What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Acne Scars
- Whats the best makeup I can use to cover my acne scars?
- Which in-office procedure is best for me?
- Do acne scar removal treatments hurt?
- What will my skin look like right after the procedure?
- How long will it take my skin to recover from the procedure?
- Which over-the-counter medication is best for me?
- How can I prevent scars from returning?
- Are acne treatment procedures covered by insurance?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Acne is common very normal and so are acne scars. There are treatments for acne, and there are treatments for acne scars. Some choose to just live with their acne scars while others decide that the scars interrupt their daily lives too much. You can decide to get treatment, or decide not to. You have options and youre in control.
Stay in touch with your dermatologist and any other healthcare providers you see and make sure you ask about treatment options , raise any questions and voice any concerns. You and your doctors will work together to make decisions best suited for you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/23/2020.
References
What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of Acne Scars
I wish acne was a bit less difficult to deal with. I just mean a smidgeon. When you believe youve gotten rid of the red pimples, they leave a large dark pink blue scar that makes things worse.
Acne scars on the face, chest, and back are fairly common, if thats any comfort. Acne scars affect the majority of acne sufferers, and they are nothing to be embarrassed of. Its just an indication of the bodys normal healing process in response to a wound. And, dont worry, if you want to, you can get rid of acne scars.
It will take some time, but it will be well worth it. Lets see what natural therapies are available to assist you get rid of acne scars.
Quick disclaimer: These home cures are completely safe, non-comedogenic , and effective. Take note of what Im about to say. But first, lets figure out whats causing your scars. Because, as I have said, every solution begins with the cause.
How To Treat Hypertrophic And Keloid Scars
There are many options available to you and your healthcare provider. The best method will depend on your specific case.
Those include using silicone gels, steroid creams, tapes, cryotherapy, injections, and even laser treatments to remove to shrink your scar.
However, youll want to keep in mind that the reason why this type of scaring should up in the first place is due to trauma, so make sure the method used to remove the scar is as gentle as possible to lower the risk of your scars coming back.
Ready to Move On to Clearer Pastures?
We know how depressing and overwhelming it can be to deal with both active acne and the different types of acne scars that remain after the battle.
Hopefully, our little guide has shed some light on the different treatments. In addition to the quick explainer on how those scars came to be.
If you liked our article, youll want to check out our beauty section for all the skin tips and tricks you could possibly need.
Read Also: What Acne Do I Have
How Can Acne Scars Be Avoided
There are some practices that you may engage in on a regular basis that, regrettably, increase the likelihood of your acne leaving scars. Acne scars are significantly more difficult to treat than pimples, so if you can avoid them in the first place, your skin will thank you from the bottom of its heart .
Is Back Acne Preventable
If you want to get ahead of back acne, there are some preventative measures you can put in place to keep your skin clean and prevent acne development.
Read Also: How To Get Acne Off Your Face
How Can You Lighten Up Hyperpigmentation Left Behind From Old Breakouts
I always try to educate patients on the many different factors that can contribute to hyperpigmentation, including inflammation, hormones, pollution, the sun and genetics, says Robinson. Because of this, there is no single solution that works for everyone, and patients will likely need to try many different treatments over an extended period of time to see results. That said, sunscreen should always be the first line of defense against hyperpigmentation, she adds.
Beyond that, Talakoub recommends seeing your dermatologist for a series of light chemical peels once every month or microdermabrasion to lighten up leftover pigmentation.
When To See A Dermatologist
It can take time to see results from treatment. If treatment works, you may start to see results in six to eight weeks. Complete clearing can take three or four months.
If you dont see any difference in six to eight weeks, you may need a dermatologists help. With a dermatologists help, virtually every type of acne can be successfully treated.
Have a skin, hair, or nail problem?
Discover the benefits of seeing a dermatologist.
ReferencesBikowski J. A review of the safety and efficacy of benzoyl peroxide emollient foam in the management of truncal acne vulgaris. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 3:26-9.
Brand B, Gilbert R, et al. Cumulative irritancy comparison of adapalene gel 0.1% versus other retinoid products when applied in combination with topical antimicrobial agents. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 49:S227-32.
Del Rosso JQ. Management of truncal acne vulgaris: current perspectives on treatment. Cutis. 2006 May 77:285-9.
