Scars are the result of an injury to the skin. The most common types of scars to have on the face are those that result from acne. Studies have shown that for both men and women, acne scars can cause a considerable amount of stress, anxiety and embarrassment. If you are one of those who suffers from acne scars, it is a good idea to increase your knowledge on acne scarring as well as various treatment options. This article provides you with helpful information about acne scars and the methods you can choose from to treat them.

Treatment Options

The size and shape of acne scars often determines what type of scar treatment option is most appropriate for you. Some procedures are more abrasive or more surgically involved while others work on the surface of the skin. Methods include lasers, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion and chemical peels, however there are also scar creams available which tend to be optimal due to their at home use, cost, and effectiveness. Let's look more closely at these options.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy uses lasers to burn off the top layers of skin and tighten those underneath to remove scar tissue. This treatment option has proved to be successful for many, however it can also be extremely costly as multiple sessions are usually required. Laser surgery is also described to be relatively invasive and therefore can be especially painful. There are long recovery periods that might include after effects such as seeping, crusting, and discoloration.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion uses a wire brush that spins at high speeds in order to 'sand' down the top layers of skin. The premise is to eliminate the outer layers of skin and their imperfections in order to reveal a smoother layer underneath. Usually a freezing agent is used as anesthetic during dermabrasion. This treatment is more abrasive and therefore more appropriate for scars that reach deeper levels of the dermis. Dermabrasion is usually followed by a fairly painful recovery period. There is also a period of discoloration that follows, but the skin will eventually return to its natural color, however for up to 6 months it is advised to avoid direct sunlight.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a less intense form of skin resurfacing. This procedure is done with small sterile particles that are then removed along with the dead skin with a suction device. Microdermabrasion is more superficial, thereby requiring neither anesthetic nor long recovery periods. Yet because it is a superficial type treatment, it is only ideal for surface scars and will not remove deeper dermal scarring.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peel procedures are done with combinations of strong chemicals that burn away the outer layers of skin. The smoother underlying layer of skin remains revealed at the end of the procedure. In order to remove acne scars, deep peels are necessary which often have more prominent results but also more pain and longer recovery periods. These deeper peels may require anesthetic or pain medications. After effects of chemical peels include swelling, crusting, and discoloration that could last for several months.

Skin Care Products

Topical acne scar removal creams provide great alternatives to these more invasive and costly procedures and come in both natural and medicated forms. Natural acne treatment creams are a smart idea as they aim to fix the cause of the problem rather than just deal with the visible effects of scarring. This type of topical treatment may require a little more patience, but can offer the same results, reducing even the most severe acne scars of any type, size or shape. These natural acne creams are great in removing damage done by years of acne. They can soften skin, treat and eliminate existing scar tissue as well as work to prevent future acne blemishes and scarring.