Removing acne scars is not such a chore anymore, what with the advent of treatments like microdermabrasion and acne scar removal cream. But how do you get an effective and appropriate one? This is a question this guide aims to answer.
Acne scars are almost inevitable if you have had acne. Acne doesn’t always become scars but when it does, it means the blemishes became inflamed. Inflamed blemishes are caused by pores which become engorged with excess sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells.
There are the four stages of acne scar formation: hemostasis phase, resorption/inflammation phase, proliferation phase and consolidation/remodeling phase.
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Where Can Acne Scars Occur?
Acne scars can occur anywhere there are hair follicles. What this means is that acne scars are on every part of the body except the lips, palms, soles where there are no hair follicles. This also means that anyone can get acne.
Although acne scars are present where there are hair follicles, they are prone more to certain parts of the body than others. The parts of the body prone to acne scars include your neck, back and face.
Acne Scar Types
Various acne scars can develop based on pull and pressure. Acne scar is a natural part of the healing process but if they linger and become serious, then you should worry.
Why is it important that you know the various types of these scars? Identifying the types of acne scars gives you better understanding about them. In addition to that, it would help you make an informed decision on the type of acne scar removal cream to use.
Below are listed the various acne scars type in no order of preference…
Boxcar Acne Scars
They are usually depressed but shallow or medium-deep. The shallower they are, the better they respond to skin treatments. You can find boxcar scars majorly on the temples and cheeks.
Red or Macular Acne Scars
You can find the macular acne scars mostly on the cheeks and forehead areas. They are present as red areas; they occur because of early acne scarring.
Ice-Pick Acne Scars
An ice-pick acne scar is narrow and deep, going way into the dermis and causing the skin to have a pitted appearance. The skin looks as if a sharp instrument pierced it.
Ice pick acne scars are the most difficult acne scars to treat because they can extend far under the skin’s surface.
Rolling Acne Scars
Rolling acne scars cause waves like depressions across the skin. The difference between boxcar scars and rolling scars is that the latter have rounded edges and an irregular rolling appearance.
Hypertrophic Acne Scars
Hypertrophic acne scars usually are firm and raised. They grow just above the skin’s surface. You can find the hypertrophic acne scars mostly on torsos in men. However, they have the tendency to occur on any body part.
Keloid Acne Scars
The difference between keloid acne scars and hypertrophic acne scars is that keloids tend to grow bigger than the causative wound. They can become lateral and raised shoots. It can keep growing even after the causative wound has healed.
Atrophic or Depressed Acne Scars
Atrophic acne scars are most common on the face. They form when there is not enough collagen while the wound is healing.
Is It Possible to Remove Acne Scars?
An acne scar may not seem that bad if it is small or in a location that is easy to conceal. But when it is not, you might begin to wonder if there is a way to remove them.
It is possible to remove acne scars even though they seem permanent. A good chance of removing acne scars is early treatment. It is also necessary that you stop squeezing or picking spots because that will cause more scars.
An acne scar removal cream is one of the best ways to get rid of those age-long scars painlessly.
Why You Should Use Acne Scar Removal Cream
Scars tend to make people very self-conscious. People with acne scars, particularly, are even more conscious than usual. This is probably because the scars are on the face.
Having acne is frustrating enough but the scars are a psychological downturn.
If this resonates with you, then you need an acne scar removal cream.
Check out these interesting acne product reviews/articles:
AcneFree 24 Hour Severe Acne Clearing System – Detailed Review
Bioré Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser – Detailed Review
Neutrogena Naturals Acne Foaming Facial Scrub – In-depth Review
Clean and Clear® Oil-free Pore Cleanser Daily Acne Face Wash – In-depth Review
Neutrogena Oil-free Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Wash – In-depth Review
Clean and Clear® Acne Triple Clear Exfoliating Facial Scrub – Detailed Review
Factors to Consider When Selecting Acne Scar Removal Cream
We live in the entrepreneurship age where anybody can come up any product. It is not strange to find different varieties of acne scar removal cream available almost in every shop. Dozens of products promise to remove your acne scars permanently.
It can be confusing selecting the best acne scar removal cream just for you. This buying guide would assist you in selecting the ideal one for you.
Listed below are factors you should consider when purchasing an acne scar removal cream…
Skin type
One important factor to consider when choosing an acne scar removal cream is your skin type. Visiting a dermatologist is one of the best ways to find out what skin type you have. This is a necessary step in making a choice of any skincare product.
Type of Acne
The severity of your acne should determine the type of acne scar removal cream you choose. And if you don’t know the type you have, chances are you will pick the wrong cream.
Ingredients Used
It is important that you know the type of ingredients used in any skin product, including an acne scar removal cream. If you want your desired result, look out for the following in an acne scar removal cream:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help to combat free radical damage, which cause collagen and elastin breakdown, hyperpigmentation and thickening of your skin’s texture.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C works to inhibit the overproduction of melatonin by the skin in response to damage or an injury. In addition to this, it helps rebuild collagen.
Retinol
Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative. It works by exfoliating the top layers of skin to remove dark skin cells. It also encourages the production of new, healthy skin cells and collagen, which helps to soften acne scars.
Retinol carries a lot of power for its youth-boosting abilities. This controls acne and helps in scar healing. Additionally, it regulates sebum production. With retinol, the chances of your pores being clogged is reduced. This decreases the chance of acne scars.
Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Alpha-hydroxy acids help to encourage healing and renew the skin.
Tips to Get the Most from Your Acne Scar Removal Cream
If you want your acne scar to fade away easily and faster, then take note of these ten tips…
Keep Wounds Protected
When your skin is healing, moisture and coverage are helpful. Keep your wounds properly cleaned and covered. Avoid letting it dry out by regularly applying a medicated ointment.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
If you are outdoors, do not expose your acne scars to sun rays. They will become dark and this will slow down the effectiveness of your acne scar removal cream. If you have to stay outdoors, use sunscreen.
Wearing daily sun protection will guard against scars getting darker or skin incurring any further damage. SPF protects against collagen and elastin breakdown, which keeps your skin looking youthful.
Treat Acne as Soon as It Develops
Begin treating acne immediately you notice it. Quick treatment helps to reduce breakouts and prevent acne from developing into more severe forms.
Reduce Inflammation
Avoid aggressive scrubbing and harsh skincare products. Excessive scrubbing or washing of areas that have acne will increase the chances of scarring.
Stop Picking Your Scabs
A scab is the skin’s natural bandage that protects wounds as it heals. Picking a scab off a wound slows the healing process.
If you pick your scabs with bacteria in your fingernails, they would enter the follicle. From the follicles, they would enter your sebaceous glands. That way, there is a likelihood of cysts formation. Cysts formation increases the chances of scarring.
Reach the Root of the Problem
It is advisable that you treat problems from the root cause. Do a research to find out why you have acne, and then take preventive measures to fix them. This is important as you use your acne scar removal cream to give you the best results in a short while.
Keep Cleansing
Maintain a good cleansing routine daily. Cleansing twice a day is beneficial for getting acne-free skin.
Eat Well
Diet is critical in maintaining good skin. In case you do not know, diet helps in clearing acne and acne scarring.
Gluten is not very good for the skin. Rather, eat more of vegetables and fruits, and drink lots of water.
Use Non-comedogenic Makeup
Do you know that some of your makeup products are exacerbating your acne scars? It is advisable to use mineral makeup and avoid oil-based ones. Makeup products that contain parabens and artificial oils are not good for the skin.
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