Acne scars can be embarrassing and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to removing acne scars, there are a number of acne scars home remedies, supplements, over the counter skincare products as well as medical intervention can help reduce their appearance.
In this blog post, we will discuss the various types of acne scars and the best treatments for each type. We will also explore low-budget treatment options that you can try at home!
About Acne Scars
Acne scars are caused by skin inflammation and damage, which can be the result of pimples, blackheads, nodules or cysts.
There are three main types of acne scarring –
- hypertrophic scars,
- keloid scars, and
- atrophic or depressed scars.
Hypertrophic, keloid, and atrophic (or depressed) scars.
Hypertrophic scars
These are raised, red marks that can form when the body produces too much collagen.
Keloid scars
Keloid scars are similar to hypertrophic scars, but they can grow beyond the boundaries of the original injury.
Atrophic or depressed scars
Atrophic or depressed scars are small depressions in the skin that can be either shallow or deep.
Acne scar home remedies that don’t work
There are a number of home remedies for acne scars that you may have heard of, but do they really work? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular treatment options and see if they are backed by science!
Coconut oil: Coconut oil is often hailed as a miracle cure for all sorts of skin problems, including acne scars. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, coconut oil can actually clog pores and make your acne worse!
Lemon juice: Lemon juice has bleaching properties that can help to lighten dark scars. However, it can also cause skin irritation and make your scars more pronounced.
Baking soda: Baking soda is another popular home remedy for acne scars. However, there is no scientific evidence to support its use. In fact, baking soda can actually damage your skin and make your scars worse!
Potato juice: Potato juice is a popular home remedy for acne scars. However, like lemon juice, it can cause skin irritation and make your scars more pronounced.
Home remedies for acne scars that work: low budget
There are a number of home remedies for acne scars that have been proven to be effective in reducing the appearance of scars. These may include plants, foods, or supplements.
Aloe vera: Aloe vera has been shown to be effective in the treatment of both hypertrophic and atrophic scars.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an important nutrient for collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps to repair and restore damaged skin, making it an effective treatment for acne scars.
Green tea: Green tea contains antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing, making it a great natural remedy for acne scars.
Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It can be found in food such as oysters, beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, and cashews.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It can be found in foods such as nuts, seeds, and leafy greens.
Fish oil: Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to promote skin healing.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants are compounds found in many types of food that protect the body from free radical damage. Examples include berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. To get the most antioxidants in your diet, it’s best to choose a wide variety of whole foods instead of taking supplements.
Best Over-The-Counter for acne scar
There are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) skincare treatments that can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Exfoliating cleansers: Cleansers that contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid can help to exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of scars.
Retinoids: Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that can improve the appearance of both atrophic and hypertrophic scars.
Alpha hydroxy acids: Alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid, can help to exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of scars.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is important for protecting the skin from free radical damage and preventing further scarring. Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are effective broad-spectrum sunscreens.
Using a combination of these treatments can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars and leave you with smoother, healthier skin overall. However, it is important to consult your dermatologist before starting any new skincare regimen, as they will be able to recommend the best treatment options for your individual needs.
How do dermatologists get rid of acne scars?
Dermatologists use a variety of different treatments to get rid of acne scars. The best treatment for you will depend on the type of scarring you have and your individual needs.
Some common treatments for acne scars include:
Steroid injections: Steroid injections are a common treatment for hypertrophic and keloid scars. They can help to reduce the size and appearance of these types of scars.
Surgical procedures: Surgical procedures, such as punch excisions, are often used to treat atrophic scars. This type of surgery involves removing the scar tissue and stitching the wound closed.
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a type of exfoliation that can help to reduce the appearance of scars by removing the top layer of damaged skin.
Laser treatments: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing and CO2 lasers, are often used to treat more severe types of scarring. They work by stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of scars over time.
How will your dermatologist decide type of treatment?
Your dermatologist will select a treatment option based on the type of scar you have. T
The best treatments for hypertrophic, keloid, and atrophic scars will depend on the type of scarring you are experiencing. For example, if you have hypertrophic or keloid scars, your dermatologist may recommend steroid injections or surgical procedures to reduce their appearance.
Atrophic scars can be treated with microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser therapy, or dermabrasion.
It is important to consult with your dermatologist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
How long does it take for acne scar to go away?
The time it takes for acne scars to go away will depend on a number of different factors, such as the severity of your scarring and the type of treatment you use.
Some common treatments for acne scars include microdermabrasion, which can help to reduce the appearance of mild scars over time. For more severe types of scarring, laser treatments or surgical procedures may be recommended by your dermatologist.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating acne scarring, so it’s important to consult with your dermatologist and develop an individualized treatment plan that works best for you. However, with consistent treatment and good skincare habits, most types of acne scars should start to fade.
Conclusion: My take on it all.
While there is no guaranteed way to get rid of acne scars at home, you can try using some natural remedies or consulting with a dermatologist for effective treatment options. With proper treatment and care, it is possible to reduce the appearance of even the most stubborn scars!
Whether you opt for professional laser therapy or natural at-home remedies like aloe vera or green tea, there are many ways to achieve beautiful, clear skin!
However, If you are looking for fast and effective treatment options for your acne scars, consider consulting with a dermatologist or skincare specialist. They will be able to recommend the most effective treatments based on the type of scarring you have and your individual needs. With proper treatment, it is possible to reduce the appearance of even the most stubborn acne scars!