Eichenfield LF, Andrew C. Krakowski AC, et al. Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Acne. Pediatrics. 2013 131 Suppl 3:S163-86.
Leyden JJ, Del Rosso JQ. The effect of benzoyl peroxide 9.8% emollient foam on reduction of Propionibacterium acnes on the back using a short contact therapy approach. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012 11:830-3.
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Read Also: How To Treat Acne Scars
What Causes Acne Marks
Acne marks are also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
When acne lesions appear on your skin, your body produces more white blood cells. This increases blood flow in the skin, which helps with the healing process.
However, in addition to sending through more white blood cells, your body also sends melanocytes to the affected area of skin. These are the cells responsible for melanin production, which is the skin pigmentation that gives your skin its color.
All of this extra melanin production causes darker skin in affected areas.
To make things even more complicated, theres more than one type of melanin, and the type that your skin produces during the healing process is what determines the color of your acne marks.
In general, those with fair skin end up with red marks, whereas those with darker skin tones develop brown acne marks. Its also worth noting that the melanin produced by fair skin increases a persons chance of developing skin cancer.
Tips To Prevent Bacne Scars:
- Sweating causes acne and scars. Shower when you sweat to avoid acne.
- Never squeeze or put pressure on acne. That is the main cause of acne scars.
- Wear loose clothes to reduce the pressure and irritation on scars.
- Wear sunscreen as sun exposure will darken and worsen the appearance of scars.
- Exfoliate your back skin using a loofah and a body scrub weekly to remove dead skin cells and help new skin cells grow quicker.
- Topical treatments such as Retin A, glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid are very effective for mild scarring.
- A healthy lifestyle promotes healthy skin. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, eat fresh fruits and vegetables in raw form, eat nutritious food to make your skin grow in healthy, avoid oily, fried, and fatty foods, and stop eating two hours before you go to bed at night.
- Exercise regularly to keep promotes good health.
- Dont leave your oily hair on back as oil from hair may clog pores & causes acne
- If you still need more evidence, see back acne scars before and after pictures that people post after trying these natural remedies. I bet you will be surprised to see how many people rely on these remedies only.
Have you tried any of these methods? Do you know any other methods to treat bacne scars? Share your experience with us!
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Back Acne Treatment Causes Scars And How To Get Rid Of It
Back acne sometimes referred to as bacne, is another common offender second to facial acne. Even though it doesnt develop in central areas on the body, it can still be nasty and disheartening. Luckily, there are several tried-and-tested solutions that help fight it and this post will attempt to address both at-home therapies and in-office back acne treatment in Singapore.
We will start with some basic tips for preventing and treating pimples that you can incorporate in your daily regimen right away that is, if youre not doing it already. And then, we will move onto how to get rid of back acne if nothing else has worked. Stay tuned.
Don’t Give Up Hope On Your Acne Scars
Acne scarring is often a tricky issue to deal with, even among dermatologists. Yet, there are many proven natural remedies to fight your blemish battles. For more stubborn cases, try in-office treatments like chemical peels and microneedling.
The bottom line is to not give up hope on treating your acne scars. Give each scar treatment a go to see which works best for you. While acne scarring may be difficult to tackle, it’s definitely not impossible.
Read Also: What Can Help With Acne Scars
Cleanse With The Appropriate Ph
A cleanser with the appropriate potential Hydrogen level, which refers to the amount of acid in a substance, is what you should clean your back with. The pH scale ranges from one to 14, and, according to Penford, you should look for a soap which has a pH in line with your skin, around 5.5. The lower numbers are acidic, while the upper levels are considered alkaline, or non-acidic.
A wash like Sebamed is a good option, as it creates a mild lather that will cleanse without stripping the skin. For even further penetration, keep the cleanser on your back for at least five minutes, almost like you would with a mask for your face.
How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars
Acne scar treatments are best handled with special attention and care from your dermatologist since they require more intense procedures than over-the-counter options. The downside: Treatments tend to be expensive. If you aren’t quite ready to put a dent in your savings, know that you aren’t alone in your struggle with acne scars. Just by reframing your way of thinking, you may even learn to feel much more comfortable with them.
If you feel a stress pimple rearing its ugly head, a steroid shot can be administered the same day you call your derm because the process is very fast. Not only does it immediately reduce the inflammation of an existing zit, but cortisone can also help thick scars appear softer and flatter. “These are specifically for raised scars, however,” says Dr. Shah. “It’ll help flatten out the scar, but it won’t do anything to any discrepancies in the texture.”
