Acne scars are marks left after pimples, cysts, or other acne heal. They can significantly impact your self-esteem and confidence, making you worry about the appearance of your skin. Society also places a high value on clear, unblemished skin, which can increase the pressure to have flawless skin.
This article will discuss what you need to know about removing acne scars, including their causes and treatments. Whether you’re looking for medical treatments or home remedies, we’ve got you covered. We will also discuss how to prevent acne scars and live a healthy lifestyle to maintain healthy, acne-free skin.
So, if you’re tired of living with the lingering reminders of acne, keep reading for all the information you need to remove those acne scars.
Common Causes of Acne Scars
When your skin becomes damaged due to acne inflammation, acne scars appear. When the body tries to heal damaged skin, it produces excess collagen, which can lead to raised or indented scars. Several factors can contribute to acne scars, including:
- Picking or squeezing pimples – Picking or squeezing pimples can push bacteria and oil deeper into the skin, causing further damage and increasing the likelihood of scars.
- Inflammatory acne – Inflammatory acne, such as cysts and nodules, is more likely to cause scars because it causes deeper damage to the skin.
- Hormonal changes – Hormonal changes can trigger acne breakouts and, in turn, contribute to the formation of acne scars. When your body experiences hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, androgens (male hormones) increase. As a result of this hormonal shift, the sebaceous glands produce more oil, causing clogged pores and pimples.
- Genetics – Some people are more prone to scarring than others due to their skin structure. People with less collagen or a slower-healing skin type are more prone to scarring.
- Skin type – People with oily skin are more susceptible to acne because their skin produces more oil, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Excessive oil mixed with dead skin cells and bacteria can cause pimples and other forms of acne.
Understanding the causes of acne scars is essential to help prevent them and seek appropriate acne treatment in Guelph or another city in Ontario. If you have severe or persistent acne scars, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for advice.
How to Treat Acne Scars
Medical treatments
Medical treatments for acne scars in Toronto can help make your scars less noticeable if not completely remove. These treatments include:
- Microdermabrasion – a minimally invasive procedure that uses a special device to remove the top layer of skin, revealing smoother, clearer skin.
- Chemical peels – use chemicals to remove the top layer of the skin for a smoother, clearer complexion
- Laser therapy – a treatment that uses laser light to resurface the skin and stimulate the production of collagen, reducing the appearance of scars
- Fillers – a treatment that uses injectable fillers to plump up indentations or raise sunken scars
- Microneedling – a procedure that uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries to the skin, triggering the production of collagen and improving the appearance of scars
- Radiofrequency – a procedure that uses radio waves to heat the deep layers of skin, stimulating the production of collagen and improving the appearance of scars
A healthcare professional can assist you in locating the best treatment to help reduce the visibility of your scars.
Home remedies
Many home remedies can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, including the following:
- Aloe vera
- Honey
- Coconut oil
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Onion extract
- Essential oils
- Turmeric powder
All the listed remedies have properties that can help improve skin texture and reduce scarring. They are believed to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and exfoliating properties that can help lessen the appearance of acne scars. However, it is imperative to note that results may vary, and some of these remedies may not be suitable for all skin types. Doing a patch test and consulting a dermatologist before using any new product is always advisable.
Be patient
Reducing the appearance of scars is often gradual and can take time. Most treatments promote skin cell turnover and improve collagen production, which are slow processes that occur over time. Additionally, the healing time for each individual can vary based on factors such as the type of scar, the severity of the scar, and the individual’s skin type.
Sometimes, medical treatments may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. It can take weeks to months to see improvement. Furthermore, the effectiveness of home remedies can also vary and may provide different results for some. Being patient and allowing enough time for treatments to work can also reduce the risk of side effects and minimize the risk of further damaging the skin.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits can also help reduce the appearance of acne marks and prevent the development of new acne. You must include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet while limiting your intake of sugar, dairy, and processed foods.
Because stress can cause acne outbreaks, it’s critical to find effective ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or deep breathing.
You should also limit your exposure to the sun. It can darken acne scars and trigger new outbreaks. Be sure to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective clothing outdoors. Lastly, avoid harsh skincare products that can irritate the skin and worsen the appearance of your scars. Opt for gentle, non-comedogenic products designed for acne-prone skin.
Consult a dermatologist
Dermatologists are trained medical professionals specializing in skin health and can provide personalized and effective treatment options based on the individual’s specific skin type and medical history. They have access to various medical-grade treatments, such as chemical peels, laser therapy, and micro-needling, that can effectively remove or reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Additionally, a dermatologist can assess the scars’ severity and recommend the most appropriate treatment, including a combination of topical treatments, lifestyle changes, and in-office procedures. They can also help identify and treat any underlying skin conditions contributing to the development of acne scars.
