While some people are fortunate not to have acne scars after acne breakouts, most are not. These scars can cause anxiety and poor self-image issues. 

So, let’s look at some ways of do’s and don’ts to prevent, lighten and remove these stubborn acne scars.

Dos and Don’ts of Treating Acne Scars

When you have a scar, you’re dealing with permanent skin damage that needs treatment to disappear. The best intervention for treating acne scars is not to let them appear in the first place. 

Here are some Dos and Don’ts of preventing and treating acne scars-

Do’s 

Keep your skin clean

Clean skin has less chance of developing acne. Learn about your skin type and get customized skin care products, good for your skin. Include 3 step cleansing process: toning, foaming, and moisturizing your skin with skin-friendly products.

Treat acne right away

To prevent acne scars- the best thing is to control them as soon as possible. The fewer acne breakouts you have, the less likely you are to develop these acne scars. 

It is recommended to consult a dermatologist for the right acne treatment rather than hustling with new over-the-counter products because they may react and cause damage to your skin.

On the contrary, a quick, effective acne treatment prevents acne from becoming larger and developing into a permanent scar requiring more intensive acne scar treatment.

Wear SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen

The harmful UV rays of the sun can make discoloration from acne even darker and also reduce the skin’s capacity to repair, leading to a further risk of scarring.

Therefore, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and PA+++ based on your skin type and reapply as indicated.

Additionally, you can use full-sleeve clothing, umbrellas, hats, etc., to protect your skin from sun damage.

See a dermatologist

Severe acne and scarring are tricky issues to tackle effectively at home.

A dermatologist can help you with additional ideas, tips, or treatment options that can help treat acne and resulting marks and scars, if any.

Plus, they can help you devise a solid skincare routine tailored to your skin concerns.

The Don’ts

Don’t prick your pimple

One of the common causes of acne scarring is pricking or squeezing inflamed spots. As tempting as it can be, this needs to be avoided. Squeezing pimples can introduce bacteria deep into the skin and worsen the swelling.

Additionally, pricking and popping pimples can extend the healing time and increases the chance of scarring. Allow the acne to heal on its own.

If you’ve already pricked at a pimple, apply cooling gels and soothing treatment to help heal and minimize skin damage.

Don’t be harsh on your skin

A gentle approach to skincare is preferred to prevent acne scarring. Avoid using scrubs, touching or rubbing your skin unnecessarily, or trying to pop your active acne.

Instead, use gentle formulations and add products with hydrating and calming ingredients to your skincare routine.

Dermatological treatments to get rid of acne scars

While measures can prevent new scarring, few options can minimize and lighten the appearance of existing scars.

Common procedures for acne scars removal include:

•  Resurfacing procedures- Laser therapy, dermabrasion, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion are some procedures that can improve the appearance of acne scars that aren’t very deep. They all involve removing damaged layers of skin cells so that healthy skin appears.
•   Fillers- Dermatologists use collagen or fat filler into the damaged area with a needle. It lifts and puffs up the skin under the scar and can add volume.
•  Punch Excisions– In this procedure, a round tool is used for acne scar removal by puncturing the top layer of the skin. This can help with pitted scars.
•  Microneedling– Also known as collagen-induction therapy, micro-needling involves using a fine-needle sterilized roller device to create tiny punctures or holes in the top layer of your skin. As your skin heals from the holes, it produces collagen.
•   Radiofrequency skin tightening– Used to treat deep icepick and boxcar scars. In this procedure, radio frequency is used to tighten the skin.
•   Injections– A standard acne scars treatment, corticosteroid injections can be used to flatten raised acne scars.
•  Surgery– Some people need an operation for acne scars removal. The dermatologist cuts away or loosens the scar area. It is then repaired with stitches or a skin graft.
•  Cryosurgery– In this acne scars treatment, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the skin and help raised scars fall off. 
•  Electrodesiccation– This acne scars treatment involves using an electric probe to heat and kill skin tissue. This can help with boxcar scars.

Bottomline

Acne is common – and so are acne scars.

While getting confused with a wide range of treatment options for acne scar removal, it’s better to choose the expert for acne scar treatment. 

Get in touch with our experienced dermatologists and skincare specialists at Skinovate. Our healthcare providers will help you provide different acne scars treatment options or the expected results with no treatment.

Our experts will work with you to make decisions best suited for you.