Acne breakouts can be infuriating on their own but even worse when they leave scars on your face or body. Acne scars serve as a reminder of the struggles brought upon by pimples and blackheads and can further lower your self-esteem. Luckily, they need not be a permanent part of your body. Below, we look at some home remedies and medical treatments for acne scars in Fort Worth.

Home Remedies for Acne Scars

If your acne scars are mild, you can try to manage them at home and reduce their appearance through the following home remedies:

1.      Retinoids

Topical retinoids are a good place to start when looking to get rid of acne scars. According to a Dermatology and Therapy review, they reduce acne lesions, combat inflammation, and increase the rate of cell regeneration. They also improve the appearance of hyperpigmented acne scars. That said, when applying them, remember to wear sunscreen because they increase skin sensitivity.

2.      Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a natural-occurring compound found in many anti-acne skincare products. It is known for clearing debris like skin cells and dirt from the skin pores, reducing the formation of acne and acne scars. Additionally, it also reduces redness and swelling around acne scars, minimizing their appearance.

3.      Natural Remedies

Some natural remedies that people use to treat acne scars include:

• Lemon juice
• Aloe Vera
• Coconut oil
• Honey
• Shea butter
• Baking soda

Medical Options

If your acne scars are more severe or extensive or you prefer a more professional approach, there are several medical options you can explore., such as:

·         Injections

Corticosteroid injections can be used to treat raised acne tissue in people with keloid or hypertrophic scars. Generally, a dermatologist administers a series of injections in their office once every several weeks and monitors your progress.

·         Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can also help reduce the appearance of acne scars. A 2017 review of a study on acne scarring treatments shows that 60 percent of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) chemical peel recipients showed at least a 70 percent improvement in acne scarring.

·         Dermal Filler

Dermal fillers are ideal for atrophic scars, and the results, while temporary, can last up to 6 to 18 months. Discuss your target results with your doctor before signing up for dermal fillers.

·         Microneedling

Microneedling involves the insertion of tiny needles into the skin surrounding a scar to stimulate collagen production, which then smooths out the skin, reducing scarring.

·         Laser Treatment

Laser treatments remove the uppermost skin layer and expose a younger, healthier-looking layer. They can, as such, reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Acne Scar Surgery

If your acne scars fail to respond to all the interventions described above, your dermatologist may recommend acne scar surgery. The procedure mainly involves the lifting of the depressed acne scar to reduce its appearance and make it less noticeable.

Conclusion

While acne is a common skin condition, it can affect your appearance and lower your self-confidence. Sometimes, after treatment, it can also leave behind scars that constantly remind you of your previous condition. This is why the team of board-certified dermatologists at Northstar Dermatology offers a wide range of treatment options for acne scars. We want to help you look your best, and you can learn how by scheduling a consultation online or calling our Fort Worth office today.