TREATMENTS FOR REDUCING ACNE SCARRING

Pimples are unavoidable but thanks to technology, today there are plenty of options available for reducing acne scarring. But before we go into the treatments for reducing ance scarring you need to know about the types of acne.

THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF ACNE

• Mild acne – The blackheads and whiteheads that we get on most of the days
• Moderate acne – This refers to the red, inflamed pimples with pus-filled white centres.
• Severe acne – Painful pus-filled nodules that are formed under the skin

Among the three types mentioned above, severe acne is responsible for causing serious scarring on the face. And these scars are permanent. To prevent or reduce scarring you need to treat these soon after it appears. You if develop nodules, see a dermatologist to get the best treatment for reducing acne scarring.

The marks produced by mild and moderate acne normally fade after a while. The risk of scarring increases when you squeeze or pick them.

Scars occur in 2 forms such as:

• Scars with depression or dip (rolling scars)
• Scars that are narrow and deep

BEST TREATMENTS FOR REDUCING ACNE SCARRING

Treatment is done only after the acne is brought under control. Treatments are chosen depending on the extent and the type of scarring. The milder scars can be removed by milder treatments such as microdermabrasion. This treatment can be done by a dermatologist in the office.

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  Laser resurfacing

  In this procedure, the doctor uses a laser to remove the damaged top layer skin and tighten the middle layer. This leaves you with a flawless and soft skin. The procedure can take a few minutes to even an hour depending on the amount of scarring you have. It is not a painful process since you will be numbed with local anaesthesia. The skin will heal within 5 to 10 days.

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  Dermabrasion

  The surface of the skin is brushed off with either a spinning diamond instrument or a rotating wire brush. As the skin heals the top layer gets replaced by a smoother skin. It will take a longer period to heal after undergoing this treatment; around 12 days to 3 weeks.

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  Fractional laser therapy

  This method is similar to Dermabrasion, but the resurfacing is done using a laser. This treatment minimises abrasion to the top layer tissue, and so it takes a shorter time to heal, unlike the standard Dermabrasion process.