The occasional pimple can be a nuisance, but what if you have a more significant acne problem? Certain kinds of acne can leave scars, which may either fade over time or leave permanent skin damage. You may be prone to scarring if you have a family history or skin with redness or hyperpigmentation, but fear not! You have several options for how to get rid of acne scars, and some of them you’re probably already practicing in your daily routine!
The Usual Suspects
Even if you take good care of your skin, including an all natural face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen, you can still suffer from acne. So, what kind of acne causes acne scars? Well, it really all boils down to inflammation. Pimples that are red, inflamed, and filled with pus may leave their mark on your skin as well as those cystic spots deep below the surface. They feel less like friends on our faces and more like foes. Here are the main types of acne scars you may be facing:
- Ice pick – these are small pits that go very deep into the layers of skin
- Rolling – which tend to be wide and shallow with a wave-like appearance, thanks (or no thanks) to adhesions between the dermal layers
- Boxcar – well-defined, prominent scarring due to a loss of collagen
- Hypertrophic – raised scarring, more common on the chest and back
Some of these scars are more obvious than others, but the good news is that we have ways for you to learn how to get rid of pimple scars!
Heal Thyself
Just as there are several causes of acne scars, there are also several ways to help them heal and fade. Some of them are more aggressive than others, and you may want to discuss treatment options with your dermatologist to see what may be more effective for your type of scarring. A gentle chemical exfoliation, such as a lactic acid or alpha hydroxy acid peel can work wonders, as can topical ointments that contain retinoids or vitamin C. Other treatments that may stimulate collagen production, such as microneedling or laser resurfacing, may be more appropriate, depending on your type and level of scarring.
If you are interested in a more natural DIY approach, you can opt for aloe vera or coconut oil to heal and moisturize, sugar or baking soda scrubs to exfoliate, or even lemon juice to fade redness. These natural remedies may take longer to see a difference, but they are gentle, affordable, and readily available.
An Ounce of Prevention
Can acne scars be healed? Well, the answer is yes and no. They can fade and be less obvious, but they may also be around for quite some time. This is why you should do what you can to prevent breakouts and scarring from occurring. Using an organic blemish treatment when you feel a pimple arising may stop it from worsening. You can also try apple cider vinegar as a toner to restore balance to your skin’s surface. Honey is another option; it is a natural antiseptic that can kill pimple-causing bacteria. We know it’s hard to resist touching or picking at your acne, but trust us when we say it’s not worth the long term scarring it can leave behind!
A visit to your dermatologist may be the best place to start if your acne scars are bothering you. With your doctor’s advice, you can create a plan to minimize scarring and clean up your skin to banish the blemishes!
