A Guide to Treating and Preventing Acne Scars the Right Way
We should always try to look our best to make a good impression, especially if we’re meeting new people frequently. A considerable part of that is having an acne-free face. Unfortunately, not everyone can avoid acne, no matter how hard they try.
Warding off acne is already a massive task on its own, but what’s even worse is if acne scars form. Acne scars occur on the skin after removing a pimple, and they appear as indentations on the skin. Acne scars are very noticeable and can make anyone lose self-confidence. Luckily, there are ways to treat acne scars and prevent them from happening in the future.
This article will shed some light on ways to treat and prevent acne scars, so read on below to learn more.
Treating Acne Scars
The first and foremost step to treating acne scars is to treat the acne first. That means using skincare products and going to a dermatologist or esthetician for treatment. Once done, there are different treatment options that you can choose from, depending on the degree of scarring.
For mild scarring, treatment options include the following:
Filler injections
Microdermabrasion
Retin-A cream
For widespread acne scarring, laser therapy or minor in-office surgery is recommended. Laser therapy softens the impact of the transition from acne scar to actual skin, which shows significant improvement—especially on the chin, cheeks, and jawline. These are the places where acne and acne scarring are common.
There are two types of laser treatments for acne scarring: ablative and non-ablative. The ablative laser treatment is the more aggressive because it uses a carbon dioxide laser to vaporize the tissue that forms acne scars.
On the other hand, the less-aggressive non-ablative laser treatment heats tissue without affecting the normal ones. Regardless of the laser treatment chosen, new and healthy skin cells will grow to replace the scar tissue.
Keep in mind that acne scars on other areas like the chest and back tend to be harder to treat, often requiring steroid injections to achieve this goal.
The Cost of Laser Treatment
The cost of laser treatment for acne scarring is different for ablative and non-ablative treatments. The former can go up to $2,000, while the latter is at $1,000—cheaper but still expensive. It’s also worth noting that insurance policies generally don’t cover laser treatments, though some cover it. Simply speak to your provider to know if your insurance covers laser treatments for acne scarring or not.
Preventing Acne Scars
To prevent acne scars, you need to control your acne. That means taking care of your face and keeping it acne-free. It may sound too broad, but it’s the only way to prevent scarring.
Treat acne as soon as it appears
The greatest thing you can do is get acne under control as soon as possible. Begin treating it immediately, and visit your healthcare provider straight away if your acne isn't improving with over-the-counter acne medications.
Quick treatment helps to keep outbreaks to a minimum and prevents acne from progressing to a more severe form. Prevent pimples and you'll avoid scars.
There are many ways that you can treat acne, depending on how much acne is present. In most cases, you can buy medications such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids to treat them. These are over-the-counter medications, so don’t worry about having to bring a doctor’s prescription. If those don’t work, then you’ll need to see a dermatologist or a licensed esthetician.
Read More: Debunking 5 Common Skin Care Myths
Inflammation should be reduced
Large, inflammatory acne blemishes are far more likely to cause scars than smaller, uninflamed breakouts and blackheads. Your objective should always be to reduce inflammation and avoid doing anything that would aggravate your skin worse. Scrubbing too hard and using harsh skincare products should be avoided.
Pimples should not be squeezed, popped, or picked at
Resist the urge to pluck or pinch a pimple. This can push debris further into the dermis, causing an infection to spread to adjacent tissues and increasing inflammation. This is especially true for blemishes that are deep and dangerous, such as nodules and cysts.
Remind yourself that popping pimples can prolong healing time and increase the likelihood of a permanent scar. Allow the blemish to cure naturally. If you've already picked at a blemish, take steps to repair it and protect your skin.
Don't Pick at Scabs
It is also best to avoid picking at scabs. Scabs are the skin's natural "bandages," which protect the wound as it heals. Picking a scab from a wound before it is ready slows healing and increases the likelihood of scarring.
Learn if you are prone to scarring
The truth is that some people are more prone to scarring than others, and other people go through severe acne without leaving a scar. If you are prone to scarring, schedule an appointment with an esthetician or dermatologist immediately to explore acne treatment options.
A Word from Kim
Developing acne scars is a scary thought, but you shouldn’t worry because medical innovations have made it possible to treat them with natural-looking results. Before getting treatment, make sure to talk to an esthetician or dermatologist first to know your options.
Chemical peels and microneedling are one of the primary treatment methods for acne scarring. Kim Gallo Esthetics offers both of these treatments in Naples, FL, which can transform damaged skin into clearer, radiant skin using techniques and pharmaceutical grade products that are safe for your skin. Contact us today to book your appointment!