Though acne scars were, at one time, a permanent problem that would, at best, diminish over time, there are more options available to reverse this. New methods, treatments, approaches and products have begun to make permanent acne scarring a thing of the past. The first thing you should know about, though, is the different types of scars and how these acne scars form.
The How and Why of Acne Scars
As with any type of damage that can occur to the skin, acne can leave scars. This can happen for a few different reasons. Often, people who pick at their acne or do not use a tool for extraction can end up causing the blemishes to leave their mark behind, long after the pimple has vanished. Other times, unfortunately, the body may react to certain types of acne by creating scar tissue. The most common types of acne to leave a scar are severe forms of acne, such as nodules and cysts, especially if not treated by a professional.
Types of Acne Scars
There are four categories of types of acne scars: ice picks scars, rolling scars, boxcar scars and Hypertrophic/Keloid scars.
- The most common type is the ice pick scar, which leaves a mark like a deep V that forms a pit.
- Rolling scars are, as the name implies, wave like formations on the skin that generally are wide and not very deep.
- Boxcar scars closely resemble chickenpox scars. These are often squared off and are generally found on the temple or cheekbone area.
- Hypertrophic scars are marks that remain after the blemish has gone and stay true to the original size of the mark. These marks are raised and do often diminish some, over time. Keloid scars, unfortunately, expand beyond the size of the original blemish and can be itchy.
The difference between acne scarring and other types of scars is that the scar occurs within the skin as opposed to on the surface, making treatment more challenging.
Options for Treating Scars
Two of the most popular methods many people go with to try to reduce or eliminate their scarring are to use laser treatment and dermabrasion. Both of these approaches may also be used to treat acne itself. For many, this is the most effective method to do away with the appearance of scar tissue. For Keloid scars, you can also steroids can be injected to help even out the surface between skin and scar tissue to create a flat, smooth surface.
Some people prefer to use topical treatments or dermal fillers. There a wide variety of these types of treatments, and they include items such as Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), glycolic acid and Retin-A. Again, these are the types of products some people use to try to alleviate and eliminate general acne related blemishes, too. These help by the removing the top scar layers and creating a better overall skin texture and surface.
Products for Treating Acne Scars
You can also use products at home to try to improve the appearance of your scarring. People have often had great success in reducing the appearance or eliminating the presence of acne related scars by taking matters into their own hands. While there are a wide variety of products to select from, two seem to get much attention and great feedback pertaining to results as an effective method of treating scars. These products are the AZTEC SECRETS Indian Healing Clay and the Bio-Oil Scar Treatment.
- The AZTEC SECRETS Indian Healing Clay is often preferred because it does not contain additives, fragrances or animal products. This product is made up of bentonite clay from Death Valley that is sun dried for a period of time. To use the Indian Healing Clay, you simply mix with water or apple cider vinegar and apply to your face like a facial pack mask.
- The Bio-Oil Scar Treatment is hypo-allergenic, does not contain preservatives and is a mild and gentle formula, good for those who have sensitive skin. The key to the healing power of Bio-Oil is the PurCellin oil, which helps the other ingredients do their job and promote the best overall skin and scar treatment. Because the Bio-Oil is meant to be applied twice daily for at least three months, both of these products could be used to help speed up and ensure the success of your acne scar reversal process.