Acne Scar Removal Options

Who Gets Acne?

Did you know that approximately 80% of teens and people in their twenties suffer from acne? Additionally, about 5% of older adults also suffer from acne. On worst cases, even after the occurrence of acne, some are left with ugly acne scars.

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that results from the blocking of follicles. This is a common skin condition that mostly targets people during their adolescence and some, unfortunately, continue to carry this ailment up to their twenties, thirties and beyond. Acne is mainly caused by a rise in the testosterone levels of people. This rise usually happens during the stage of puberty. Fortunately for most, acne heals through time and disappears entirely. However, there are some people who are left with disfiguring reminders of acne in the form of acne scars.

What Causes Acne Scarring?

Acne scarring is the result of the inflammation or swelling that occurs in the dermis due to acne. The scar is an after-effect of how the wound tried to heal itself. Through the years and even up until today, people have tried to find different ways of removing acne scars.

Thanks to modern technology, we can now get rid of acne scars. Acne scar removal is now a possibility. Here are several ways to target acne scar removal:

Ways on how to remove acne scars

Chemical peels for acne scars:
This technique of acne scar removal makes use of certain chemicals to eliminate the top layer or coating of the skin that was scarred in order for new skin tissues to grow back and replace the scarred skin. For this method, there are three types: superficial, medium and deep peels.

Dermabrasion for acne scars:
This is a treatment in which the skin is frozen. It then uses a special tool to get rid of the top layer of the scarred skin. Just like the concept of chemical peels, new skin will begin to grow to replace the scarred skin as it starts to heal back.

Microdermabrasion for acne scars:
This is a similar technique to dermabrasion in removing acne scars. The difference is that this method does not go as deep as dermabrasion.

Laser scar removal for acne scars:
This method is otherwise called laser peel. This technique is a cosmetic treatment wherein pulsating light is utilized to take out the scarred areas of the skin. This method is usually performed on an outpatient basis and can take up to 120 minutes or 2 hours only. However, the recovery stage can last up to 21 days' time.

These different techniques are helpful in removing acne scars. However, keep in mind of the 3 golden rules before subjecting yourself to any kind of acne scar treatment:

1. Free your skin from any active acne. Give time for your skin to rest for at least 3 months before subjecting your skin to any kind of treatment.
2. Educate yourself. Learn about different ways and research as needed before going into any kind of treatment. It is best to know for yourself what you think is best for your skin type.
3. Lastly, consult your doctor. Before anything else, you must seek consultation from a specialist. A medical professional is the best person to explain about your acne, acne scars and the different ways to regain the skin you once had prior to your acne.