Acne Scarring Solutions

Many people, both teens and adults, suffer from the unpleasantness of acne outbreaks. Between pimples, blackheads and whiteheads appearing in unsightly locations like the forehead, nose, cheeks or chin, it can be rough. However, as bad as standard acne is, the sufferer can comfort him or herself with the knowledge that it will eventually fade away. This is not true with acne scarring, which is not only unsightly, but can be a tricky problem to deal with. The best way to handle acne scars is to not get them in the first place. But how can you avoid acne scars? And what causes acne scarring to begin with?

Recognizing Acne Scars

Acne scars are the more or less permanent lesions on the skin that look like pits, raised bumps, or discolorations. They tend to give the skin a mottled, uneven appearance that few people find appealing, especially on the face. If you have acne scars, you probably know it already, even if you weren’t exactly sure what they were called.

Causes of Acne Scarring

Acne scarring results from acne. When you pick at, scratch or squeeze a pimple or another type of acne, acne scarring can result. As children, we may have done this without knowing the consequences and been rewarded with a permanent scar. As adults, we may have caused acne scars without even realizing it. It’s important to note, however, that not all acne scarring comes as a result of individual carelessness. Sometimes, especially in severe acne cases, acne scarring can follow acne even without any intervention on the part of the acne sufferer.

Solutions to Acne Scarring

If you have acne scars and you want to get rid of them, the only solution is a medical procedure. You can try home remedies such as lemon juice or other fruit extracts, but this will probably only slightly alter the texture or color of the acne scars. The most effective treatment really is a dermatological procedure that removes the layers of skin where the acne scars are located. This procedure may be a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or a laser resurfacing treatment. These procedures are usually very safe outpatient procedures, but they can be expensive and some people are traumatized by any serious medical procedure. As someone with acne scars, you will need to decide for yourself whether the scarring is pronounced enough to make medical intervention a worthwhile enterprise. Remember that you will probably have to have the process repeated a few times, and health insurance usually does not cover these procedures.

Preventing Acne Scarring

It should be clear now why the best way to handle acne scars is to avoid getting them at all. While this is not always possible, there are definitely things you can do to minimize your chances of getting acne scars. The first is to avoid touching your acne, and certainly do not pick at or squeeze pimples. The second is to make sure that when you get acne, you take care of it as soon as possible. For severe acne, consult a dermatologist, but for mild to moderate acne, a solution including benzoyl peroxide is often very effective.