Treating Acne Scars
Even with the most careful treatment, acne scars can develop. For some people, the scars resulting from acne can be more upsetting that the acne itself. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available today to help minimize the look of acne scars.
Acne scars types fall into one of two categories: depressed (atrophic) scars, and raised (hypertrophic) scars. Depressed scars are caused by a loss of tissue, while raised scars are caused by an overabundance of collagen production.
Acne blemishes can also leave behind dark or discolored areas of the skin. These pigmentation changes aren't necessarily scars. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a part of the skin's natural healing pattern, and will fade away over time.
Treatment depends on the type of scarring you have. You may need a combination of treatments to achieve good results. Pigmentation can be faded with cosmetic procedures, such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels, performed at a day spa.
More serious scarring warrants a trip to your doctor's office. He or she will help you decide which treatment options will give you the most improvement. You may need a combination of treatments in order to achieve good results.
Good communication with your doctor is paramount. Don't be shy in telling your doctor exactly what you hope to achieve with treatment. He or she can help you devise a treatment plan and set realistic goals for improvement. Just as acne didn't clear overnight, most scar treatments take time to work. But with a little patience and the right treatments, most scars can be noticeably improved.
Photo courtesy of ADAM.
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