When you see a pimple, you know eventually it will heal and go away. But acne scars can be left behind even in mild cases, and severe acne can permanently alter the surface of the skin. Regardless, any one of these situations not only impacts your physical appearance and your self esteem. If you already suffer from acne scarring know that there are a number of home remedies and medical options available to you.
How Does Acne Scarring Begin?
When a blemish begins to form and during the healing process there are usually factors that indicate and influence that acne scarring will occur. And even though scars can impact the skin surface, cause discoloration and surface irregularities – they are a natural result of the healing process. When a pimple forms there is inflammation of the area which can impact the health of the surrounding tissue. The body then produces collagen to repair the area, but if there is too much damage the repair will not recreate the original smooth surface. As a result two types of scars can form. Keloids are the consequence of the production of too much collagen, creating raised bumpy areas. But more commonly known are the depressed forms of acne scarring, such as ice pick and boxcar scars.
Getting Rid of Acne Scars
One of the easier questions to answer isn’t “how to get rid of acne scars,” but really is “how do I prevent scars from forming?” Because they form due to increased inflammation, resist popping that pimple. This will prevent infection and additional inflammation from occurring. Also, seek treatment by a dermatologist to help put you on the road to clear skin. Even there is no cure for acne skin blemishes, there are ways and products designed to minimize breakouts.
Chances are you have already experience breakouts and do have scars left behind as reminders. In this case, there are two basic methods for removal. You can use home remedies and over-the-counter treatments or seek professional acne scar treatment.
How to Get Rid of Acne Scars at Home
Unfortunately there are limits when it comes to getting rid of acne scars using at home treatments. These methods will not fix raised bumps or the depressions left behind by ice pick scars and other types. However, these methods can reduce acne redness and lighten small areas of discoloration. Keep in mind red areas left behind by pimples are not actually scars but changes in the pigmentation of the skin, which can take 6 months or more to disappear. Also scar treatments should only be used when the blemish has gone and the surrounding area has healed, especially if you popped the zit.
Some of the most common remedies for getting rid of acne scars at home are:
- Shea Butter – Only the natural forms will provide benefit, but use sparingly. This product contains oil, which can increase breakouts.
- Lemon Juice – The acidic properties of lemon juice can lighten scars. Simply dab a small amount on the discolored area, allow to sit for a half hour and rinse.
- At Home Face Mask – Combine 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of yogurt, one tablespoon of oatmeal and several drops of lemon juice. Mix, apply to the skin for approximately 15 minutes, and rinse.
Keep in mind these are not the only solutions, there are hundreds of home remedies that may work for you in books and online.
Professional Acne Scar Treatment
Moderate to severe discoloration and surface changes will need treatment by a dermatologist to restore the appearance of healthy skin. But any degree of scarring should be treated if it bothers you or influences self-esteem. Some medical options include prescription topical creams, microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Laser skin resurfacing may be used after treatment to improve skin texture and appearance.