Acne is a ruthless skin assailant that can affect anyone. Genes, diet and lifestyle all play a large part. If you are suffering from acne, it can feel arbitrary and completely unfair. The most common time for acne to make itself known is during our teenage years (because we don’t have enough to worry about?) but adult acne can be prominent as well. Hormones and autoimmune diseases are often to blame in these cases.
When you have acne, it seems the world would be sweeter if we could just not have it. Right? But the tricky thing is, when time or lifestyles changes eventually resolve the acne, BOOM. You can be left with scarring as a not-so-sweet-reminder of pimples past. As the skin ages and loses collagen, the protein fibers that were keeping things smooth begin to weaken and the scars can become even more noticeable. Thankfully there are ways to lessen or completely diminish these residual blemishes.
Diligent Skin Care Regime for acne effects
This is likely the simplest (and most affordable) way to gradually diminish the appearance of scars. Over-the-counter bleaching agents, masks, exfoliants, and specialized oils all work to blend and rejuvenate the affected areas. But if the over-the-counter products are not working as well as hoped, the following treatment ideas should be considered.
Diligent skin care regime for acne effects
Make acne scars less noticeable by Soft Tissue Fillers
A derma filler is an injectable gel used to fill in unwanted indents or scarring. The injection of Hyaluronic Acid adds volume and hydration to the skin, making the scars less noticeable. While these fillers do provide relatively instant results, these results are temporary. To maintain the fullness and volume you would need to regularly repeat the injections. The cost of these treatments can range from $500-1000 depending on certain factors.
Microdermabrasion, a solution for acne scars
These skin removal and regrowth procedures are often recommended for those suffering from more severe scarring. Depressed acne scars that have caused actual pitting in the skin often respond well, depending on the depth of the damage. Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin to free up the youthful, undamaged skin below. Surface scars can often be completely removed, and very deep acne scars can become very much less noticeable.
Laser Resurfacing for acne scarring and discoloration
A laser resurfacing procedure uses a laser to accelerate the natural healing processes of your skin. The treatment encourages the production of collagen to produce healthy new skin cells. For scarring and discoloration, the faster regeneration of new skin lessens the appearance of unsightly areas. Who could argue with improved tone, texture and color? Results are seen after 1-3 sessions on average.
Microneedling, a treatment for acne scars
Sometimes called skin needling or dermarolling, this is a treatment designed to strategically prick your skin, stimulating collagen production as your body seeks to heal the small needle wounds. As the new collagen is formed, your skin becomes smoother and the scarring is filled in. Results seem to be greater in acne scars that are depressed; in raised acne scars, there is already too much collagen present.
Botox injections smooth out the skin with acne scars
Many dermatologists recommend Botox injections (often alongside derma fillers) to smooth out skin which is affected by acne scarring. Because the skin around acne scars is often puckered, an injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) can help to effectively relax and smooth the skin’s appearance. The muscular tension around the acne scar is relieved and the scar tissue becomes less visible. The reason a derma filler is recommended is to actually fill the scar in after relaxing the surrounding muscle. You can expect your Botox treatment to last between 3-6 months.
If your acne scars are frustrating or embarrassing, consider experimenting with one or more of these treatment solutions. The skin is an incredible organ and with the right tools it can be amazingly regenerated.
