Acne Scar Treatments - Which Are Right For You?

There are a wide variety of acne scar treatments available. It is estimated in the USA alone that 18 million people suffer with acne scars. These scars are not only damaging to a person's physical condition but also mentally. Acne scars can have a profound negative impact on a teenager's self esteem.

Research the acne treatment options to find which is right for your particular type of acne scars.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular and non-invasive acne scar treatments. It is available in Dermatologist offices or by purchasing home kits. Side effects are minor and you may experience some redness, tingling or windburn on the skin. Microdermabrasion is a less effective treatment on deep acne scars. ZENMED Renewing Microdermabrasion Complex is one of the most popular home kits for acne scar treatments. The powerhouse of this system is the professional-grade blend of exfoliating ingredients and runs under $40. PHYSICIANS COMPLEX® Microdermabrasion Cream utilizes the same diamond shaped magnesium oxide crystals used with some microdermabrasion machines, but gives you the convenience of home use at a cost of about $50.

Laser Treatments

Non-ablative laser is a very popular skin surgery that does not burn off the affected skin surface. Rather,it works beneath its surface, stimulating collagen production and tightening tissue. However,this procedure is not useful for deep acne scar treatments. Ablative treatments like Fractional laser therapy, Erbium laser and Carbon Dioxide laser are acne scar treatments that can generate excellent results. The number of treatments,recovery time and cost can vary and require the advice of a qualified physician. Each patient has a unique set of conditions which will play a major factor in the overall cost of $100's to over a thousand dollars for laser acne scar treatments. Medical complications after laser surgery on acne scars are very rare.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are the simplest solution for acne scar treatments and come in superficial,medium and deep strengths. Superficial peels (BHA peels) are ideal for light acne scarring and blemishes. If you have acne-prone skin that is still breaking out occasionally, a Betahydroxy Acid peel may be your best choice. Medium peels like the fruit acid peels (aka the ‘lunch hour’ peels) are not painful and leave skin glowing and radiant immediately after acne scar treatments. Glycolic Acid 50% Chemical Peel about $25 reduces the appearance of light and medium type acne scars and controls acne breakouts. Deep peels provide deep exfoliation. The Jessner Peel about $40 is a multi-layered peel that can help remove acne scars. It provides rapid increase in collagen production,stimulates healthy skin cell production and helps get rid of acne scars for the long-term. Chemical peel treatments help reduce the risk of future acne breakouts and increase the skin’s resilience. As with all products for acne scar treatments,a patch test is recommended to see how your skin reacts.

Subcision

These acne scar treatments detach the acne scar from deeper tissues. This allows blood to form under the acne scar which will clot. The blood helps in the formation of connective tissues under the scar so that the acne scar area comes up level with the skin surface. Can be combined with laser treatment.

Augmentation

The acne scar is injected with collagen or one’s own fatty tissue with the goal of bringing the scarred skin to surface level. Collagen injections are temporary and last about six months.

Punch

Surgical acne scar treatments for pit or hole shaped scars (aka "ice pick" scars) and your surgeon may combine this procedure with dermabrasion or laser therapy depending on your individual needs.

Acne scars can seem like a double slap in the face. First you had to deal with the acne,now you have the scars as a memory. Acne scar treatments when started early and aggressively help prevent further acne development and improve the damaging affects of low self esteem and embarrassment.

Brad Pitt has acne scars, and they just make him look sexier. However, if you're not feeling like Brad Pitt, you may be interested in cosmetically removing acne scars with treatments available in this video...