Popular Posts

Powered By Blogger

03 April 2014

Ways to Getrid of scars.

3 Ways to Get Rid of Scars and Cuts Left by Acne-

As if struggling through acne wasn't hard enough, it can also leave behind scars and hyperpigmentation marks long after puberty! These scars are often a huge source of insecurity. However, it is possible to get rid of those acne scars and marks and reclaim your confidence -- you just need to find a method that works for you. Methods of dealing with these scars can vary from simple creams to invasive surgery and everything in between. Start with Step 1 below to find out more.

 

Method 1 of 3: Getting Rid of Scars

1
Figure out what kind of scars are on your skin. Acne scars fall into four types, and knowing what you're dealing with can help you choose the right treatment
  • Icepick scars are the most common marks left behind by acne. They're characterized by deep pits that are relatively narrow on the surface.
  • Boxcar scars occur primarily on the temples or cheeks, and feature deep, angular edges that resemble chicken pox scars.
  • Rolling scars give skin a wave-like appearance and have tapering edges, that start shallow and go deeper.
  • Keloid (or hypertrophic) scars are thick and raised from the skin, caused by excess collagen sent to repair the original scar. 





Try topical treatments for atrophic scars. Atrophic scars (or, anything that's not a keloid or raised scar) might respond well to topical treatments designed to boost collagen production. Look for compounds that contain:
  • Retinoic acid, or vitamin A. In some countries, such as the U.S., you might need to get a prescription for Retin-A because it can cause birth defects if you happen to get pregnant.
  • Glycolic acid, which is an alpha-hydroxy acid (or AHA). You might be able to find gentle AHA peels sold over-the-counter. Be sure to avoid sunlight if you use this method. Glycolic acid is safe for pregnancy.
  • Vitamin C, or absorbic acid. Several over-the-counter products contain absorbic acid as an active ingredient. Vitamin C is also safe for pregnancy




Try microdermabrasion for atrophic scars. Microdermabrasion will buff down the skin surrounding the scar, evening out the surface and making the pits and shadows less apparent. Microdermabrasion used to be a painful process administered by a metal sander, but now most offices exfoliate the skin with tiny crystals, which is relatively painless and almost bloodless.
  • Ask around for a recommendation. If at all possible, consult someone who's undergone microdermabrasion for acne scars.
  • Some people with deep scars skip the "micro" and go straight for dermabrasion, which is a more intensive process that goes deeper into the skin. Ask your doctor if this is the best option for you.
  • Be prepared for the recovery time. Your skin will be red and sensitive after the treatment. Avoid direct sunlight for a few weeks, as well as any sports that involve having a ball potentially hurled at your face (such as baseball)



Get a chemical peel. A chemical peel will remove the top layer (or a few more) of your skin, so that new skin can regenerate without pigmentation or scars. Chemical peels should always be administered by a doctor, though they shouldn't feel too painful — the sensation should be a light tingling or burning.
  • Ask your doctor about what kind of peel you need. There are several different formulations tailored to different skin problems, as well as how deeply the peel needs to go into your skin.
  • Stay out of the sun and use sunscreen. Your skin will be extremely sensitive after the peel. Don't undo the good work with a sunburn!




Get laser treatments. The good news is, laser treatments work for both atrophic and keloid (or raised) acne scars. Consider:
  • Laser resurfacing for atrophic acne scars. Like microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing buffs down the skin around the scars, reducing the appearance of pitting and shadows.
  • Pulsed dye laser treatments for keloid scars, which can induce apoptosis (or individual cell death) and bring the scars down.
6
Ask your doctor about fillers. Sometimes acne scars are so deep that skin resurfacing alone won't help. In this situation, your could consider getting injectable fillers which plump out the scars and make them less noticeable.
  • The only downside to fillers is that the material gets absorbed by the body over time, so you will need to receive repeat injections every four to six months.  
  •  Experiment with home remedies. Some people prefer to stick with all-natural ingredients when treating their skin. The following home remedies are believed to fade hyperpigmentation marks:
  • Lemon juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is a natural bleaching agent. Dilute a small amount of fresh lemon juice to half strength with water, then apply the juice directly onto the hyperpigmented skin, Leave for 10 to 15 minutes the rinse off. Repeat once a day until the scars begin to fade, but stop using if your skin becomes dry or irritated.
  • Honey: Honey can help to fade hyperpigmentation marks thanks to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply use a q-tip to dab a little honey directly onto the affected skin. This is a great option for people with sensitive skin, as honey is moisturizing as opposed to drying.

No comments:

Post a Comment