Acne Scar Skin Care Treatment

Acne is a skin condition that millions of people in the world are dealing with today. Pimples and acne lesions are unsightly, and can create self-image and self-esteem issues if they are severe enough. In some cases, they can leave scars.

Acne scars can be temporary or permanent. Temporary acne scars are the macules and other bumps on the skin that remain long after the acne has been treated. These temporary acne scars may appear red and remain visible for as much as a year.

The permanent acne scars are the scars that cause the skin tissue to change permanently during the healing process, creating mostly fibrous tissue. There are at least three types of acne scars:

1. Icepick scars are permanent acne scars that look like small pinholes on the skin's surface. Such scars are usually too deep for dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

2. Boxcar scars are like icepick scars, but with a flatter bottom and they're much shallower. Resurfacing techniques can work in some cases.

3. Keloid scars are firm acne scars, and are characterized by too much collagen production. They can grow beyond the injury site. Keloid scars usually have a shiny red or pink appearance.

There are several treatments available for treating acne scars.

1. Dermabrasion - This treatment works for mild to moderate cases of acne scarring. Layers of skin are removed using a high-speed brush, prompting the natural regeneration of the skin. In many cases, the acne scars are removed, but in others, the acne scars are less visible. A similar technique is called microdermabrasion, wherein aluminum oxide crystals are used instead of a high-speed brush.

2. Lasers - This treatment, when used well, can alter the size and contour of acne scars. Typically, one laser treatment is sufficient to remove the scars, but there may be redness in the treated area for a few weeks.

3. Surgery - Icepick scars can be removed by a surgical technique known as "punching". It involves excising the scar down to the subcutaneous fat, repairing the hole. The hole may be sutured or may be repaired wit ha small skin graft. In some cases, subcisions can be done, wherein the scar tissue is lifted away from the unscarred skin.

4. Drugs - Dermabrasion, lasers, and surgery tend to not work on keloid acne scars since changing the skin only promotes more keloids. For keloid scars, drugs are the treatment of choice. Application of topical retinoid is often recommended, although for severe cases, direct injection of a steroid-type drug into the skin surrounding the scar is called for.