Deciding which acne scar treatment is right for you depends on the severity and type of your scars. There are over the counter crèmes that help mild scars fade away and prescription crèmes that a dermatologist will prescribe. When scars don’t fade naturally it may be time to stop suffering and contact a dermatologist to learn about the treatments available. You can ask them the age old question, "How to get rid of acne scars?"
Non-Prescription and Prescription Medications and Crèmes
Some of the non-prescription crèmes available with the ingredient cortisone are good for mild acne scars. It is absorbed by the skin and reduces inflammation. Look for another crème that lightens skin with Vitamin C or kojic acid, a natural skin lightener. Many common over the counter acne medications help with mild scarring associated with acne.
There are several prescription products that the dermatologist can prescribe to get rid of acne scars. They work by unclogging your pores which helps to heal acne scars. Retonids come in gels, crèmes, and lotions. They usually contain Vitamin A, trention, adapalene, and tazarotene. It is usually applied to the face in the evening about three times a week. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic with the retinoid which aids in fighting infection.
Oral Medications
For moderate to severe acne scarring you might need oral antibiotics. They fight infections and bacteria. These drugs are usually tetracycline’s like monocyline and doxcyline. Often topical medications are used with antibiotics. Combined oral contraceptives are approved for treating acne in women and adolescent girls or an anti-androgen medication may be prescribed if the combined contraceptives do not work. These drugs help with mild acne scarring.
Chemical Peels
Often soft tissue fillers are injected into the skin like collagen that fills in flat scars and tissue. This treatment makes scars less apparent and injections have to be repeated periodically. Chemical peel s are often applied to the skin. A chemical solution is applied to the face that causes the skin layers to peel off. It is used for mild acne scars. The skin grows back smoother and healthier.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a technique that uses a wire brush, or diamond wheel, to remove and level upper layers of skin. It allows new skin to grow and heal. It is used with minor acne scars. Laser resurfacing is another procedure that is used to treat acne scars by removing skin and letting it grow back smoothly. Laser light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to renew and repair skin. It produces collagen and reduces inflammation. It treats acne scarring without damaging surrounding skin.
Excision and Punch Replacement Graft
In severe cases there is a procedure called an excision and punch replacement graft. The dermatologist cuts into the skin to remove the acne scar and stitches the skin closed. In punch replacement graft a tool is used to the remove acne scars and a skin graft taken from behind the ear is used to fill the hole left. This is a good procedure for those with deep acne scars.
Patients with acne scars can find many different types of remedies for acne. There are a number of medications and procedures that make suffering with acne scars un-necessary. The good news with moderate to severe acne scarring is a dermatologist can find a solution for you. There are many ways to get rid of acne scars.