Everything You Need To Know About Acne Scars From How They Are Developed, To How To Prevent Them And How To Deal With Existing Scars.

Most people with mild or moderate acne will recover from the condition without serious scarring. In cases of severe acne, however, scarring is almost inevitable. However dermatologists are working on it and there are new treatments coming out every day that can minimize scarring as well as the existing acne scars. But until acne treatments to avoid scarring can be perfected the only thing we can do at the moment is to prevent acne scars from developing.

Ace scars can easily be prevented through a program of active treatment and self-control. Many people know that one of the worst things you can do to pimples is to pick them. Yet they will still try to squeeze or remove blackheads or whiteheads. When this happens, not only will the bacteria which causes acne spread, the skin can be damaged which leads to permanent scarring.

Mild cases of acne can usually be self treated with over-the-counter medications but more severe cases should be treated by a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe oral medications as well as topical ointments for use on the skin. In some cases, the doctor will also physically remove blackheads or whiteheads and lance and drain pus filled nodules. The dermatologist uses surgical instruments which have been sterilized, so these procedures should never be attempted at home.

Pimples form on the skin because of the presence of bacteria. The bacteria damages and inflames the skin. Once the acne has cleared up, the skin may appear discolored. Not to worry though, this is part of the natural healing process, and the discoloring will disappear after a period of time. This healing process can be sped up with the use of medications like Retin-A, Renova, and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids. Sunshine can damage the skin and thereby delay the healing process, so sunscreens should always be worn outside.

As for treating existing acne scars, there are several ways to do this. If acne scars are not too severe, a chemical peel can be applied to the skin. This effectively removes the microscopic top layer of the skin allowing the cells underneath to rejuvenate.

More severe scarring can be treated with lasers or dermabrasion. Lasers remove the damaged layer of skin and tighten the skin underneath to raise the depression caused by the scar. The process can be mildly painful so the dermatologist may use an anesthetic to numb the pain. The healing process after laser treatment takes about 3 to 10 days.

Dermabrasion removes acne scars by actually scraping away the surface of the skin where the scarring occurs. During the healing process a new layer of skin is formed to replace the scarring. Both dermabrasion and laser treatments can cause the skin to turn red, but this discolorment will disappear after several months.

Acne Scars