Acne Scars: Home Remedies & Modern-Day Treatments

Creator: Dr. Rahul Chaudhary
Published: 2023-12-26 10:54:18

Dr. Rahul Chaudhary is a cosmetology specialist with a Masters Degree in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy from the Banaras Hindu University, India.

Updated On:December 26, 2023

What are Acne Scars?

Acne is common among people of all ages, from teenagers and young adults to women going through menopause. It is a frustrating condition to deal with at any age. But what can sometimes be worse than acne breakouts is acne scars that refuse to disappear easily and aggravate the suffering. These pimple scars are formed when acne penetrates deep into the skin and damages the underlying tissues. They may change the colour of skin, leave a spot, or there even cause skin indentation.

Acne Scar Home Remedies

While all these can be distressing, the good news is that it is possible to manage acne scars effectively. In some people, home remedies prove to be beneficial without the need for any treatment while in others, acne scar treatment is required.

Various home remedies are available for treating acne scar naturally, such as application of

Aloe vera gel extract
Coconut oil
Vitamin E
Raw honey
Shea butter
Grapeseed extract
Icepacks
Lemon juice etc.

Above mentioned home remedies can effectively lighten the acne scars on the face. These are all readily available in every home and can be applied just after thoroughly cleaning the face with water and mild soap.

However, in cases of severe acne, acne marks may require a more thorough treatment to make them less noticeable. A wide variety of acne scar removal treatments are available, but the right one depends on the type of acne, its severity and the extent of damage it has caused to the underlying skin. So, it is best to get expert advice from a dermatologist to choose the right and best acne scar treatment for you.

What Treatments are Available for Pimple Scar Removal?

There are numerous treatments available to remove or lighten the scarred surface, reduce its size or improve its appearance. Here are a few most effective ones:

Chemical Peeling

This involves the use of strong chemicals (acids) to remove the outer layer of skin and reduce the appearance of scars. Various chemicals such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), glycolic acid can be used depending on the skin type, severity of acne and scarring caused by it. It is especially effective for deeper scars.

Botox Injections

Botox injections are very effective for acne scars with puckered skin around them. This puckered area can be relaxed with an injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) to improve the appearance of skin.

Punch Excision

This involves surgically removing an acne scar through a punch matching the size of the scar.

Dermabrasion

Reserved for the most severe acne scarring, the procedure involves removal of the damaged top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating wire brush or wheel with a rough surface. The procedure deeply exfoliates the top layer of the skin to reduce the appearance of deeper scars.

Microneedling

One of the most recent advances in pimple marks removal treatments, microneedling uses a small, handheld pen or needle-studded roller to puncture the skin on the surface of the scars. As the punctured skin heals, it makes collagen and reduces the visibility of acne scars by smoothing out the skin.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser treatment for acne has recently gained a lot of noise for its superior and early results without using any chemicals or scrubs. The procedure involves the removal of the top layer of skin to reveal the underlying younger skin cells to reduce the appearance of scars. It creates a more even surface of the skin.

There are many other treatments available for pimple marks removal that can reduce or improve the appearance of acne scars. Most of these procedures are performed in-clinic and are safe for every age group. Discuss with your dermatologist the best-suited treatment for your acne scars.

When to Consider Medical Treatments For Acne Scars

In most cases, acne scars resolve on their own or improve with time. But if there are lasting changes in the skin colour or there are indentations in the skin, treatment is vital. Treating acne scars at the right time is crucial if you want effective results. You should consider treatment for acne scars only if the inflammatory phase of acne is over. This means that active pimple formation and redness has resolved. So, once the active phase of pimples subsides, think about treating stubborn scars for an improved skin appearance.

Does Acne Scar Treatment Work?

But keep in mind that not all treatments work equally well for patients. Some patients may experience exceptional results with one treatment, while others may not get the same results. Also, sometimes, a combination of various treatments is required to eliminate or reduce acne scars.

So, it is best to consult a dermatologist to discuss your options and chalk out the best acne scar removal treatment plan for you. Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres assure you best in class acne scar removal treatment for exceptional and early results.