Acne Scars Tips

Quite strikingly, acne can become a persistent cause of your worries, if left untreated. Acne not only harms you physically, but also damages your psychological health. Persistent acne can result in a pockmarked face, making you feel sullen and unsure of yourself. Acne refers to a condition where the skin perpetually develops stinging, red bumps. Red pimples might show on your face, shoulders, back or neck. The bumps usually take a lot of time to heal and they leave behind deep scars. And, in order to treat, such scars one can go for cosmetic dermatology procedures.

Acne Scars: What are they?

When inflamed blemishes, result from crushing of excess oil, bacteria and dead cells in your skin pores, enlarge and swell up breaking the follicle wall, acne scarring is caused. One can get rid of acne scars through the natural healing process of your skin if the lesions are not very deep. Deep lesions will require medical assistance. New collagen formation can heal such scars, but it doesn't restore the radiance and tautness of your original skin. Acne scars can be divided into two broad types:

Hypertrophic and Keloid scarring: Raised tissue on the surface of the skin following excess collagen production causes such kind of scars.

Atrophic or depressed scarring: These scars are caused due to reduced tissue production. Small, but noticeable holes on your skin are called Ice picks. However, the boxcar is a scar, which is similar to a chicken pox mark.  

Causes of Acne scars:

1. Malfunctioning of hormones even after the age of puberty can lead to acne formation in both males and females.
2. Food items rich in carbohydrates can trigger acne. Dairy products could also worsen the condition.
3. Any medicine that contains lithium, androgen or corticosteroids can worsen this skin condition.
4. Bacteria, excess oil, blocked pores, and dead skin cells are the primary reasons behind acne.

Treatments of Acne scars:

Cosmetic dermatology procedures can successfully help you do away with acne scars. Blue-light therapy, is a procedure in cosmetic dermatology, which can work wonders for acne scars. A narrow- band, but high - intensity Blue-light is used to counter Porphyrins released by bacteria causing acne. Porphyrins easily absorb Blue-light and the light leads to radical damage of Porphyrins when used in certain wavelengths.

There are certain topical creams available, which can improve mild scarring, most of the acne scars are either depressed or raised type and need a combination of surgical procedures and skin resurfacing. The therapeutic options that are currently available to treat acne scars include subcision, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, derma rollers, chemical peels, TCA cross, ablative lasers, fractional lasers and dermal fillers.

Fractional resurfacing laser is one of the most effective treatments for acne scars. It is a minimally-ablative technique that creates microscopic zones of dermal injury in a grid-like pattern. This helps in collagen remodelling, skin tightening, scar improvement, reduction in fine lines, improvement in texture, tone and colour of the skin. A series of 4 to 6 sittings are usually needed for optimal results. Each session lasts for one hour and is performed at monthly intervals.

Certain types of scars such as the ice pick and rolling scars, pixel laser are combined with subcision, dermal rollers and TCA cross. In addition, punch excision and softening of margins with laser can be done for box scars. All the mentioned procedures are well-tolerated with local application of anesthetic creams before procedure. With these procedures, improvement of scars is seen over several weeks.

Lately, injectable dermal fillers are being used for correction of acne scars, giving it a smoother appearance. This is semi-permanent and needs to be redone as and when required. Timely treatment of acne is necessary to keep, both unwanted pigmentation and scars at bay. So, get rid of your scars and make the dream of blemish free and smooth skin come true.

Dead cells shed from your skin regularly along with the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands may end up blocking the pores, thus causing inflammation. This inflammation which results in multiple pimples and zits are known as acne. When the acne heals, it can do irreparable damage by leaving behind scar tissue which results in acne scars. These scars are unsightly and may cause social anxiety as well as cause issues with self-esteem.

Some of the ways to get rid of ace scars have been mentioned below.

