What Helps Get Rid Of Acne Scars

Acne Scar Treatment No: Dermal Fillers

Not just here to make you look like a contestant on Love Island, fillers can be used to help an array of skin problems, one of them being acne scars. A tiny amount can temporarily plump and smooth over any skin craters left behind from acne.

‘Dermal fillers are very good for indented scars’, says Dr. Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation Spokesperson. ‘However, depending on the type of filler used, the treatment will need to be repeated at regular intervals – most probably every six months – to maintain the results.’

Your skin’s initial reaction may be to bruise, swell up and go red but be patient and wait for the magic to happen. As acne scarring treatments go, this one isnt the priciest and is relatively non invasive and pain free. Hooray!

To find your nearest cosmetic dermatologist, head to the British Association of Dermatologists.

How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars Fast

Mild acne scarring can stick around for months if left but with the right ingredients and treatments, you can speed this process up to a couple weeks or even a few days. Its a good idea to start treating acne scars as soon as possible, the longer you leave them, the harder it is to get rid of acne scars. Thats why weve suggested using the products listed above, which contain Vitamin C, Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Retinol.

Severe acne scarring and pitted scars tend to be permanent unless you opt for in-clinic treatments. Some of these procedures weve suggested, which include microdermabrasion, chemical peels and micro-needling, can help to get ride of acne scars quickly, while others can also take weeks or months for you to see improvement.

Using The Ordinary For Acne Scars

It is important to note that the following products are specific to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or discoloration. A type of acne scarring that is treatable through over the counter products. However, if your scarring is pitted acne scarring, these products from The Ordinary may not be able to help.

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Best Home Skin Care Ingredients For Treating Acne According To Doctors

Salicylic acid dissolves oil, unclogs pores and prevents buildup from occurring, board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, recently told us in our guide to blackhead treatments.

Azelaic acid inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme that creates pigment in the skin and decreases the production of acne-causing bacteria, according to board-certified dermatologist Eileen Deignan, MD.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that boosts skin exfoliation and prevents acne. It also promotes skin cell turnover and collagen production treating post-acne hyperpigmentation and minimizing the appearance of current acne scars, according to Deignan.

Alpha-hydroxy acids unclog pores and exfoliate skin, thus reducing acne, fixing uneven skin texture and preventing some acne scars from forming and improving ones already present on the skin, noted Green.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the appearance of redness and pigmentation from acne scars. It also helps prevent some acne scars from forming, according to Green.

Use Raw Tomatoes On Your Skin

Like many other ingredients already mentioned, tomatoes are full of acid.

They help to reduce the colouration of the scarring, so it looks like scars are disappearing.

However, that is not the only benefit.

Tomatoes are also full of natural healing qualities.

They have large amounts of vitamin C, like lemon juice, so will help to improve the rebuilding of collagen. The redness of tomatoes come from carotenes in them, which are full of antioxidants.

Not only will antioxidants fight against canceras already mentionedthey helped to repair and rebuild damaged tissue.

This is their way of fighting against the damaged tissue.

One of the simplest ways to use tomatoes to remove the scars is by slicing them up and applying them directly to the skin.

You can give the body a chance to soak in all the juices and really benefit from the nutrients.

They can also be crushed and turned into a pulp, and then placed directly on the skin. Whichever of these two you choose, leave for 15-20 minutes and then wash.

Another option is to make a mask with other home remedies. Cucumbers and Avocados work well with tomatoes for a pimple scar-removing face mask.

Youll want the pulp from the tomato and juice from the other two ingredients to turn them into a mask.

Apply directly to the affected area and leave for about 20 minutes.

As with the other options, wash off with lukewarm water and then pat dry with a clean towel.

Those who have sensitive skin may find the tomatoes too acidic.

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What Are The Signs Of An Acne Scar

The types of scarring seen in acne include keloids or hypertrophic scars, which appear as red, firm, raised papules , Shah says. Atrophic scars appear as depressed or sunken in areas, and may be larger, broad scars , or small pits scars.

Identifying an acne scar from other types of scars isnt too difficult, because an acne scar occurs in the spot where a pimple was.

What Are The Types Of Acne Scars

Atrophic scar: This develops when there is loss of skin tissue.

Ice pick scar: These are usually small and make noticeable holes in your skin.

Boxcar scar: These are depressed areas that are usually round or oval with sharp edges and very similar to chickenpox scars.

Rolling scar: These are typically seen on your lower cheeks and jaws where your skin is thicker. The indentations slope and produce uneven wavy skin.

Hypertrophic or keloid scar: These occur when the skin produces too much collagen to heal acne wounds and causes a mass of raised tissue on the skin. It can be itchy and tender.

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How To Prevent Acne Scars In The First Place

First, some tips on prevention, which Lortscher says is imperative for anyone with acne-prone skin. Lets first assume that youre actively breaking out . Lortscher says one way to get ahead of the scarring is to treat the skin immediately after a pimple or breakout, thus preventing a scar from forming in the first place.

