Best Acne Scar Reduction Methods

Moderate to severe forms of acne are usually the ones that lead to scarring. When a skin infection leads to inflamed skin and if cysts and nodules develop and break, bleeding usually occurs. Often, if the infection is deep enough, it might also lead to tissue damage. The result: acne scars.

How acne scars form : In a case of acne, the infection can spread from underneath the skin's surface and affect elastin and collagen fibers, effectively killing or damaging skin cells and tissues. When the body begins to heal itself, it tries to patch up the broken and damaged tissues. The skin, a functional tissue, is replaced with a scar, a connective tissue. This explains in part why it's usually easy to tell a scar from the rest of the skin.

Acne scar reduction : The best way to ensure that no scarring occurs in a case of acne is to prevent acne in its early stages. When pimples are only beginning to form, this is usually the best time to begin treatment. People who get acne make the mistake of believing in a common misconception about this condition - that there is something underneath the skin that needs to get out (pus, bacteria or cysts) and that it's best to wait and allow it to surface.

This is an erroneous belief about acne. The inflamed skin does contain bacteria and pus and in some cases, cysts, but it's not worth waiting for them to come out so that acne will clear up. It won't. You are more likely to get acne scars than clear skin if you let acne develop.

If you already have acne scars and want to reduce them, it's often best to see a dermatologist for a proper recommendation or medication. People who have acne usually have very sensitive skin and trying to self-medicate or seek the help of an unlicensed beautician who is ill-equipped to treat acne scars might only worsen the condition.
Methods used in acne scar reduction : Acne Scar Reduction Methods, Acne scars naturally recede and appear less noticeable over time but if you are not willing to wait that long, there are several methods used for acne scar reduction that you might want to discuss with your doctor. Each one is recommended depending on the size, type and severity of the scar. These include:

Skin peeling : Skin peeling is a method that utilizes chemicals to help lift off the uppermost layer of the skin. A strong peeling agent such as hydroxy acid or phenol is applied on the skin to encourage it to shed. The skin peeling chemical is only applied on the scars so that when peeled and reduced in size, it can create a smooth, level surface of skin.

Skin peeling is a common method used with scars although some patients with very sensitive skin might find the acid in the chemical too irritating. The rebuilding of the skin will also depend on the patient so if it does not heal quickly enough, the acid might contribute to more inflammation and scarring. Chemical peels usually take about two weeks before recovery.

Abrasion: Methods such as dermabrasion or microdermabrasion involve the careful surgical scraping of the uppermost layer of the skin in a controlled environment. This results to a reduction of the scar's surface and an evened out appearance of the skin. Abrasion is also effective in helping reduce skin pigmentation and acne spots.

Surgical scar excision : This is a surgical method of acne scar reduction that involves removal of damaged skin. A patient is placed under local anesthesia while the excess skin is cut. The remaining skin is then sutured and allowed to heal. This is a very effective method for deeper scars and marks although recovery time for this method is a bit long.

Laser therapy : Laser therapy is one of the earliest methods used for acne scar reduction although it has also been used to prevent acne. Laser therapy effectively kills bacteria by encouraging the production of oxygen in the skin and it also burns away excess sebum. This helps reduce the appearance of acne scars.