1. Coconut oil – This is another great remedy to help your skin recuperate from scars. Just take a spoonful of coconut oil and rub it gently on your scars. Give it at least 30 minutes to get absorbed within the skin. Then if there is excess oil left on your face, wash it off it a mild face wash.
2. Baking soda – This is a very effective remedy for removing acne scars as it encourages shedding and thus the growth of new skin. Mix two to three teaspoons of baking soda and then mix them into a paste with an equal quantity of water. Apply this paste for two to three minutes before thoroughly washing your face. Ensure it doesn’t stay on your skin for more than 6 to 8 minutes as the chemicals in it may damage your skin.
3. Egg whites – The proteins and amino acids within egg whites can actually encourage the development of new skin and effectively treat your acne scars. Whip up egg whites in a bowl and apply it with your fingers on the problem areas. Let it dry for some time and then wash off with lukewarm water. Doing this two to three times a week will bring effective results in a few weeks’ time.
4. Fenugreek or methi – Methi seeds have been known to be an amazing remedy in treating acne scars since a long time. Methi seeds boiled in water and made into a paste or glue can be very effective in just a few weeks when applied to the affected areas.
5. Aloe Vera – This is one of the wonder herbs in treating not only acne scars but many other skin conditions. Buy aloe leaves and snap one end of the leaf to expose some of the gel within it. Then apply the gel to the affected areas. Wait for 30 minutes or so and then wash your face with a mild face wash and water.
6. Lemon Juice – This home remedy is effective in battling acne scars as well as fighting the growth of new acne. Simply use a few tablespoons of lemon juice and apply it on the scars with a cotton ball. Keep it for a few minutes before washing your face.
7. Potato slices – Cut thin slices of potato and apply it to face by sticking them onto your skin. Keep them there for at least half an hour and then wash it off with warm water. Do this once daily for a few days till you start seeing noticeable results.

People suffering from acne scars go through mental pressure as well as emotional problems. Studies have shown that people suffering from acne scars are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and low confidence. Typical causes of acne include bacteria, excess oil, and clogged hair follicles. The acne can get more severe due to some medications, stress, or diet.

Severe acne may be treated with proper medications but it leaves behind scars. These scars can be treated with the fractional CO2 laser. The method includes treatment of the scarred skin that results in healthy skin.

Benefits of Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment- 

This method is opted by those who suffer from acne. The benefits of this method are:

• It not only reduces the scars but also reduces the sign of aging, smoking lines, wrinkles, and several other unwanted facial lines.

• This treatment comes with minimal discomfort that too only when some topical cream is applied to the skin.

• This treatment works even on darker skin types, including Asian skin.

• The recovery period of this treatment is 4 days or less.

Fractional CO2 Laser Working

During the procedure, several rays of the CO2 laser will create miniature holes (microscopic holes) below the surface of the skin to help generate the new collagen. This new and healthy collagen keeps the skin very youthful. Fractional CO2 works only on the affected area leaving the unaffected ones and this helps in speeding up the recovery.

Method of Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment

The whole treatment is performed using topical anaesthesia and a topical numbing cream is applied on the screen before an hour of the treatment starts. Throughout the procedure, the patient would be awake and may feel a little discomfort.

A session would hardly take an hour. During the hour you will feel the peeling of the skin and a slight sunburned sensation of the skin. This sensation on the skin will last for 4-5 days.

The treatment is customized according to the needs of the customer. There are two types of treatment:

• Shallow treatment: The recovery period lasts for only 2-3 days as the treatment is not very critical.

• Deeper treatment: Requires the holes to go deeper down the skin and would take more time to recover for around seven to ten days. However, the result of the treatment depends on the depth of the treatment.

After the treatment, there might be less noticeable scars and less aging signs along with all other skin conditions. The skin will start getting clearer. However, the actual result of the treatment will start showing after a week and will continue to show till six months. It is always advisable to consult an experienced and skilled dermatologist.

Human skin is prone to many problems like pimples, pigmentation, wrinkles and acne. Acne is the bane of an adolescent’s life. Yet it happens due to a common problem. Hair follicles on skin, arms and the torso, sometimes overproduce cells and become blocked. Due to this blockage, oil produced by tiny oil glands in the skin gets trapped and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, giving rise to acne.

There are two main types of acne - non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Examples of non-inflammatory acne are whiteheads and blackheads. Blackheads form when a clog or plug develops in the opening of hair follicles in your skin. Each follicle contains one hair and a sebaceous gland that produces oil, called sebum, which helps keep your skin soft.

