5 Effective Ways to Fade Acne Scars and Restore Your Clear, Smooth Skin
You have the scars to show that you have battled breakouts. Even though blemishes themselves can be upsetting, the scars they leave behind can act as a permanent reminder of the psychological harm and confidence blow that acne can inflict. Your dermatologist has likely experienced it themself, entirely understands, and has likely seen it many times before. They are available and prepared to assist with skin clearing, scar reduction, and confidence and hope restoration.
Let me make it clear that there is a distinction between a legitimate scar and a mark left behind by acne before we discuss about scars. Are the marks you’re worried about incised or are they merely discoloured?
No matter what skin type you have, a legitimate post-acne scar is distinguished by an irregularity in the skin’s surface texture. These sunken, pock-like scars are also known by the names “ice pick scars,” “rolling scars,” and “boxcar scars,” according to dermatologists. It’s likely not a scar if the skin is smooth and hasn’t changed in texture; rather, it’s just the pink or dark mark that acne left behind, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). These blemishes are transient, reversible, and will eventually disappear with time (though this can sometimes take weeks to months, especially in olive or darker skin tones). Wear sunscreen frequently regardless of skin tone because it can prevent marks from becoming discoloured for much longer. To make assure that a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ product won’t clog pores, search for the term “noncomedogenic.”
I’m sorry to tell that if your scars are real scars, they might never go away on their own and usually can’t be completely eliminated, but the good news is that there are various things you can do to enhance your skin after acne, regardless of whether you have marks or scars.
Gels and Creams (effective for both scars and marks)
Over-the-counter creams promoted as scar remedies are often ineffective, as any dermatologist will tell you. This is primarily due to the fact that few “scar” creams have solid scientific support. Additionally, the scars left by acne are frequently indented, which makes them difficult to treat.
Lasers: Your dermatologist may recommend laser therapy to lessen redness, resurface the skin, or encourage the development of new collagen and elastin, depending on your skin type and the appearance of any scars.
Injections: Thicker, itchier, or ropier scars can be thinned and flattened by little steroid injections. Indented scars can be temporarily filled in using a gel called filler, which also evens out the skin’s surface.
Micro needling: Through a series of treatments, micro needling may gradually decrease acne scars by producing minuscule pinprick holes to encourage skin repair. Although home dermaroller and light micro needling treatments can exfoliate skin and leave it feeling smooth, they are unlikely to penetrate deeply enough to cure scars (and shouldn’t attempt to do so).
Additionally, whether you have scars or markings, prevention is crucial because it might be challenging to detect change if new blemishes keep appearing. If over-the-counter remedies are insufficient, a dermatologist can assist in creating a treatment plan.