Methods Used to Get Rid of Acne Scars
11 Mar
Healthforus The method used to get rid of acne scars depends on a number of factors. For example, the type of acne, severity of acne scars, and the actual person’s response to treatment would all be considerations. One thing that people should understand about acne and the scars they leave is that regardless of type, they start as a lesion formed from the comedo, which is a hair follicle that has become clogged with bacteria and oil.
Minor acne breakouts are frustrating and even embarrassing but for people with acne that leaves scarring, life can be challenging. The good news is that because of better knowledge of the different forms of acne, as well as medical advances, there are options to get rid of acne scars that work amazingly well.
Different Types of Acne
Before we discuss some of the best methods used to get rid of acne scars, we wanted to touch briefly on the various types of acne like acne no more. This information would make it easier to see why scarring develops and the potential for serious scarring produced.
o Whiteheads – Small white bumps that appear on the skin as a result of pores being affected with an overproduction of naturally producing oil called sebum
o Blackheads – Unlike whiteheads, the affected area of the skin is exposed to air, causing the tip of lesions to oxidize and in turn, blacken
o Papules – Small pink bumps in the shape of cones that develop as whiteheads that have become irritated and inflamed and while not filled with pus, papules are generally sensitive to touch
o Nodules and Cysts – Nodules are hard lesions trapped in the deep layers of the skin and while they do not contain pus, they are very painful. Unfortunately, a breakout of nodules could last anywhere from two weeks to two months. Cysts are softer pus-filled lesions, also buried deep within the skin and tender. Of all types of acne, cysts are considered as the most serious.
o Back Acne – Acne that results from heat and perspiration becoming trapped against the body and friction of clothing that causes skin irritation
o Acne Conglobata – Severe and rare, this type of acne can appear on the face, back, chest, shoulders, upper arms, thighs, and backside, causing abscesses and in most cases, serious scarring
Effective and Safe Treatment Options
It would be wonderful if everyone with acne scarring could benefit from the same method, regardless of acne type or level of severity but this is simply not the case. As mentioned, there are many factors involved that dictate the outcome of being treated for acne scarring. However, by working with a qualified medical expert, most people see significant improvement. The following are the best methods used to get rid of acne scars although other options exist.
o Adapalene – Also called Differin, when it comes to preventing and fighting acne but also reducing signs of scarring, this product works great. Sold as prescription medication in cream or gel formulas, skin cell growth is changed, which then reduces risk of acne developing.
o Benzoyl Peroxide – This method to get rid of acne scars is the most commonly used for mild to moderate cases. Proven effective with more than five decades of use, Benzoyl Peroxide can be used alone or with oral or topical medication to reduce the level of oil production and inflammatory lesions that cause acne breakouts leading to scarring. In addition, this treatment eliminates dead skin cells from follicles, kills acne causing bacteria, unblocks pores, and is safe for older children and adults.
o Contraceptive Pills – For women with acne breakouts and scarring, birth control pills can actually help by reducing androgen hormones that are notorious for causing the sebaceous glands to produce high levels of sebum that cause pores to become clogged. In most cases, contraceptive pills are used for women with hormonal acne that have been resistant to other treatment options in the past.
o Isotretinoin – Typically, doctors prescribe Isotretinoin when other methods to get rid of acne scarring failed or serious cases of cystic acne. Originally, this product was sold under the brand name Accutane, which was actually removed from the market as prescribed medication. Because Isotretinoin reduces the size of sebaceous glands, production of sebum or naturally occurring oil is inhibited and it helps remove dead skin cells that can cause whiteheads from forming.
o Laser Acne Treatment – Laser treatment is revolutionary in treating acne and acne scarring. Along with traditional laser acne treatment, another method known as Blue Light Acne Therapy works by killing bacteria that causes acne to develop. Because of the nature of these treatments, only a licensed dermatologist or doctor should perform the procedures.
o Salicylic Acid – Used for mild cases of acne breakout and scarring, this method to get rid of acne scars contains a special agent called Keratolytic that removes dead skin cells. In addition to being effective and safe, Salicylic Acid is beneficial for treating Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in which skin is dark from extra pigmentation and cases of skin being excessively oily.
o Sulfur – This method to get rid of acne scars has a 50-year history for mild to moderate cases. Sold as a prescription or over-the-counter, sulfur works in connection with a substance found in the skin’s top layer, which creates what is known as the Keratolytic effect that removes dead skin cells.
o Tetracycline – This is another beneficial method used to get rid of acne scars for moderate to severe cases. Often, Tetracycline is prescribed along with oral antibiotics and topical creams. This medication kills harmful bacteria to prevent future breakouts but also reduce signs of scarring.
o Tretinoin – Also referred to as Retin-A, this prescription medication not only helps by unclogging pores but it keeps pores unclogged. Other names Tretinoin is sold include Avita, Renova, and Vesanoid. Reported information shows this method to get rid of acne scars works yet medical professionals agree more long-term studies are needed to understand the full benefits of Tretinoin.
o Natural Remedies – Along with all of the treatment options for acne and acne scarring with products mentioned above, people need to know that there are some incredible natural remedies that can also prevent the development of acne and reduce signs of scarring.
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