Acne scars, how to get rid of them?

Acne is a common and chronic skin disease, it is linked to an over-production of sebum, an inflammation due to the proliferation of microbial agents and an obstruction of the follicular canal which prevents the normal elimination of sebum. This causes blemishes such as pimples or blackheads on the skin of the face and sometimes even the body. Acne particularly affects adolescents but can persist into adulthood, more commonly in women than in men. In severe acne, pimples containing pus or nodules may appear on the skin, often very red and painful. The latter can then leave colored marks and scars in relief on the skin.

There are two types of acne scars. First of all the scar "dyschromic" or "pigmentary", which leaves a colored patch on the skin after the pimple has disappeared. It generally subsides over time. We also find the scar "atrophic" or "hypertrophic" which is in relief since it forms a bump or a hole. This type of acne scarring does not easily disappear from the skin unless you use appropriate treatment.

To minimize the appearance of acne scars on the skin, the first step is to resist the urge to punch buttons when they turn white. This creates more intense inflammation of the skin, which increases the risk of scarring. Throughout the year, your skin is then protected with a non-comedogenic sunscreen because the sun can cause hyperpigmentation of marks due to acne. Brown spots may then appear. If you take precautions but your skin has marks, there are several natural treatments or aesthetic medicine to reduce or even completely overcome it.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is an aromatic organic compound found in certain plants, it is found in many treatments for acne-prone skin. It removes impurities from the skin which tend to clog pores and cause acne. By incorporating it into her beauty routine, this product helps reduce redness and the appearance of scars. However, it may not be recommended for people with sensitive skin because it can cause dehydration or irritation.

Retinoids

Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, are good remedies for erasing acne scars. They reduce inflammation and acne lesions, while stimulating cell regeneration and clearing up hyperpigmented acne scars. Be careful though, these products make the skin sensitive to the sun. It is therefore important to use a non-comedogenic sunscreen in addition.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)

Alpha-hydroxy acids are fruit acids and chemical exfoliators that remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce acne and the appearance of scars from pimples. Indeed, they gently exfoliate the skin and then lighten the scars. Lactic acid is a good option that helps remove dead cells, smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmented scars. Sensitive and damaged skin should however avoid integrating it into their beauty routine.

Honey

Honey has antibacterial properties that soothe and reduce skin inflammation caused by the appearance of pimples. To treat scars, a little honey is deposited on the lesions and left to stand for a few minutes before rinsing.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice has whitening properties, it can therefore treat acne scars, especially if they are hyperpigmented tasks. It is enough to dilute lemon juice with a similar amount of water and then apply the mixture to the skin for about twenty minutes. We then rinse with clear water and hydrate our skin well by continuing our usual beauty routine.

The aloe vera

Aloe vera is soothing, hydrating and has restorative virtues which can then reduce acne scars. We apply the product on the scars, no need to rinse!

Baking soda

Baking soda can be used as an exfoliant to gently cleanse and smooth the skin, while decreasing acne scars. It is enough to mix the product with a little water to make a paste which is applied as a mask to the face. Leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing.

Vegetable oils

Vegetable oils can also be incorporated into the beauty routine to reduce acne scars. If women with acne skin may be afraid to use oil on skin that already produces a lot, there are non-comedogenic sebum-regulating oils that rebalance the skin. Oil of hazelnut, jojoba, macadamia or even nigella have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. They will then reduce imperfections and possible marks.

Tea tree essential oil

Tea tree essential oil is a very well-known acne remedy that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which accelerate the healing process of the pimple and thus helps to reduce scars.

Where to find the products ?

Lactic acid 10% + HA, € 5.40, The Ordinary available at Nocibé

A + ultra concentrated retinoid serum, € 79, Sunday Riley

Local Imperfections Serum 2% Salicylic Acid + 1% Zinc, € 18.50, Typology

Organic rejuvenating jojoba oil, € 13.99, Facetheory

Organic macadamia oil, € 8, April

Organic black cumin oil, € 13.50, Melvita

Botanical hazelnut oil, € 28, Oden available on Botimyst

Native aloe vera gel, from € 6.90, Aroma-zone

Organic Tea tree essential oil, € 5.95, Ladrome available on Onatera

Aesthetic medicine treatments

If natural remedies are not enough to eradicate your acne scars, there are also medical treatments available to reduce them significantly. Before turning to aesthetic medicine, it is important to consult the advice of a dermatologist who will direct you to the technique which will be the most suitable according to the type of skin and the extent of the scars.

The glycolic acid peel

The chemical peel can be used as an acne treatment but especially to erase acne scars, especially if they are raised scars. This procedure is usually performed by a dermatologist who applies a fruit acid, glycolic acid, to the skin. The outer layers of the epidermis are then burned, which smoothes the skin while removing acne scars.. Depending on the severity of the scars, the dermatologist can recommend between 3 and 10 sessions. This treatment is complemented by a care routine prescribed by the dermatologist and requires protecting your skin from the sun and UV rays. It is important to perform the procedure with a skin health professional. The rate is generally 400 euros per session.

Hyaluronic acid injections

Acne scars, especially atrophic scars, can be filled with injections of hyaluronic acid to make them almost invisible. The doctor selects the most suitable hyaluronic acid for the patient's scars and injects it very locally to plump the damaged skin area. The procedure is painless since the solution injected usually has lidocaine or another local anesthetic. The results last between 6 and 18 months but there are also permanent options. A session costs between 300 and 500 euros.

Microneedling

Microneedling is used to reduce the signs of aging but also to erase acne scars. This treatment is carried out using a small roller fitted with micro-needles. They penetrate the skin in stimulating collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of acne scars by smoothing the skin. The procedure activates cell renewal and therefore scarring. This non-invasive treatment is carried out in an institute. The esthetician passes the roller over the face several times vertically and horizontally, for about 20 minutes. It then ends with a skin cleansing followed by the application of a treatment. Microneedling is not fun, it is rather painful. It can cause side effects like small bleeding or redness that will go away within a few days. The session amounts to around 130 euros.

The laser

The laser destroys the epidermis in order to reveal new skin cells and thus, erase atrophic, hypertrophic and hyperpigmented acne scars. There are different lasers. For hyperpigmented scars, a pigment laser will be used. For people with thin skin, the dermatologist will use a non-ablative laser which does not destroy the epidermis but remains effective. It is important to practice this cosmetic procedure with a dermatologist who will be able to choose the laser adapted to your skin type and your needs. During the session, the laser scans the skin several times to smooth out irregularities while the eyes are protected by special glasses. After the procedure, the specialist prescribes care to be applied for about two weeks until complete healing. The results evolve over time, they will be final after 6 months. Generally, the laser requires several sessions for best results. The prices per session vary between 200 and 600 euros, there are packages of several sessions.

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Adult laser acne treatment