What helps with acne scars? While some people are fortunate to have blemishes that fade without leaving a mark, others are left with visual reminders of previous breakouts, which can affect someone’s emotional well-being as well as self-esteem.
Acne scars are inflamed blemishes from skin pores inflated with excess sebum, bacteria, or dead skin cells. Because of a swelling pore, it could cause a break in the follicle wall resulting in shallow to deep lesions on the skin. The skin usually attempts to repair these lesions by forming new collagen. However, this process does not guarantee a flawless recovery.
First, it is essential to know that there are two types of acne scars.
Hypertrophic scarring – Also known as keloid scarring, these scars develop when the body overproduces collagen as acne wounds recover, resulting in a bump on the skin’s tissue.
Atrophic scarring – Also known as depressed scarring, this scar develops when there is damage and loss of tissue on the skin. Icepick and Boxcar scarring are two of the most common types of scarring.
Many individuals who suffer from acne-prone conditions are familiar with or have dealt with acne-induced lesions. One of the questions frequently asked would probably be, what helps with acne scars?
How to get rid of acne scars?
The best way to avoid acne scarring is to optimize acne treatment by following a good skin-care routine, eating a healthy diet, and following an appropriate treatment regimen.
However, if there is already some visible scarring, there are over-the-counter medications as well as dermatological procedures that one may choose to reduce the marks and lesions on your face. It is best to remember that the type of medication may vary for every individual. So, what works for one does not necessarily works for the other. It depends on the severity of the issue and the type of skin you have.
Nonprescription Medications
Acne scar removal medications can be taken orally or topically.
- Topical Medication
Dermatological agents may remove acne-related dark marks, discoloration, and minor scars. Mild acne scars could be treated with over-the-counter creams, washes, or gels containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. However, more severe acne scars may require prescribed topical medications from a dermatologist.
- Oral Medication
Oral acne scarring medications reduce the amount of oil (sebum) produced by the skin. When the skin produces less sebum, pores are less likely to become clogged and develop into acne.
Many medications meant for treating acne can also be cure acne scars. Antibiotics, contraception, anti-androgen agents, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and retinoids are a few examples.
On the other hand, Isotretinoin (Absorica) is an oral retinoid that can cure severe cystic acne. Retinoids and retinol, two related compounds of vitamin A, target cell growth and oil production.
Acne Scar Treatment Procedures Option
Recent developments in derma-technology give individuals the option to avail professional medical procedures for acne scarring.
- Laser resurfacing
- Dermabrasion
- Chemical peels
- Derma filler injections
Acne Drugs
Treatment may vary depending on a person’s skin type, conditions, and responses to acne scar medication. Hence, there is no singular approach to treating every individual’s acne scarring problem. Again, only a doctor can suggest the best remedy for a patient.
Here is an overview of the most popular oral and topical acne scar medications available in the market:
- Absorica (isotretinoin)
- Epiduo Forte
- Atralin (tretinoin)