First of all, you need to differentiate between scarring and temporary discoloration, Lortscher says. The latter can happen after a particularly deep pimple popsbut those dark spots arent technically scars: Scars change the skins texture, not just the color of the skin, he says. Scars can be permanent, while dark spots from acne tend to fade within 6 to 12 months.

Secondly, he urges against any unnecessary pimple popping, which can lead to scarring. You have to resist the urge, which can prove difficult. Many people wrongly assume that by popping a pimple, you also empty it fully and thus clean out all the gunk. You may also think that this expedites healing. But it just isnt so: When you pop a zit, the gunk inside can make its way to the skins surface and irritate your skin, Lortscher says. This leads to even more pimples nearby. Plus, you run the risk of driving debris and bacteria even deeper into your skin, which can lead to scarring and worsen breakouts.

Acne Scarring Vs Hyperpigmentation

Close up image of skin comparing acne scars with hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation may also result from acne, but this discoloration is not considered a true scar. Hyperpigmentation refers to the dark spots that are left behind when broken blood vessels fail to perfectly heal.

Hyperpigmentation most often happens when pimples are popped, leaving behind a wound that changes the skins texture and color. Dark brown or red spots may appear even if you dont pop your acne, although in these cases, the hyperpigmentation is more likely to fade after just a few months.

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How Long Does It Take Acne Scars To Go Away

Acne scars do not go away entirely on their own. Depressed acne scars often become more noticeable with age as skin loses collagen. However, there are a variety of treatments that can make acne scars less noticeable.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may lighten on its own within several months. However, it may take years to go away without treatment for some people.

There are a number of different types of acne scars. They fall into one of the following categories:

They Help Increase Product Absorption

In addition to their own distinct benefits, AHAs can make your existing products work better by increasing their absorption into the skin.

For example, if you have too many dead skin cells, your daily moisturizer just sits on top without hydrating your new skin cells underneath. AHAs like glycolic acid can break through this layer of dead skin cells, enabling your moisturizer to hydrate your new skin cells more effectively.

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Undergo Laser Or Light Therapy

Medical spas and dermatologists offer a slew of laser and light treatments geared specifically at clearing the skin. Though it takes time to see results and multiple treatments are usually needed, infrared lights and blue and red light devices can help heal and clear breakouts. Even better, they can target scars in addition to current and future breakouts. “Your board-certified dermatologist can help you find the right laser for the type of scars you have on your back,” says Nazarian. Red scars, black scars, or bumpy scars are all treated differently.

Other treatments, such as those utilizing LED lights, can work to improve the overall texture of the skin. “LED red light is an anti-inflammatory light that improves circulation and collagen formation, and may improve the appearance of acne scars with continued use,” suggests Nazarian. These are most effective when used for red acne scars and marks.

Retinoids: Improving Cellular Turnover

These vitamin A derivatives are applied directly to the skin in order to support the production of new and unblemished skin cells. Retinoids go deep into the skin to treat comedonal acne and hyperpigmentation. There are a variety of retinoid products, available both over the counter and by prescription for stronger doses. Because retinoids can cause skin dryness and peeling, it is a good idea to use the product paired with a moisturizer formulated for your individual skin type.

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Depressed Acne Scars: Many Effective Treatments

Best results often come from using two or more treatments. The treatments that a dermatologist may use to treat depressed acne scars include the following.

Acne scar surgeryThis sounds scarier than it is. Dermatologists often perform this minor surgery to treat very noticeable acne scars. The goal is to create a less-noticeable scar. The remaining scar should fade with time.

To perform acne scar surgery, a dermatologist may lift the scar. Bringing a scar closer to the surface of the skin tends to make it less noticeable. Another type of acne scar surgery involves breaking up scar tissue.

A dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon can safely perform acne scar surgery in a medical office. Patients remain awake but numb so that they do not feel pain.

Best for: Treating a few depressed scars.

Resurfacing proceduresWhen a patient wants to diminish the appearance of widespread acne scarring, a dermatologist may recommend a resurfacing procedure. Resurfacing removes layers of skin, which allows the body to produce new skin cells.

Dermatologists use the following resurfacing procedures to treat depressed acne scars:

• Laser skin resurfacing

• Dermabrasion

• Microdermabrasion

Resurfacing works well for treating acne scars that are nearly flat . Even dermabrasion, which removes the top layers of skin and some of the middle layers, cannot effectively treat deep acne scars.

Best for: Treating a few depressed scars, but not icepick scars.

Best for: Shaping or reducing the edges of boxcar scars.

How We Chose The Best Products To Get Rid Of Acne Scars

To create this list, we asked dermatologists which products they swear by for the different types of acne scarring.

They took into consideration skin type, efficacy of the products, and any safety concerns patients should be mindful of.

