Pimples will often leave behind a patch of discolored skin. This discoloration isn't actually a scar - it usually clears up within a few months. Marks that remain for more than a year are considered to be scars.
The healing process can sometimes be accelerated by using medications like Retin-A, Renova and Alpha-Hydroxy. Sunshine can lead to further skin damage so always be sure to wear sunscreen when you are exposed to the sun for any length of time.
How To Prevent Scars
Scarring can be prevented with active treatment and self control. One of the most common things to lead to scarring is picking or squeezing acne. People often squeeze pimples, but this is one of the worst things they can do. This can cause skin damage which can lead to scarring, plus it can cause the bacteria that causes acne to spread, making the condition worse.
You also need to avoid picking scabs that form over acne lesions. These scabs are a part of the healing process and if they're picked off, it exposes the skin underneath which can lead to it not healing properly and scarring.
How to Treat Scars
Acne scars can be treated in a number of different ways. If the scarring is not too severe, a chemical peel may be an effective treatment. This will remove the top layer of skin and allow the cells beneath to rejuvenate themselves.
Severe cases of scarring can be treated with lasers or dermabrasion techniques. Lasers will remove the damaged layer of skin and tighten the underlying skin, raising the depression that the scar has caused.
Dermabrasion gets rid of scars by literally scraping away the surface of the skin where the scarring occurred. A new layer of skin is formed during healing, replacing the layer that was removed.
Some ways to remove acne scars are through invasive operations. Laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, punch elevation, subcutaneous incision, chemical peels, dermal fillers ? the list goes on. These methods of how to get rid of acne scars can have almost instantaneous results but they also come with a high price tag.
Fortunately, there are other inexpensive ways of how to get rid of acne scars. Natural remedies for acne scars can be found right in your very own kitchen. Here are 4 natural and effective home treatments for acne scars.
1.Aloe Vera ? The healing properties of the aloe vera plant are well documented in history. It has also been proven to be an effective treatment for acne and acne scars. Aloe vera greatly speeds up the skin's healing process and it regenerates and repairs damaged skin. Aloe vera comes in topical ointment, gel, cream, or soap form. Aloe vera juice can also be ingested orally. You can drink aloe vera juice or use a topical aloe vera treatment for healing acne scars.
2.Lemon Juice ? Lemon juice is nature's very own bleach. It lightens up dark spots, blemishes, and scars that acne can sometimes leave behind. Lemon juice naturally contains alpha hydroxy acids which peel off the skin's dead layers revealing new, fresh-looking skin. To use lemon juice as a way of how to get rid of acne scars, soak a cotton ball with about a teaspoon of lemon juice. Swipe the soaked cotton ball on your acne scars and leave it on for approximately 10 minutes. Rinse off with water. Lemon juice can make your skin sensitive to light so always protect yourself with sunscreen after using this treatment.
3.Vitamin E ? Vitamin E promotes healthy skin by eliminating harmful free radicals from the body. Vitamin E also improves the appearance of acne scars and prevents new ones from forming. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin E is 15 IU. Get your dose of vitamin E by orally taking one capsule a day. You can also break open a vitamin E capsule and directly apply it to acne scars.
4.Essential Oils ? These include tea tree oil, rosehip seed oil, and lavender oil. Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties which clears the skin of acne scars and blemishes. Rosehip seed oil is rich in fatty acids that regenerate scarred skin tissue. Lavender oil greatly reduces inflammation, soothes the skin, and heals scars left by acne. Always check the concentration of the essential oils before using them. A much too high concentration can do more harm than good to your skin.
These are some of the natural ways of how to get rid of acne scars. Patience is key in using natural acne scar treatments because it will always take some time before these methods show results.
Both Nathan James & Robert Thomson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Nathan James has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acne Treatment, Entertainment Guide and Online Business. Are you sick of worrying if your acne is going to suddenly act up on you? Whether you're searching for acne skin care products or