This scar filler from Dermaflage is basically a temporary dermal filler. It’s a great low-cost, temporary solution if you’re dealing with acne scars. You apply the scar filler like makeup, and it comes off easily when you’re ready to remove it.
Read Also: How Do You Get Rid Of Acne Scars Naturally
Opt For Topical Medication
If you consult a dermatologist about your back acne, which you should, they may prescribe topical ointments with antibiotics to help with the problem. And now, if you are wondering how to get rid of cystic back acne, other treatment options include hydrocortisone cream. Yet another ointment that is sold freely, it contains steroids and can improve your skin if used in moderation.
Find An Effective Acne Treatment
This is easier said than done, but finding a way to reduce acne inflammation as quickly as possible will help to prevent acne scars and acne marks from developing.
Fortunately, there are plenty of acne treatment options out there. Make sure that youre incorporating both beta and alpha hydroxy acids into your skin care routine, along with a variety of anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Since inflammation leads to both acne marks and acne scars, keeping skin inflammation to a minimum is a key prevention technique.
Read Also: Does The Mini Pill Help With Acne
Treating Scars: Lemon Juice
Light scars can usually be effectively healed with remedies from Mother Nature. Among them, lemon juice has been proved by many people to be an effective way to get rid of acne scars on the back.
- Make sure to wash your back well with warm water and soap beforehand, and then apply the lemon juice to the scar with a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for about ten minutes, then rinse.
- Repeat daily until the scar disappears.
Because lemon juice makes the skin more sensitive, do not use it on the face, and wear clothing to keep the new skin from being exposed to the sun.
Make An Egg White Mask
Egg whites are not only easy to find, but they are also extremely effective when healing any type of scarring.
Acne scars on the back tend to be the hardest to get rid of, but the egg whites will really help because of the amount of protein they contain.
You dont need to whisk the whites. You want them running, so they can act as a mask. Apply them directly to the scarring, and you will visibly see a reduction in them within a few days.
Why does the protein matter?
This is how cellular tissue is formed.
Your skin needs it to heal, and while you can get it by eating it, youre speeding up the process by applying it directly to your skin.
This is something you can do overnight or just in the hours before you go to bed.
Use some warm water to wash it off and pat dry with a clean towel.
You can also mix it with something like Aloe Vera gel to help see results as soon as possible.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Acne On My Breast
Different Types Of Acne Scars 101
Going back to our rude guest metaphor, the mess they leave behind can take different shapes.
For instance, if they might have left some trash lying around, which is annoying, but its easy to deal with. Sometimes, they can leave a big mess that you have to call the professionals to deal with them.
Its always preferable to deal with your acne when its active, so you can prevent it from leaving scars. You can neutralize your acne by using high-quality products like Neutralyze. You can find more information here.
Severe cases of the following types of acne scars would definitely require you to go to your dermatologist for help and advice.
What Is The Best Way To Fade Dark Spots From Back Acne
For many patients, every blemish or acne breakout leads to a dark spot or acne scar. That is why it is so important to treat acne, on the face, chest, neck, and back, as soon as it forms. For areas of the skin which have hyperpigmentation from acne breakouts, Retinols and Hydroquinones are best to use to treat this discoloration of the skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and also helps to decrease the pigmentation of these dark marks, and encourage their rapid healing with Vitamin C serum, Retinols, Retinoids and Bleaching creams. Cosmelan products are also effective for back acne and are combined with chemical peels. Topical skin care and the correct treatment products have a vital role in combating and reducing these dark spots.
The post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, , caused by acne breakouts are not true scars, but dark marks, which can be lightened and treated in all skin types. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, hydrafacials, combined with the correct skin care, will improve these marks and even out the skin tone and texture. It is very important to use the correct sunscreen as well while you are trying to fade out these dark marks. An SPF of 30 or above with a chemical sunblock or physical sunblock is recommended to prevent further discoloration of the skin, and allow the skin to heal. Finally, when looking for the best moisturizer or lotion, it is important to choose one that is oil free and non-comedogenic so that it doesnt further clog your pores.
Read Also: Why Has My Acne Gotten So Bad
Giving Home Remedies A Try