Keep in mind that some scarring can be treated at home, but its best to talk with a dermatologist about severe scarring.

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Mix The Methods Together

One of the biggest benefits of home remedies is that they can be used together. They are all made from natural ingredients, so you dont have the fear of the chemicals that youre using.

Consider starting with a lemon-sugar scrub, use your tomato and avocado face mask and then finish it off with an olive oil moisturizing cream.

The body takes advantage of all the healing properties in multiple ingredients, absorbing more than you ever thought possible.

Make sure you apply them all directly to the scarring. Some people will eat or drink them instead, but the skin doesnt get the full benefit.

While the body absorbs the healing properties, they are broken down in the digestive system.

Using them directly onto the skin helps to ensure the skin actually absorbs the nutrients.

How Acne Is Formed

Inflammation caused by hormonal changes forms the red spots on our skin.

Acne is commonly found on your face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. Its because there are more oil glands on the skin of these areas. The function of oil glands is to excrete oil substance to lubricate your skin to make it look glowing.

When your body produces an excess amount of sebum and dead skin cells due to hormonal changes, the two can block your hair follicles and form soft plug, which is a favourable environment for bacteria to thrive. When the clogged hair follicles get infected and result in inflammation, the follicle wall will bulge and form a pimple.

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What Causes Acne Scars And Dark Marks

The spots that linger after a pimple has healed are caused by inflammation that has disrupted the skin’s natural healing process. “When your skin is opened up and then closes back together, you can get abnormal pigmentation, texture, and tone that looks different from the rest of your skin. Sometimes the broken blood vessels that remain after an acne lesion fades can result in a mark,” says Dr. Bowe. For a number of people who are able to refrain from picking, inflamed pimples or blemishes can still leave a dark brown or red mark but these naturally fade over the course of a few months, notes dermatologist Heather C. Woolery-Lloyd, MD.

Since it’s pretty difficult to determine what causes one person to scar more than another, the best way to avoid scarring is to treat acne with a great skin care routine and that means you need to resist picking, poking, or touching a pimple.

Some acne marks and scars are completely within your control while others are pre-determined. Aside from genetics, there are several lifestyle habits that can make dark marks and scars worse. Spending time in the sun is a big one, and, to reiterate one last time, every dermatologist agrees that picking or squeezing pimples creates further inflammation and can ultimately lead to more damage.

Now that we know where acne scars and dark spots come from, let’s dive into how to treat themstarting with acne scars.

Final Thoughts Of How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars Overnight

To recap on how to get rid of acne scars overnight, I want to bring you back to the three home remedies we discussed above. These facial care routines will help you get rid of acne scars fast at home overnight. Follow these steps carefully, and you will see results as soon as possible. To completely clear your acne scars, use the homemade sugar facial scrub thrice a week but the toner and facial oil every day for both your morning and evening routine.

How to get rid of acne scars fast is not just a saying or slogan it works, and if done right with consistency, it will help you rid yourself of your acne scars.

Thank you for reading, and good luck to you! I hope these tips on how to get rid of acne scars naturally overnight are the miracle cure you have been waiting to receive.

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Heidi Prather Md Faad

Heidi B. Prather, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic and procedural dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology. She joins our practice after working with a prestigious cosmetic and dermatologic surgery center in Boston, MA. Dr. Prather brings these unique skills to Westlake Dermatology, along with her passion for using technology to enhance medical care.

Heidi B. Prather, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic and procedural dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology. She joins our practice after working with a prestigious cosmetic and dermatologic surgery center in Boston, MA. Dr. Prather brings these unique skills to Westlake Dermatology, along with her passion for using technology to enhance medical care.

Raised Acne Scars: Treatment Can Ease Pain Diminish Scars

Other treatments that a dermatologist may use to treat raised acne scars follow.

InjectionsYour dermatologist may recommend injecting medicine directly into the scars. This can soften and flatten raised, thick scars.

Getting the best results often requires repeat visits. These injections are usually given once every few weeks. How often you will need to return for treatment depends on the scar and many other considerations. You may need to return once every two to six weeks for a while.

Many patients receive injections of corticosteroids. A chemotherapy medicine known as fluorouracil can also be effective in treating raised acne scars. Some scars respond best when injections of both 5-FU and corticosteroids are used.

Interferon, which is also used to treat cancer, can be effective. Our bodies naturally produce interferon.

If the scar does not respond after you receive the 4th injection, acne scar surgery may be recommended.

Best for: Painful, raised scars

Acne scar surgeryDermatologists perform acne scar surgery to reduce raised acne scars. This surgery can be performed in a dermatologists office.

To obtain the best results, acne scar surgery is often followed by another treatment.

Acne scar surgery, followed by radiationStudies show that radiation can prevent raised scars from returning after acne scar surgery. Due to the potential for radiation treatments to cause problems years or decades later, some doctors do not recommend radiation treatment.

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