If you’ve ever suffered from moderate to severe acne, it’s likely that you still have the scars to prove it. Characteristics such as age, heredity, ethnicity and sex can affect how yourskin will react to acne, and how bad the scarring will be. A scar will never go away completely, but there are a lot of things you can do to treat them and dramatically reduce their size and appearance… Here are my top ten ways to treat those nasty acne scars!
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Successfully subscribed!
Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox for personalized content.
1. Prevent Them
One of the biggest reasons we get scars from acne is because we just can’t resist the urge to squeeze or pick them! Not only will popping pimples lead to nasty, ugly scars, it can also spread acne, which could in turn lead to more scarring!
2. Get Treatment
If you have moderate to severe acne, get medical treatment as early as possible. Early, effective treatment by a professional can stave off the break-outs and the scarring that follows.
3. Seek Surgery
If you have deep, depressed acne scars, your dermatologist may recommend surgery with a local anesthesia. Surgeries can include punch excision, punch elevation, punch graft, or a subcutaneous incision. Sounds scary, but it’s not - I’ve had the last one myself, with excellent results!
4. Get Lasered
Depending on how severe and noticeable the scarring is, some dermatologists recommend laser skin resurfacing, either with ablative lasers, or non-ablative lasers.
If you're in the relentless hunt for the perfect mascara, that not only volumizes but also gives your lashes the much-needed lift, then you should absolutely give the dior show mascara a try. It's undeniably one of the best mascaras that guarantees both length and volume while leaving no clumps behind.
5. Have a Peel
A chemical peel may be used to treat moderate acne scarring, but I’ve had one of these and it’s a little on the painful side. It feels like a bad sunburn. A dermatologist applies a strong chemical to your skin, which peels off the surface layer of skin, and perhaps even a little more. It’s wonderful for treating acne scars, though, so you may want to consider this option.
Gallery Spotlight
Save and share the images that inspire you. Tag @allwomenstalk to get featured.
Save
6. Get Filled
A filler maybe used by a dermatologist to “plump” depressed scars, and this is a very effective, although not permanent, solution. Injections such as collagen, PMMA, or even your own fat may be used.
7. Try Microdermabrasion
If you have mild scarring from acne, you can treat with microdermabrasion, which simply removes the very top layer of skin, with all of its flaws and imperfections, including slight scars. It’s painless and you won’t even have to miss work or school!
8. Freeze!
If you have severe raised scars, your dermatologist may recommend cryotherapy, or freezing. The scar tissue is literally frozen, and may leave the skin a little lighter, so it’s not the best solution for anyone with a dark complexion.
9. Silicone Gel
Once used in a variety of breast implants, silicone can now also be used to effectively shrink and lighten raised acne scars (keloids), and also stop the itch and irritation associated with them. This typically takes about 6 months, but the results are permanent in about a third of patients.
10. Try a Cream
There are tons of scar-treatingproducts on the market right now. I haven’t tried them all, but I did find success with one by Kinerase called Scar Healing Therapy. You can find it at Sephora.com.
With so many options, I’m sure there’s a solution or treatment plan for your own type of acne scarring. I’ve been very pleased with my own treatment plan, which hasn’t made my mild scarring totally invisible, but which has made it almost disappear with very little discomfort to me. What about you? Have you had acne scars? How did you treat them? What were the side effects, and how did it work?
Top Photo Credit: NewyorkSpa
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Successfully subscribed!
Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox for personalized content.
Comments
hiphopmuse: Many of these suggestions sound painful, costly, and invasive...personally I've found it helpful to visit a facialist who specializes in acne prone skin. Aestheticians are trained to "pop" pimples in a way that doesn't lead to scarring and often know of creams and serums that aid in healing and prevention of future breakouts. I have a totally free and effective at home treatment for acne...ice. Like the ice cubes in your freezer. Rubbing your face with an ice cube after washing your face at night reduces swelling and redness.
Claire: I was a little bit apprehensive in getting the Dr Max Powers Scar Serum because of the name (I believed it to be off brand). I have a 14 year old who's face started to break out severally and it left acne scars all over her face. I wanted to get the more expensive name brand acne product but I purchased this @ a good price on sale. We used it as directed "Gently rub into scar 3-4 times per day for 8 weeks on new scars; 3-4 times per day for 3-6 months on existing scars." I could see the difference in her face and about a month later. The downside is that its hard to find in store and we always have to order online, and cant avoid shipping costs. I would use this again if needed. But so far it hasn't been needed. everyone give it a try - it worked for my 14 yr old.
Amy: Ouch! The surgeries sound painful..and expensive. I guess the best way to treat it is to prevent it. A chemical peel doesn't sound too bad though.. may be a less dramatic procedure for scars =D
Tavia: The laser works pretty good. I have a friend who has acne problems for years and after he managed to treat it now he is making a laser treatment to get rid of those nasty scars and it seems that it's working :)
MedsAvailable: You don't need an invasive or expensive procedure to do this, I would suggest the natural way. I believe that acne is related to how you hygiene and your hormones. Not from diet diet.
:
Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Don't Miss the Latest Version
Get the latest stories, save favorites, and share with friends — all in one place.
New Earn badges & level up while you read
Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.
Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.
- 🔥Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
- 🏅Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
- ⚡️Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.
It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge