Most individuals are suffering from skin-related diseases. This is quite a common problem in teenagers and young adults. Some skin diseases might leave marks on the skin. Acne scars are one of the most common skin problems nowadays. This article is all about the solution of acne and acne scars. Let’s know, how to get rid of acne scars, and what are the types, and causes of acne.
What Is Acne and Acne Scars?
Acne is an inflammatory skin disease with red painful bumps. These bumps may mostly be found on the face, upper arms, neck, shoulder, back, etc. Acne problems start at the transition stage which is from childhood to adulthood.
Normally healthy skin has sebaceous glands that secret sebum or natural oil through pores on the surface of skin. This oil keeps skin moisturized which prevents it from drying out. There are hair follicles which are found under the skin. However, when these pores get clogged it results in the growth of bacteria in that closed pores. It causes infection in the form of inflammation, redness, and swelling. These painful bumps are commonly called pimples.
The skin has several layers but the inner layer is called Dermis. A deep layer of skin gets damaged by skin infection by acne. It takes a lot of time to heal the skin wound itself and this leads to scars.
Types of Acne Scars
The severity of acne may be from mild to moderate. Acne causes pimples and sometimes leaves scars on the skin. These marks are of the following types:-
- Blackhead:- It is an open blackhead. There is chemical reaction occurs which results in the oxidation of Melanin (skin pigments that gives color to the skin) This oxidation occurs in clogged pores beneath the skin and turns that bump into dark or black color.
- Whitehead:- It is a closed and mild form of acne. There is no chemical reactions occur and these bumps are at the upper layer of skin.
Acne scars are quite scary. These blisters are filled with pus.
- Atrophic Scars:- These scars develop due to degeneration of tissue commonly occurring on the face. It may caused due to result of chicken pox and serious scars. These are classified into three types:-
- Ice pick Scars:– It is a V-shaped, small, and shallow hole or indentation that is narrowed down deep into the skin. These may look like chicken pox holes on the cheeks.
- Boxcar Scars:- It is U-shaped scars with large indentations and sharp bottoms.
- Rolling Scars:- There are pits on the cheeks that make undulating or irregular skin.
- Hypertrophic Scars: Hypertrophic scars are also called raised scars because after healing skin produces extra collagen which results in elevated scars on the chest, back, and shoulder.
- Keloid Scars:- Keloids are like Hypertrophic scars which become thicker than the original scars and become more dark.
Causes of Acne Scars
It is believed by researchers that the causes of acne scars are due to various reasons:-
- Hormonal changes like puberty
- Huge production of oil by sebum gland
- Bacterial infection
- Medication
- Age, mostly in teenagers
- Stress
- Diet
- Squeezing of blemishes
- Pollution
Best Tips To Get Rid of Acne Scars
Treatment of acne scars may be done based on the skin types of individuals. There are various options available based on their severity, which are categorized as follows:-
Natural Remedies
Most people prefer homemade remedies for the treatment of acne scars which are mentioned below.
Rosehip Oil:-
Rosehip oil is derived from a plant species named Rosa. It is used in cosmetics to decrease the discoloration of scars.
Black Seed Oil:-
Black seed is indigenous to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Western Asia. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which heal scars and even out skin coloration.
Aloe Vera:-
It is an easily available home remedy that is used to treat acne scars as well as reduce the redness of the skin.
Honey:-
According to research, honey can heal and decrease acne scars. It has various medicinal purposes. Applying honey to the wound may reduce the reappearance of acne. Because, it has also antibacterial properties, which fight against infection.
Cosmetic Products
Retinoids:-
It helps to reduce hyperpigmentation scars in people with dark skin color. A person should wear sunscreen before going outside because it is sensitive to the sun.
Lactic Acid:-
Lactic acid helps to get rid of the appearance of scars by removing dead skin cells.
Silicon sheets:-
Silicon sheets may used to treat hypertrophic acne marks. It is available in the form of spray, gel, and foam.
Medical Procedures
Medical procedures are used to treat mild to severe acne. It is mandatory to be done under the supervision of a Dermatologist.
Corticosteroid Shot:-
Corticosteroid injection may help to flatten the raised scars, also forbid scarring, and decrease redness due to inflammation.
Chemical Peeling:-
This treatment is recommended by dermatologists which depends on a person’s severity of scars and skin type. It is done by using chemicals to shed outer skin and then a new layer of skin grows which will fade old scars.
Dermal Fillers:-
Dermal fillers are recommended for the treatment of atrophic, rolling, and boxcar acne scars. It is injected deeply into the skin for the indentation scar to flatten.
Conclusion
Appearance of acne and their marks are quite common among young adults. These are from mild to severe. If anyone is dealing with these acne problems then home remedies which are mentioned above might be helpful to some extent.
However, if acne is very painful and not bearable then you should consult the best dermatologist to get rid of the painful acne and be free from those scars.