Most people know that regular acne can be treated with over-the-counter products and even prescription medications. But it’s often harder to treat the scarring that can be left behind from inflammatory acne lesions. Here are some tips on how you can treat your acne scars:

 Switch Up Your Skin Care Routine

If you have active acne or acne scarring, your first step should be switching up your skin care routine. Choose a product line formulated for the prevention of pimples and opt for noncomedogenic ingredients, which won’t clog your pores. Consulting with a dermatologist is always recommended when making any changes to your skincare routine.

Utilize Over-the-Counter Medications

For mild to moderate cases of post-acne discoloration, over-the-counter topical medications may be enough to help fade hyperpigmentation or texture irregularities in the skin. Look for products containing either hydroquinone or kojic acid to lighten stubborn dark spots from old blemishes, as well as retinoid creams such as those containing vitamin A derivatives like retinol, adapalene or tazarotene, for reducing discoloration caused by deeper scarring.

Try Chemical Peels and Injectables

For more severe cases of tiered discolorations due to gravely pitted scars, chemical peels may be ideal. During this technique, an acidic solution is slathered on a certain area in order to promote cell turnover and ultimately improve the appearance of pitted skin on the face or body. Likewise injectables such as fillers—such as Restylane—can make bolder improvements when it comes to treating deepened deficiencies in the dermis layer of the skin; doing so by restoring volume in follicles that were damaged during breakouts.

Eat Right and Get Moving

Because digestion plays an essential role in overall wellbeing; including skin health—both internally and externally—consuming a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables and healthy fats is important for treating hard-to -fade post pimple marks.  Exercise also helps with naturally erasing redness from former breakouts while promoting circulation throughout the face or other regularly exercised areas which can aid in healing inflammatory acne outcomes quickly and effectively without any external assistance being needed.

Acne scarring can be devastating to a person’s self-esteem and overall confidence. Left untreated, acne scars can become painful and can last for years. Luckily, there are a variety of treatments available that are designed to provide relief from the pain associated with these types of scars and help them heal faster. Here’s an overview of how to treat your acne scar:

Cleanse Your Skin

The first step is to cleanse your skin by using mild cleansers such as Cetaphil or Neutrogena. This will help remove any dirt and oil that can contribute to further inflammation, which exacerbates existing scarring. Make sure you use lukewarm water when cleansing your face so as not to irritate already sensitive skin. Do this twice daily, once in the morning and again at night.

Exfoliate With a Gentle Abrasive

Once you’ve finished cleaning your skin, it’s time to gently exfoliate with a mild abrasive. This helps slough off dead skin cells and encourages new cell growth. For this step, use products containing alpha-hydroxy acids such as AHAs or benzoyl peroxide, both of which have been shown to reduce scarring associated with acne and clear pores for improved complexion over time.

Apply Medicated Treatment Ointments

After exfoliating, apply ointments containing medications like hydrocortisone or salicylic acid directly onto affected areas of the face in order to reduce inflammation and encourage collagen formation below the surface where most scars are likely to form. Avoid steroids because they could make existing breakouts worse if used too often or improperly administered. 

Use Vitamin E Cream or Amla Powder Paste

To promote healing from the inside out, try adding a vitamin E supplement into your daily diet or applying amla powder paste onto freshly washed skin once every night for a month or two before bedtime  These classic home remedies contain natural antioxidants that help repair damage on the cellular level, preventing long-term complications from occurring such as deep tissue pigmentation or permanent marking caused by PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation).                              

Get Professional Help From Dermatologists

When all else fails, it might be time to consult with a dermatologist who can properly diagnose the severity of your situation and recommend effective options specifically tailored towards treating blemishes afflicting acne-prone individuals like yourself (e.g., chemical peels).

Working with your doctor or licensed healthcare advisor will allow you to choose an approach that works best for your health profile and potential risk factors. In the end, the goal is to preserve your youthful vitality without compromising your overall health, sense of wellbeing, and longevity. Contact us today at 205-352-9141.