What Products to Use for Acne Scar Reduction
When acne heals, it often leaves a sufferer with unsightly scars, pockmarks and blemishes, and to make matters even worse, the scars can remain visible for several years. As such, acne scarring is just as much of a nightmare as acne itself.
Fortunately for those who have had an acne outbreak, there are now medical and natural ways to remove acne scars. The methods we look at here are intended for dealing with mild scarring, while more severe cases may require skin resurfacing or surgery.
Over-the-Counter Acne Scar Treatments
You can visit any pharmacy, drugstore, or online vendor, and you’ll see a mind boggling number of products available for treating acne scars. Some treatments are known to be very effective, but one needs to bear in mind that if you have serious scarring, going to see a doctor would be your best bet.
Even with mild cases, doctors always advise sufferers to only use non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic moisturizers on the affected areas. This helps to keep the skin hydrated and adequately nourished in order to maintain good skin health, which in turn improves the skins appearance and lessons the scarring effect.
Many doctors also advise people to use a triple antibiotic ointment in order to prevent a recurrence of bacteria while at the same time lessening the appearance of acne scars. The ointment should be applied in the evenings, left on overnight, and then rinsed off in the morning.
Oxygenated water also helps in lightening the appearance of the hyperpigmented skin. There will be a difference between the natural color of the skin and the affected area once the oxygenated water is applied to the latter during the evening but it will soon fade away in the morning.
Herbal Formulas
While there are many herbs and essential oils that can help in lightening acne scars, there are also some which can get rid of scarring completely. Of course, because there’s also a risk of allergies, a doctor should be consulted before such remedies are actually used.
Aloe vera gel has been used for centuries to bring back healthy skin. Ready-to-use topical aloe vera is available in many stores and sites.
Honey has antibacterial properties as well as the ability to soften the skin. Apply honey on the affected area, massage for a few minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Olive oil is not considered the miracle oil for nothing. Its moisturizing property softens the skin’s texture and, hence, lessens the prominent look of the acne scars.
Rosehip seed oil is the most common of the essential oils used in acne scar removal with the added benefit of lessening wrinkles, rejuvenating the skin and preventing sun damage. This should be massaged into the affected are twice daily.
Tomatoes are an abundant source of Vitamin A, which is also present in its derivative forms in medications like retinol. Its main effect is in stimulating collagen production, thus, healing the skin of its scars. Just slice up a tomato and place on the scars at least 2 times a day.
There is simply no denying the fact that the above mentioned methods can smooth out acne scars. The real trick lies in trying to prevent a reoccurrence so that your existing scars can have sufficient time to heal.