Dead skin cells and oils collect in the opening to the skin follicle, producing a bump called a 'comedone'. If the skin over the bump stays closed, the bump is called a whitehead. When the skin over the bump opens, exposure to the air causes it to look black and a blackhead forms. These are ugly but can be taken care of through common cosmetic procedures.

Inflammatory acne is not so easy to treat or hide. Usually, in this type of acne, the hair follicle wall ruptures and the fighter white blood cells rush into the spot, causing either a very prominent white, yellow or red sore to form or a pus-filled lesion which leaves a lifelong scar on drying.

Acne Scar Removal -

That’s all about acne, now the treatment. Acne is partially a hormonally linked problem and it is also linked to inflammation. Adolescents suffer the most. Treatments include pills and creams.

But now lasers have become the treatment of choice for sufferers.

Lasers are the magic wands of plastic surgery. They work by emitting a ray of light which produces certain effects in the skin leading to the removal of acne and its scars, as well as skin tightening, and hair removal. Laser treats acne by shrinking oil glands and killing the bacteria that cause acne. They, apparently work on ’porphyrins’, compounds which are present inside acne-causing bacteria. So when porphyrins are targeted, they damage the bacterial wall killing the bacteria.

The kinds of lasers that doctors use for treating acne include erbium yag, Nd:YAG, IPL, Glass, as well as a new "vacuum" laser called ‘Isolaz’ which is extremely effective. There are reports that laser treatment may also reduce sebum (skin oil) levels in the skin which trap bacteria and cause acne in the first place.

The lows of laser for acne treatment are that it’s expensive and usually, requires multiple trips to the dermatologist. Doctors usually recommend three treatments, about a month apart. This can go up if you have stubborn acne.

Laser resurfacing, a process that smoothes the top surface of the skin is also used for getting rid of acne scars. But once again it’s expensive and takes multiple sittings.

Cystic acne is a serious form of acne, which is characterized by deep, inflamed acne breakout. Red cysts are developed under the surface of the skin, which cause great pain. Cystic acnes are not only painful, but also affect your appearance and self-confidence.

Hence, effective steps should be taken to get rid of them. Here are 6 effective remedies to treat cystic acne.

1. Do not pop: Avoid popping the acne which appears on your skin. Cystic acnes should never be popped because of their depth and popping or squeezing will make them worse. The more you touch them, the more they tend to worsen, and permanent scars may be left.
2. Ice: Applying ice cubes directly to the acne affected area for some time constricts the blood vessels in the cyst. By applying ice, the size and redness of the acne get reduced.
3. Proper skin care: You should maintain a simple skin care routine and avoid scented moisturizers. Before applying any lotion, ensure that your skin is clean and exfoliated. Use oil free and non-scented moisturizers.
4. Do not get obsessed: Avoid spending hours looking at the cystic acne in the mirror. The more obsessed you, the more negative thoughts will come into your mind, making you feel even worse.
5. Towels and pillowcases: Do not let other people use your towels and pillows. Abstain from washing these items with strong detergents and use natural, non-scented laundry products. Change your pillowcases and towels regularly.
6. Diet: In case of cystic acne, you should take several diet precautions. Cut down the use of dairy products, excessive sugar, grain products and caffeine. Fried food and fast food should be avoided as well.

For better healing of cystic acne, you should consume probiotic-rich foods, foods high in zinc, protein and fiber. You can consume several supplements as well, such as probiotics, zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids.

1. Relax: Stress makes the condition of cystic acne worse. You should undertake relaxation techniques to reduce stress as hormones released due to stress can make the acne worse. You should try natural stress relievers.
2. Sleep: Having proper sleep at night regularly improves your health and reduces inflammation due to cystic acne.
3. Exercise: Regular exercise benefits the lymphatic system and detoxifies the body. Your mood and self-esteem are improved, which have been hampered due to acne.
4. Essential oils: Essential oils such as lavender and tea tree help in treating cystic acne. With anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, these oils are effective and can be applied to the acne directly.

Various Homeopathic remedies to treat acne are:

1. Sanguinaria - It is a very effective remedy for treating acne in women who have problems in their periods. It is also used in acne treatment in women who suffer from sexual problems.
    
