Acne is always a problem, both aesthetically and medically. However, often getting rid of them does not mean the end of the fight against the disease, because post-acne may appear in place of yesterday’s inflammation.
Eliminating acne marks is not as easy as it might seem at first glance, but it is possible. The main thing is to regularly follow the treatment recommendations. Read more about all the ways to get rid of post-acne – from affordable homes to high-tech and professional.
The editors warn readers against self-treatment and do not recommend self-diagnosis, prescribing medications and procedures. Seek medical attention for any signs of discomfort.
The editors warn readers against self-treatment and do not recommend self-diagnosis, prescribing medications and procedures. Seek medical attention for any signs of discomfort.
Before you start taking action against post-acne, you should understand what type of acne marks your case belongs to. Further actions and the severity of the problem depend on this.
Atrophic or depressed scars
Atrophic scars most often appear on the face. They look like pits and have a pinkish tint. The reason for the appearance of depressed scars is the lack of collagen at the time of skin healing from inflammation.
There are three types of atrophic scars
- U-shaped – this type of scar is characterized by a sharp shape of the edges and can be both small and large. The smaller the U-shaped scars, the easier they are to remove with skin resurfacing procedures.
- Round – often such scars occupy a large area, but they are easier to remove than other types of scars.
- V-shaped scars are the most difficult type of scars to treat. And although they can be very small in size, they are considered the deepest, which is why they are less amenable to therapy.
Hypertrophic scars
These scars are most commonly seen with acne on the chest and back. Unlike atrophic scars, “dimples”, on the contrary, rise above the surface of the skin and appear due to an excess of collagen during healing.
Dark spots
Perhaps the most harmless type of post-acne. The color of the skin after the disappearance of the pimple may become purple, red, or purple. With the right measures, this trace will disappear in just a few months.
Before starting post-acne treatment, no matter what type of therapy is involved, you should visit a dermatologist. The doctor will help determine the best way to eliminate the defect, as well as make sure that your skin is really post-acne, and not something else – which is quite possible!
Alpha hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a common ingredient in cosmetics designed to treat acne. They help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. AHAs can also help make acne scars less noticeable.
Suitable for all types of post-acne.
Lactic acid
Another highly effective component of cosmetics for problem skin. According to studies, a course of lactic acid peels significantly improves skin texture and minimizes not only post-acne but also hyperpigmentation.
Experts recommend doing lactic acid peels in the cold season, once every two weeks for three months. If we talk not about a professional cosmetic procedure, but about home remedies, it will not be difficult to find creams, serums, and peels with lactic acid on sale. You can also use diluted apple cider vinegar instead of tonic, it contains natural lactic acid, but this economical method may not be as beneficial for the skin as we would like.
Suitable for all types of post-acne.
Retinoids
Topical retinoids are another well-known acne remedy that smoothes post-acne and improves skin regeneration. However, retinoids should not be considered harmless – they have many contraindications, greatly increase skin sensitivity to the sun, and can cause an allergic reaction. That is why, before you start using them, you need to consult a dermatologist. In addition, the doctor can choose a more powerful dosage of retinoids for you, which cannot be bought without a prescription.
Creams and serums with retinol are freely available – do not forget to apply sunscreen to your skin when using them.
Suitable for atrophic scars.
Salicylic acid
Perhaps the most common component in cosmetics for problem skin, you have probably already used washing gels, serums, and lotions with salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid unclogs pores, reduces redness, and also exfoliates the skin when applied topically. It is considered one of the best ingredients for home treatment of acne and post-acne. In addition, salicylic acid is recommended to be used even with sensitive skin, but only pointwise and very carefully.
Suitable for all types of post-acne.
Sunscreen
No, no, we didn’t mix anything up! Daily use of sunscreen is essential in the treatment of acne. The active influence of sunlight can make the scars brighter and more visible, while the protective agent will prevent the problem from getting worse.
Suitable for all acne scars.
Dermatological procedures
Of course, it would be great if home care could be as effective as professional treatments. However, if we are talking about deep scars, it is better to find an opportunity to contact a dermatologist, and not experiment with cosmetics.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is one of the most effective and common acne treatments. This rather traumatic procedure is based on a complete renewal of the upper layer of the skin with the help of special discs for facial resurfacing.
Suitable for atrophic scars, but not very deep. V-shaped scars after dermabrasion can become even more noticeable.
Chemical peels
We are not talking about masks and serums with a complex of acids that can be used on a daily basis. A chemical peel is a strong concentration of acid that is used to remove the top layer of skin.
Some chemical peels are considered mild enough for home use. But more pronounced and “deep” results will be given by the procedure in the dermatologist’s office.
Suitable for all types of post-acne, especially for deep scars.
Laser resurfacing
Like chemical peels and dermabrasion, laser resurfacing removes the top layer of the skin, but is considered a much more traumatic procedure and requires recovery time, and long enough, during which it is difficult to maintain normal social activity. However, laser resurfacing delivers amazing results and is the only post-acne treatment option that can be started when the acne is not completely gone.
Suitable for all types of post-acne.
Fillers
Of course, fillers are not the most affordable and common option for eliminating post-acne, but in some situations, they can be a lifesaver.
Acne fillers are made from collagen or the patient’s own fat. Most fillers cover marks on the skin for a period of 6-18 months, but some, according to research, can have a permanent effect.
Suitable for a small number of atrophic scars.
Microneedling
The essence of the technique lies in the deliberate traumatization of the skin with the help of a special roller with needles. It is believed that superficial piercing of the skin provokes increased production of collagen, and post-acne becomes less noticeable. Just get ready: to see the effect, you need to undergo a course of procedures lasting at least 9 months.
Suitable for atrophic scars.
Injections
Among dermatological drugs, there are several types of injections (corticosteroids, interferons, chemotherapy drugs) that can be used to treat hypertrophic scars. Such drugs are injected into scars to soften and smooth them.
Suitable for hypertrophic scars.
Surgery
We are talking about such a method as subcision – cutting deep scars with special needles to make the scar less noticeable and speed up its healing. This procedure is also called bioskinjetting, but it is important to find a trusted professional who owns this new technology.
Suitable for deep atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars
As you can see, there are a lot of ways to eliminate post-acne. But much easier, of course, to prevent the appearance of acne marks. To do this, you should protect your skin from the sun, do not try to squeeze out acne on your own, and take care of your skin – the best thing, we repeat, is under the supervision of professionals.
Pingback: Cystic acne: how to beat the most aggressive form of acne - MattsBabes