How To Treat Acne Scars -
Teenage Safe Acne Scar Treatments
Acne Comes in Several Forms
Acne scars can feel like a double punishment — you already had to deal with the pimples, and now you have marks to remind you.
Acne lesions (pimples) develop when oil and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles (or "pores") on the skin. A plugged follicle provides the ideal environment for bacteria to grow and produce the red bumps and pus-filled red bumps commonly referred to as pimples.
Acne manifests itself in a variety of ways:
Mild acne
This is what causes the whiteheads or blackheads that the majority of us experience at some point in our lives.
Moderate acne
This condition manifests itself through red, inflamed pimples (referred to as papules) and red pimples with white centers (called pustules)
Severe acne
This condition results in painful, pus-filled cysts or lumps (referred to as nodules) beneath the skin.
The majority of severe scarring is caused by more severe forms of acne, with nodules leaving permanent scars more frequently than other types of acne.
The best course of action is to seek treatment for acne as soon as it manifests to avoid developing severe acne and scarring. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you have nodules.
Acne Scar Treatment
Generally, the reddish or brownish acne marks that remain after pimples have cleared up will fade without the need for treatment. Picking or squeezing acne, on the other hand, can increase the risk of scarring.
Acne scars are classified into two types:
scars with a gradual depression or dip (sometimes called "rolling" scars)
deep and narrow scars
Acne must be controlled before scars can be treated.
Scarring: Mild vs. Severe
Treatment options vary according to the severity of the scars. Your dermatologist may recommend a chemical peel or microdermabrasion in some cases to help improve the appearance of scarred areas. These less invasive procedures can be performed in the office.
Numerous types of treatment are available for severe scarring caused by previous bouts of acne:
Laser Resurfacing.
This procedure can be performed in the office of a physician or dermatologist. The laser is used to remove the damaged top layer of skin and tighten the middle layer, resulting in smoother skin. It typically takes between a few minutes and an hour. Your dermatologist will attempt to alleviate any discomfort by numbing the skin with local anaesthesia first. Typically, it takes between three and ten days for the skin to completely heal.
Dermabrasion.
This procedure involves the use of a rotating wire brush or a spinning diamond instrument to wear down the skin's surface. As the skin heals, it is replaced by a new, smoother layer. Dermabrasion may take a little longer to heal the skin — typically between 10 and 3 weeks.
Fractionated Laser Therapy.
This type of treatment is more effective than laser resurfacing or dermabrasion because it does not wound the top layer of tissue. For a couple of days, someone who has received this type of treatment may appear slightly sunburned.
Dermal Fillers.
When doctors treat "rolling" scars, they may inject dermal fillers beneath the scar to elevate it to the level of normal skin. Finally, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove deeply indented scars in some cases.
One thing you should avoid when dealing with acne scars is overloading your face with masks or fancy lotions — these will not help and may irritate your skin even more, making the scars more visible and red.
If you have a red or brownish mark on your face as a result of a severe zit, it should fade over time. It may, however, take up to 12 months or longer. If you're concerned about acne marks, speak with your dermatologist; he or she may have PIH (pigmentation) treatment suggestions.
Call 9930993600 to book your consultation with Dr Niketa Sonavane