Acne Scars

Treating Scars

After an acne lesion has healed, it can leave a red or hyperpigmented mark on the skin. This is actually not a scar, but rather a post-inflammatory change. Or we call "scar" if that area occured after the acne cured where is red, purple or even brown mark left by a previous infection (spot, blemish, pimple etc).

The redness or hyperpigmentation is seen as the skin goes through its healing and remodeling process, which takes approximately 6-12 months. There are certain practices and medications that can help facilitate this healing process.

• Unprotected exposure to the sun causes more skin damage and delays healing, therefore wearing a good sunscreen is important.
• Using Retin-A, Renova or Avita speeds up the skin's remodeling process and helps heal post-inflammatory changes.
• Appropriate formulations of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that contain the correct concentrations and are at the appropriate pH also help the skin's remodeling process.
• Picking at scabs should be avoided at all costs. Scabs form to protect the healing process that is going on underneath them. Pulling a scab off before it is ready interferes with the healing and remodeling process, prolonging the time that post-inflammatory changes will be visible.

How to Treat Acne Scars?

Scars can be helped to fade faster by applying evening primrose oil directly to them. Rosehip seed oil is great for reducing scar tissue because it is high in essential fatty acids. Apply straight on to the skin or add a few drops to moisturiser. Aloe Vera also good to apply topically and to drink for healing scars. Lavender essential oil is also known for treating scars. Moreover, apply tea tree oil on the scars. It will help to unclog the pores and heal the scars.

If your acne scars are dark, you can use lemon juice to lighten them. First, cleanse the scar with water. Dab one teaspoon of lemon juice into a cotton ball and smooth it over the acne marks. Leave for ten minutes, then rinse.

Note:-
Use a moisturiser that will help clear scars, but won't block pores causing more blemishes - such as AHA facial cream.

Treating acne scars from the inside

• Water is one of the most natural methods of aiding the healing process naturally for scars. In order to properly shed skin cells and let new ones grow, your skin needs to be well hydrated. Drink lots of water everyday and eat fruits and veggies.
• Eating a balanced diet is also necessary for acne scar healing. This is an easy home remedy for acne scars as long as you’re already on a good diet! Why is this important? Because just as you need hydration for your skin, you also need protein to help your body rebuild skin cells quickly.

Note:-
Healing your scars can be maximized naturally if the body is getting all the right nutrients to fight disease, infection, and speed up the healing process from within. Some foods to build into your diet would include chicken, fish, tofu, or soy beverages or soy substitutes that are high in protein.

• Fractional laser therapy: This type of treatment works at a deeper level than laser resurfacing or dermabrasion

Since getting rid of acne scars is a complex process, often several of the treatments listed above will have to be combined to produce the best results.