How to get rid of acne scars: lasers and other types of treatments
Acne scars (also called "post acne scars") are nothing more than the marks left on the face by the remission of pimples. If the acne has been particularly intense and prolonged, it is possible that the skin has not been in able to heal its upper layers, leaving small raised or hollow scars. Nothing serious: it is simply a skin blemish. To eliminate acne scars, different types of treatment are useful, from hyaluronic acid to lasers. Let's find out together!
What are acne scars?
Acne scars can be of different types. The so-called "atrophic" scars are divided into: "pit scars" (the most common), also known as "icepick scars", characterized by small holes on the surface of the skin of the face; the "boxcar scars", which form real depressions on the skin, the "bowl scars", which make the skin of the face rippled, with more superficial walls and a deeper central part.The so-called "keloids", on the other hand, or "hypertrophic scars" are, unlike atrophic scars, the more raised and thicker ones, which are formed by excess collagen and not by defect.
Generally acne scars, if the skin is treated promptly and with the right treatment, disappear by themselves: the skin itself will regenerate the area affected by inflammatory lesions. If, on the other hand, the acne inflammation is very long or tends to degenerate, it is not uncommon for post-acne scars to remain in the affected area.
The parts of the skin most affected by acne scars are usually the face, shoulders and the preernal area. We also remember that it is not a pathology: the signs of acne are simply not very pleasant from an aesthetic point of view. , even based on their severity, but they do not pose a health problem.
Before examining the most suitable treatments to eliminate acne scars, it is good to remember that these imperfections can be prevented with some simple precautions: start treatment against acne as soon as possible, treat possible abscesses with antibiotic infiltration and - above all - avoid squeezing pimples!
See also
Topical treatment to eliminate acne scars
Against the atrophic scars of acne, excellent results can be obtained with a topical treatment, aimed at strengthening the production of collagen by the skin of the face. The products that fall within this type of treatment are those that contain an alpha-hydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid; a beta-hydroxy acid, such as salicylic acid (warning: prohibited in case of pregnancy!); retinoic acid or vitamin A (also strongly not recommended for pregnant women).
Glycolic acid is usually applied in the evening, because it causes sensitivity to light. To find the right topical treatment for you, consult your dermatologist who will be able to advise you, considering any possible side effects.
Dermabrasion treatment and chemical peeling for your skin
Microdermabrasion is a treatment that makes the skin around the scars smooth, in order to even out the skin of the face. It is a fairly painless treatment, which practices a light exfoliation thanks to small crystals, stimulating the skin to produce collagen. In the case of deeper scars, a real dermabrasion can be practiced, in fact more invasive, but which can offer important results.
The chemical peel to eliminate acne scars, on the other hand, consists of chemically removing the first layer of the skin, so that the skin can regenerate. It could cause a more or less pronounced burning sensation. There are different types of chemical peels based on the different types of acne scars and skin types: it will be important, afterwards, not to expose yourself to the sun!
Laser treatment to eliminate post acne scars
We now come to the much requested laser treatment. The procedures are different and the dermatologist will always show you the one that best suits the skin of your face! In fact, it is possible to resort to "laser resurfacing", similar to microdermabrasion, especially useful for atrophic scars; to the treatment with pulsed laser, effective against keloids, which destroys the cells on the surface by leveling the raised scars; to the Smooth Beam laser, which helps the production of collagen.
The "fractional laser", that is a fractional carbon dioxide laser that in a controlled manner only damages the tissues affected by a specific wavelength of the laser. The fractional laser, although very effective, is not recommended for phototypes. dark because it could lead to the formation of skin spots.
Hyaluronic acid treatment
Even hyaluronic acid has been found to be effective in eliminating acne scars: one of Hollywood's most popular techniques would in fact be the one that combines injections of hyaluronic acid with the application of a mix of enzymes that stimulate cell regeneration, especially in the case of "bowl" scars.
These are real hyaluronic acid punctures followed by the local drafting of the enzymes, for two or three sessions.
Natural treatments against post acne scars
Finally, we come to the always very popular natural remedies to eliminate acne scars. The first is undoubtedly aloe vera, known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but also excellent for eliminating scars.
Even lemon can help whiten the skin, especially if acne has left spots. Apple cider vinegar has known astringent properties: if applied to the skin it regenerates it, rebalancing its natural pH.
Finally, turmeric can be used as an excellent anti-inflammatory, and is particularly useful in case of large and red pimples.
For more information on acne scars, you can consult the Humanitas website.
