Laser therapy, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels can help improve the appearance of acne scars that aren't very deep. They all involve removing layers of skin cells to encourage skin to produce new cells.
Most of the time, those reddish or brownish acne marks that are left behind after pimples clear up will fade with no need for treatment. Picking or squeezing acne can increase the risk for scarring, though.
Salicylic acid: This active ingredient helps unclog pores and prevent new acne breakouts. Retinol: This can unclog pores and fade dark spots. You'll find benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinol in acne products that you can buy without a prescription. Retinol is a type of retinoid.
While existing scars cannot be waved away via magic wand, you can speed up the fading process by regularly applying certain topical creams, lotions, and gels to them. Some common ingredients in these scar treatments include aloe vera, cocoa butter, Vitamin E, honey, and other hydrating materials.
Topical vitamin C may help reduce acne scars, as well as acne-related inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Still, most research suggests that combining it with other treatments yields the best results.
If you suffer from acne scarring on your body (shoulders and back for example) moisturize with Vaseline® Intensive Care Deep Restore Lotion. It is formulated with nutrients and multi-layer moisture to penetrate deep down and can help keep skin hydrated and healthy-looking.
An inadequate amount of collagen results in atrophic or depressed scars. Overproduction of collagen results in raised scars. Cold skincare tools, such as cryorollers, may help reduce depressed or rolling acne scars when used alongside medical or surgical treatments.
Skin peels and serums containing vitamin C have a lightening effect on acne scars in about three weeks. These products are available over-the-counter (OTC) in pharmacies. Cocoa butter works as a great moisturizer. It has lightening properties, which help fade acne scars and lighten skin tone.
"The discoloration from dark marks will usually fade over time," says dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD, who notes that they tend to take between 3-6 months to go away on their own. "But, there are a number of treatment options to help speed up the process."
'Many people use home remedies and try anything in their medicine cabinet to clear their face', Dr Baxt tells Huffington Post. 'Toothpaste will irritate the skin, and the pimple will probably eventually disappear along with the irritation, but toothpaste is in no way a primary treatment for acne.
The rumor mill might have you believing that dabbing some regular old toothpaste on your zit will help it clear up overnight. But, while it's true that several ingredients found in toothpaste are drying to skin and might help shrink your pimple, this home remedy for breakouts isn't worth the risk.
Prolonged sun-exposure leaves people vulnerable to UV rays, which can cause inflammation, redness and even discoloration on areas of acne or scarring. Too much sun exposure makes acne scars more noticeable and less likely to fade over time.
One study found a topical gel containing vitamin C was able to significantly reduce the elevation and discoloration of fine facial scars at 6 months.
Niacinamide serum will help you deal with the signs of aging, lessen the fine lines, and reduce hyperpigmentation on your skin. While Vitamin C will protect your skin from UV rays, increase the collagen production and clear out acne and acne scars.
Serums can help lighten the appearance of scars caused by acne over time. You must look out for scar-repelling ingredients in the next serum you buy - vitamin C, niacinamide, salicylic acid, lactic acid, vitamin E, and rosehip oil are a few agents that work toward lightening your scars.
For acne scars, professional treatments options include chemical peels, microneedling, and lasers. Dark spots are best treated with either lasers or chemical peels. Multiple sessions may be needed to fully fade spots or scars.
Due to high acidity, ACV should always be diluted before it's applied to the skin. Apple cider vinegar isn't proven to get rid of scars, but it's less expensive than modern medical treatments, and is generally safe if diluted properly. In other words, it probably won't hurt to give it a try.
Won't Get Rid of Acne Scars
We know lemon isn't a proven acne treatment. But what about treatment for acne scars? Unfortunately, lemon juice can't get rid of depressed or pitted acne scars, nor will it flatten raised scars. All of these types of scars are actually very difficult to treat.