Get rid of your acne scars for swimsuit season!
Would you like to remove your acne scars? If so, now is the time. With the warmer months upon us, it’s hard not to think about what we’ll look like in our bathing suits, at the beach–without makeup.
The good news is, the acne of your teen years doesn’t have to follow you around anymore. There are many treatments available to remove pimple scars, and laser treatments for acne scars is just one.
Preventing and Eliminating Acne
If you still suffer from acne, consult with one of Dermacare’s clinicians to develop a step-by-step skin care routine that will keep your face fresh and clear. Also, keep the following points in mind:
- To prevent further breakouts, eat healthy food. Not all acne is caused by poor diet, but the food we eat can influence the production of acne.
- If you already eat well, and if you take good care of your skin, then it is possible that your acne is hormonal. This is often true for women, and often acne breakouts among women can be predicted by their monthly cycles.
- The bottom line: If you can prevent acne before it starts, you will not acquire additional acne scars. So it’s important to find the cause of your acne so that your scar treatments can be as effective as possible. That said, if you can rule out diet and hormones, you may want to see a doctor about other solutions for your acne breakouts.
If you’ve managed to tame your acne, and now you want to remove acne scars, then read on…
Types of Scars
There are two types of visible scars: Keloid scars, which are raised, and deep scars, which are depressions in the skin commonly called ‘pock marks.’ Both types can be particularly difficult to remove. However, there are many options available, so don’t lose hope if you suffer from these scars.
Holistic Remedies
First off, if you aren’t ready to seek professional help, there are some simple holistic remedies available. Don’t expect dramatic results from these treatments, but as the saying goes, it couldn’t hurt to try them out.
- Oatmeal mask. This will exfoliate the damaged skin cells. For light surface scars, this may be all you need. Sometimes pimple scars are just dark marks that will fade with time, and an exfoliating mask will help speed up this process.
- Aloe vera. This moisturizing agent is known for preventing scars, and may also help to reduce the appearance of visible scars.
- Lemon juice. Surprisingly, lemon juice works wonders on acne scars. It’s part of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) group which sloughs off dead skin cells and helps new cells grow underneath. Just apply to skin and leave on over night. Be careful with it though. Some stinging is normal, but if you have sensitive skin, it may burn.
- Tomato slices. Yes, you read that right. Tomatoes may actually help to rejuvenate & repair damaged skin. Just put some thin slices on your face, kick back, and relax for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Topical Prescriptions
There are many topical prescription treatments available. Tretinoin, for example, is a acid form of Vitamin A which gradually removes pimple scars. It’s a part of the Obagi skin care system, and it’s just one of many fantastic products available at Dermacare.
What if I need something stronger?
If holistic methods and topical creams are not enough, there are many clinical procedures available to remove acne scars.
- Laser Treatment for acne scars, often referred to as laser resurfacing, is one of the best options to remove pimple scars.
- Chemical Peels can be applied in varying degrees of intensity, depending on what your needs are.
- On a side note, collagen injections can be used to raise the skin that has developed a depressed scar from acne. If you have a few deep scars and you’re going in for a collagen treatment, you should ask if this might help reduce the appearance of your scars. However, the results of collagen injections are not permanent. This treatment will not remove acne scars, so you will need to repeat the injections about every three months.
If you find yourself avoiding social situations because of your scars, there’s no reason to hide. There are many solutions available. The results may not be instantaneous, but taking the first step today will put you one step closer to having the skin you’ve always wanted.
August 6, 2010
Posted in: Uncategorized