2. Silica - This treatment enhances the immune system of the body so that acne formation in the body is reduced. This is a common treatment for people who have recurrent bouts of acne.
    
3. Calcariasulphuricum - This treatment is recommended for people who regularly have large pimples filled with pus. The person tends to be easily affected by heat.
    
4. Dulcamara - It is used in treating acne as well as scars left by acne. It is usually recommended for acne that occurs due to climate changes.
    
5. Natrum Muriaticum - This treatment is made from common salt and is used to treat acne that results from menstrual irregularities and other hormonal disturbances. It is also used for treating oily skin and other rashes which result from it.

Cystic acne is a severe form of acne, which requires proper care and treatment. Several simple remedies can be used to treat the same. Homeopathy is certainly the best way to deal with and to get rid of unwanted, ugly acne, which ruin your face. There are more homeopathic cures for other types of acne and pimples for which you can consult any homeopathy physician.

Acne scars are caused when a pimple or cyst is popped and broken leaving a layer of damaged skin behind. These scars are caused by the excess oil, dead skin, and bacteria blocking the skin pores causing it to swell.

Acne scars can be categorized into three types:

1. Ice Pick scars which are small but have deep pits.
2. Boxcar scars have sharp edges, these can be shallow or deep
3. Rolling scar have a wavy look as they are wide and shallow. This type of scarring is usually caused by damage to the skin.

Causes of acne scars:

Acne and acne scars can be caused due to the following reasons:

1. Hormonal imbalance during or after the onset of puberty
2. Medicines that contains lithium, androgen or corticosteroids
3. Oil and greasy food items and those rich in carbohydrates can trigger acne. In some cases, dairy products can worsen the condition.

Simple tips to prevent scarring:

Some acne scars fade with time. In the early stages, the scars might look pink as blood vessels in the damaged area of the skin provide it with nourishment. With time the collagen in the skin would fill the injured or damaged portion of the skin. In some cases, it might take up to a year for scars to fade.

1. Don’t pick or squeeze pimples or acne as they can get inflamed. This inflammation can cause the bacteria to go further into the skin which would result in deeper scars.
2. Use mild cosmetic products as some products can increase the risk of acne and scarring. Non-toxic, paraben-free products free from synthetic dyes and colours should be used sparingly.
3. Getting enough sleep is important and necessary for the body to produce collagen which is a protein necessary for skin elasticity. Sleep also helps the body and skin to repair itself.

Treatment of acne scars:

In extreme cases, you might need proper treatment at a hospital. Most of these treatments can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Some of them are:

1. Skin resurfacing: where the damaged skin is removed to help new skin to grow. The damaged skin can be removed by the use of a laser, dermabrasionor a chemical peel.
2. Laser Treatment: Lasers such as fractional CO2, MNRF, etc can help.
3. Fillers: In this procedure, the doctor would inject a filler such as a collagen or fat into the damaged area. This helps the skin to become smooth.
4. Rolling: Rolling also known as needling, is a procedure where tiny needles are rolled over the skin to stimulate it to grow
5. Surgery: In a few very extreme cases the scars would need to be cut away and the area repaired with the use of skin grafts obtained from another part of the body.

Any scars and especially acne scars can be unsightly. A skin doctor or dermatologist would help you choose the right treatment plan depending on the type of damage done to the skin.

Dead cells shed from your skin regularly along with the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands may end up blocking the pores, thus causing inflammation. This inflammation which results in multiple pimples and zits are known as acne. When the acne heals, it can do irreparable damage by leaving behind scar tissue which results in acne scars. These scars are unsightly and may cause social anxiety as well as cause issues with self-esteem.

Some of the ways to get rid of ace scars have been mentioned below.

