. The skin surface is pulled down by fibrotic bands which tether to the underlying muscle fascia or fat tissue. They give the top layer of the skin a rolling and uneven appearance.

Boxcar acne scars

Boxcar scars broad depressions with sharply defined edges. These scars form when the body does not produce enough collagen during the wound healing process, causing the inflamed acne lesions to sink deeper into the skin. Most boxcar scars are linked to cystic or nodule acne, in which hard and painful cysts form under the skin.

Atrophic scars

Atrophic scars are flat, thin scars or depressed scars (anetoderma). It is a result of skin tissue not being able to regenerate properly. Ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars are considered atrophic scars.

Hypertrophic scars or keloid scars

Hypertrophic scars are thick raised scar tissue that’s an abnormal response to wound healing. They appear as raised lesions of scar tissue on the skin and are a result of the overgrowth of fibrous tissue in the region where the acne lesion had developed.

Acne Scar Treatment

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the most effective vitamin topical treatments for improving the suppleness of your skin. This vitamin smoothes the surface of your skin to make it more comfortable, which helps to alleviate acne. Vitamin E also fades skin pigmentation scars caused by acne.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Include a little rosehip seed oil into your skincare regimen. Rosehip oil has a lot of advantages. It is quickly absorbed into the skin, making it an excellent moisturizer. It has wonderful healing abilities and aids in the regeneration of damaged skin cells. It contains high levels of essential fatty acids that may help to promote healthy-looking skin.

Cryotherapy

If you have scars, warts, or other age-related skin blemishes or discolorations, cryotherapy may be beneficial. Cryotherapy can help to eliminate acne scars and flaws in the skin. Dried ice is utilized in these treatments to freeze scar tissue, causing it to die and eventually fall off.

Exfoliate Top Layers

It may be difficult to get rid of scars, but exfoliating them on a regular basis can fade acne scars by removing dead skin cells. Exfoliating the top layers of your skin could help make raised scars smoother and flatter. Take care not to go overboard. Overworking the sensitive skin around a scar might lead to it becoming irritated and more prominent. Use of products containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, or enzymes aids in the exfoliation process.

Chemical Peels

Glycolic acid peeling is an effective modality for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Different types of acne scars will require different methods. A TCA peel would be more suitable for deeper scars while alpha hydroxy acids are suitable for milder scars.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasions are fantastic acne scar treatments and birthmark treatment for the skin. It may also remove wrinkles and marks, among other things. It's a simple procedure that doesn't affect your normal routine. It's usually done in stages with various levels of intensity before being completed.

Microneedling

The process is fast, painless, and simple. Skin needling includes the use of tiny sterilized needles to prick the skin. The little wounds induce your body to produce more collagen and elastin, which heal your skin and make you appear younger.

Lemon Juice for Dark Scars

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. Lemon juice will aid in the lightening and fading of discolorations and scars on your skin, making them less visible. This is safer than a chemical peel because it uses lemon juice rather than harsh chemicals.

You may apply lemon juice, dried pea powder, camphor, and a little milk to any scars or discolored areas on your skin. After applying it to your skin, leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off. This blend can be used several times each week to fade scars.

Nutrition

Don't undervalue how essential nutrition is to skincare. A nutritious and well-balanced diet will help your face appear healthy and reduce acne breakouts. Vitamins and minerals can also aid in the healing of scars and blemishes, as well as minimize puffiness and inflammation around the eyes and lips.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are a delicious and healthy snack packed with nutrients. These nuts provide a significant amount of selenium and vitamin E, which is beneficial for fading dark marks and scars on your skin. To improve your skincare regimen, add Brazil nuts to your diet.

Skincare may require some effort and dedication, but the time you put into it is well worth it. Every day, use these easy ideas to alleviate and reduce acne scars.