There are many things that cause acne, and therefore many treatments for it. Even the most religiously applied acne prevention regimen or acne reduction measures can result in acne, and sometimes it results in scarring. Of course, you should try everything possible to prevent acne outbreaks from being severe in order to prevent scarring, but the truth is that some people scar more easily than others and even a mild case of acne can result in scars.
What are acne scars?
Acne
Any time there is a break in the dermis of the skin, whether from an insect bite, cut or acne, there is a potential for scarring. Did you know that skin is your largest organ? It is also a very forgiving organ, but there are just some levels of trauma from which it will not recover. Think of a paper that is torn in half and then taped back together; there is always evidence that there was a tear. The smaller the tear, the less obvious it is that it has been repaired.
Acne - Treatment For Scars
In the case of acne scars, this simply refers to the scar left behind by an eruption in the dermis caused by acne. The severity of the scar depends on where on your skin the outbreak occurs and how much it traumatizes the dermis. A deep eruption within the follicle wall will damage the dermis and destroy the healthy tissue, creating a scar. The most common type of acne scar is what's known as atrophic scarring. In lay terms, it's known as pitting or pockmarking. Rather than a raised scar, the scars are indented, due to loss of tissue.
Unfortunately, most acne occurs where it is visible to everyone and difficult to cover up or hide. Acne and acne scars can create self-image issues that last a lifetime, so it's important to do everything possible to minimize the damage from both.
Acne Scar Prevention
Scars cannot be completely removed. The only real "treatment" of acne scars is to reduce the visual effect of the scar, and most treatments are temporary. Therefore, the first line of defense is, of course, prevention. If you are aware that your skin scars easily, take extra precautions to prevent acne outbreaks and to reduce the trauma to the skin when you do have an outbreak. Even if you do not scar easily, don't take any chances! Skin has wonderful regenerative properties, but scars are forever. Be especially careful if you are aware you have hypertrophic, or keloid, scarring tendencies. This is a hereditary condition characterized by scars that form in welts and take years to thin out and lie flat.
Treat acne outbreaks as soon as they develop. If you suffer severe and chronic outbreaks, go to a dermatologist for medical treatment of your acne. Sometimes, home remedies simply will not work and medical advancements in the treatment of skin conditions make it much easier to treat outbreaks and therefore prevent scarring.
Never, ever - and I repeat EVER - pick at acne when you do have an outbreak. Many times, this results in the lesion becoming larger, which increases the likelihood of trauma to the dermis. Even an eruption that occurs close to the surface can go deeper, into the dermis, if the healing process is disrupted. Scabs form to protect the skin and picking them off interferes with the skin's healing and remodeling process. Picking off scabs also increases the risk of infection, which only makes the lesion larger - and creates a bigger potential for scarring.
When you have an outbreak of acne, avoid the sun - it only causes more skin damage and a delay in the healing process. Wear a moisturizer and/or foundation makeup with sunscreen, or just apply sunscreen. Don't think you're not exposing yourself just because you aren't going to the beach or going to be outdoors much. You get a surprising amount of exposure to the sun just by driving in your car.
Treatment for Scars
You did everything you could and now you have acne scars. What next?
Acne scars are stubborn and there is no "one size fits all" treatment for them. If you have very minor scars, you can try over-the-counter treatment for them. Mild acne can often become less noticeable with the use of products that contain vitamin C, retinol or glycolic acid. These contain collagen, and collagen "plumps" the skin, reducing the visual effect of mild atrophic scarring. Skin lightening creams can reduce the discoloration sometimes left behind by acne.
Home microdermabrasion or chemical peel kits can be effective; however, don't expect the same results you would get from a professional microdermabrasion treatment. The active ingredients in over-the-counter products aren't as strong as professional-use products. Also, be aware that these can sometimes cause a reaction that may make the scars more noticeable. Proceed with caution, or consult your physician before using these products.
For more severe cases of acne scars, skip straight to the office of a trained professional - a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. There really isn't any point in wasting your time or money on home remedies. You may want to consider laser treatment for acne scars or some kind of chemical peel. Neither will "cure" or completely remove the acne scars, but they can be very effective in alleviating the severity of the scarring.
When to get treatment for scars
If you are still having active outbreaks of acne, the continued eruptions can cause more scarring. That's not to say you can't seek treatment for scars, but a dermatologist will want you to undergo treatment for your ongoing outbreaks while discussing scar treatment. Otherwise, if you feel your scars are causing your to lose confidence, if they're causing body image or self-esteem issues, if you are socially isolating yourself because you are self-conscious about your appearance, or you feel the scars are limiting your opportunities for social and professional fulfillment - then it's definitely time to seek help.
Acne - Treatment For Scars
I have experienced the pangs of getting rid of acne and employed both prescription acne treatments and a variety of home remedies to improve skin care for myself and others. I enjoy growing my own herbs and researching the ways in which they can be used.