1. Coconut oil – This is another great remedy to help your skin recuperate from scars. Just take a spoonful of coconut oil and rub it gently on your scars. Give it at least 30 minutes to get absorbed within the skin. Then if there is excess oil left on your face, wash it off it a mild face wash.
2. Baking soda – This is a very effective remedy for removing acne scars as it encourages shedding and thus the growth of new skin. Mix two to three teaspoons of baking soda and then mix them into a paste with an equal quantity of water. Apply this paste for two to three minutes before thoroughly washing your face. Ensure it doesn’t stay on your skin for more than 6 to 8 minutes as the chemicals in it may damage your skin.
3. Egg whites – The proteins and amino acids within egg whites can actually encourage the development of new skin and effectively treat your acne scars. Whip up egg whites in a bowl and apply it with your fingers on the problem areas. Let it dry for some time and then wash off with lukewarm water. Doing this two to three times a week will bring effective results in a few weeks’ time.
4. Fenugreek or methi – Methi seeds have been known to be an amazing remedy in treating acne scars since a long time. Methi seeds boiled in water and made into a paste or glue can be very effective in just a few weeks when applied to the affected areas.
5. Aloe Vera – This is one of the wonder herbs in treating not only acne scars but many other skin conditions. Buy aloe leaves and snap one end of the leaf to expose some of the gel within it. Then apply the gel to the affected areas. Wait for 30 minutes or so and then wash your face with a mild face wash and water.
6. Lemon Juice – This home remedy is effective in battling acne scars as well as fighting the growth of new acne. Simply use a few tablespoons of lemon juice and apply it on the scars with a cotton ball. Keep it for a few minutes before washing your face.
7. Potato slices – Cut thin slices of potato and apply it to face by sticking them onto your skin. Keep them there for at least half an hour and then wash it off with warm water. Do this once daily for a few days till you start seeing noticeable results.

The skin is the most visible part of the human body, and acne is one of the most common skin problems. In addition to being a cosmetic issue, it also dampens a person’s image and confidence levels. The issue is more complicated given the age group it affects – teenagers and young adolescents who are always keen on looking their best.

During the pustular stage, there is a lot of itching, burning, and pain. As they dry and fall off, there are marks which sometimes take forever to disappear. Recent cosmetic advancements have successfully used the laser to get rid of these marks, almost completely.

Laser in Acne:

• Laser works in controlling acne in more than one way.
• During laser treatment session, a beam of light is applied on the acne-affected area. This helps in removing the acne scar without damaging the surrounding tissue. The beam of light is highly focused on only the scar tissue.
• The increased number of cells which are left behind after acne are killed by the laser beam, thereby lightening the skin and reducing the scars.
• The bacteria that are present in the acne are killed when a beam of the laser is applied. This reduces the number of bacteria present in it, thereby reducing the severity of acne.
• The laser beam also reduces excessive sebum production, thereby reducing the incidence of acne. Excessive sebum is directly related to the severity of acne.
• Laser is used in all kinds of acne – papules, pustules, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and nodules.
• While the exact treatment plan will be determined based on skin type and intensity of the scars, most treatment plans would include about 3 sessions.

What to expect:

• Set realistic expectations and understand possible risks and complications. A detailed discussion of going for laser session is essential with the doctor. Clarify if you are a good candidate for laser.
• Sunbathing, waxing, collagen injections are to be avoided for at least 2 weeks prior to the procedure.
• Chemicals like deodorants and perfumes are to be avoided in the proposed area of laser
• Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements that you are on. While some may be stopped, others may need dose adjustments.
• Immediately after the laser session, the skin would appear red for about 4 to 8 hours.
• The skin might feel itchy and prickly and even be swollen mildly
• Apply cool packs or moist cloths to reduce this itching
• Use copious amounts of moisturiser at least twice daily
• Avoid makeup until the redness and itching have subsided.

Benefits:

• Minimally invasive
• Usually done in 2 to 3 sittings
• Shorter recovery period
• Minimal pain
• Laser therapy is used for multiple other skin problems, so treatment can be clubbed.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood, centrifuged to remove red blood cells. It has a greater concentration of growth factors and other cytokines that can stimulate healing of soft tissue and joints. The concentration of growth factors can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer) than whole blood and has been used to encourage a brisk healing response across several specialities, in particular dentistry, orthopaedics and dermatology. Once this is accomplished, the concentrated platelets are re-injected into the damaged area like the knees, elbows, shoulders, hips and even Achilles tendons.

PRP therapy is a relatively new procedure - It was first developed in the 1970s and first used in Italy in 1987 in an open heart surgery procedure, but scientific and medical research shows that it is safe to perform. Because of that, it’s steadfastly on its way to becoming the primary means of treatment in many different medical fields such as cosmetic surgery, dentistry, sports medicine and pain management, most commonly treating hair loss (and other things, like injuries). Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment is frequently called stem cell treatment due to the fact that it behaves as bringing in cells from a person’s own body, which can then actually differentiate into either tendon, cartilage, or ligament cells.

Use of PRP in Dermatology
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) helps you harness the natural aesthetic powers of your own platelets to augment your facial rejuvenation. When done properly, PRP creates impressive results both as an isolated procedure or when incorporated into a treatment plan with hyaluronic acid fillers, neuromodulators, volume restoration and technology. The major advantage is it can be done in the clinician's office and produces virtually no downtime in the treatment of wrinkles, melasma, and acne scars. Exceptionally, there is some downtime when it is used to treat the lower eyelids. The aesthetic benefits it generates are dramatic!

Skin Rejuvenation and Ageing
The goal of PRP skin rejuvenation therapy is to improve skin tone and texture, tighten skin, and soften lines and pores. The PRP, injected into specific areas of the skin, act as a matrix that promotes your own collagen to grow, regenerates tissue, and thus acts as to naturally smooth and tighten the skin. Results begin to show 3-4 weeks after the treatment session and continue to improve with time. Three treatment sessions are generally recommended, spaced 1-2 months apart, to achieve the best outcome. In this way, PRP softens wrinkles and creating smoother skin texture and tone, thus making you look younger!

Acne, Scar and Ulcer Treatment
PRP is used to correct pitted acne scars on the skin. You may have heard about this acne scar treatment technique, which is also known as the “Vampire Facial,” as it has gained popularity amongst celebrities and beauty insiders. Once the platelet-rich blood is injected into sites on the face with acne scars, the concentrated platelets release a host of beneficial growth factors that help to promote healing and stimulate regrowth of collagen and elastin. PRP can also be used as an adjuvant for improving the viability of grafts for the treatment of recalcitrant ulcers, with good results.

PRP might not be a panacea or universal cure, but it could turn out to be a miracle treatment nonetheless!

Dermafrac is a micro-needling process used for treating different skin issues like wrinkles and acne scarring. It is an advanced skin care treatment, which goes beyond normal skin treatments to produce long-lasting effects.

Commonly known as micro-needling therapy, the process involves a roller that has many super fine needles. These needles are penetrated into the skin to apply a peptide solution. This gives your skin a younger and glowing look and removes scars.

How does it work?

The doctor will thoroughly cleanse your skin that needs to be treated. He/she will use a device with a small nozzle containing 180 microneedles on the skin. This nozzle contains a vacuum that sucks in the skin so that the needles are injected properly.

This device is rolled over the skin a number of times as the peptide solution are applied to the tiny punctures in the skin made by the needles. As the process is repeated a few times, the collagen production is stimulated. As new skin cells are generated through this procedure, the quality of your skin improves.

The needles are designed in such a way that they penetrate as deep as required, leaving you with no pain or bleeding. The treatment takes about 50 minutes. After the session, a mask is applied for soothing the skin.

There are two other steps included in the procedure –

• Crystal Free Microdermabrasion – This is carried out before the treatment. It helps remove rough, flaky skin and dead skin cells. A disposable tip is used for preventing bacterial infections and cross contamination.

What is this treatment used for?

Dermafrac is used for treating the following cases –

• Fine lines due to ageing
• Pigmentation
• Brown spots on the skin
• UV damage
• Sun damage
• Patchy skin
• Oily skin
• Large skin pores

After effects and recovery:

After the treatment, you might feel slight redness or scratches but it will go away after a few hours. As the peptide solution applied to the skin is cool, there is no downtime. Skin care products like tinted sunscreen and mineral powder may be applied after the treatment.

Precautions:

The precautions required for the treatment are as follows –

• Do not wear makeup right after the procedure
• If you are under certain medications, consult the doctor before going for the treatment. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult their doctors.
• Protect the skin from sunlight by wearing sunscreen for at least 2 weeks after the session

It usually takes around six treatments in a period of 2-4 weeks to see the desired results. You may have to come in for facials between the treatment sessions.