Acne scars can affect all parts of our body. While it is a normal part of being human, and these acne scars affect most of us, the idea of an acne scar (even if it is hidden) can cause us stress. Some cover it up with makeup, while others won’t take their shirts or pants off in large groups of people. While this fear is understandable, it is unjustified. Why would something that mars most of our skin affects the way someone sees you?
Although the answer to that question can take years to suss out, there are options for the moment where we can feel as though we have control of the situation, instead of feeling as though there is something wrong with us—even though there is not.
While there is nothing wrong with us for having acne scars, these scars can sometimes hurt or even itch. It can also cause discoloration of the skin, and when you add makeup or sunscreen to that spot, it will spread unevenly. This action can create another set of problems.
If your scars hurt or itch, it is good to work with them, if they cause an uneven spreading of sunscreen—it’s still good to deal with them. For these reasons, it is essential to deal with scars.
Some acne is unpreventable and leads to scars even if we don’t pick at it. However, a large group of us will pick and pop, which may result in more acne and more acne scars—it is a vicious cycle. It is good to get into healthier habits such as scar care and to help to fade the discoloration.
Different Types of Scars
First, understand that there are three primary forms of acne scars. Keloid, Hypertrophic, and Atrophic.
Keloid scars generate fibroblasts. These are developed from an overproduction of collagen in damaged skin. The overproduction of collagen will create a red or dark color within the skin. These spots can be larger than the original acne, and will cause pain or itching around the scarred area and will eventually cause more problems.
A hypertrophic scar is when the skin creates too many fibroblasts, like the keloid scar. While the hypertrophic scar is not as severe as a keloid scar, the surface within the scar does become raised. When your skin raises it can cause many problems such as issues when shaving as these skin growths get nicked or cut, causing further damage, which triggers additional scarring.
Atrophic scars are indentations in the skin that are usually small. These indentations develop because there aren’t enough fibroblasts developing during the healing process.
There are other scars such as a type called “ice pick,” “boxcar,” and “rolling,” however, the three mentioned previously are the most common scars when it comes to acne.
How to Treat Your Scars
Learning to become comfortable in your skin is an essential part of growing up. However, no one needs to have an itchy, painful, or a sunburnt spot because the scar is too hard to treat. Time is a factor in healing all scars (and wounds!); however, there are times when more than one treatment will be available to help quicken the process.
Other times, trying one of the items in the list below can help heal your scars and fade pigmentation on its own.
The great news is that scars are treatable; there are home remedies, over-the-counter remedies, and prescription remedies. If the scars become too much of a hinderance, you will also have the option of a medical procedure with a doctor’s approval.
Home Remedies
If you are reading this article, obviously, you know how to maneuver the internet. Researching online will be a great way to find an abundance of ideas to find something natural that will work for you. If this is your chosen way to take, make sure to check with your doctor first.
Some helpful tips are always to keep your scars moisturized, drink lots of water to avoid dehydration, and don’t use ingredients that cause your skin to become red or irritated.
Some moisturization technique can be to use grapeseed oil, coconut oil, vitamin E oil, or olive oil after you get out of the shower. Using lotion without fragrances or dyes can be helpful, as well. Apply oil of your choosing to the affected area at least once a day. Soon, you will be able to see a difference if the scar isn’t too bad (or a keloid scar).
Over-the-Counter Creams
If you would instead try a tried-and-true spot or scar cream from a local store because that is what you are more comfortable with, researching the different types there is is an excellent idea to let you know what the reviews are out there and if people have seen results.
Even with the research, you may have to try several before you find the right cream that works with your skin. Asking your doctor what they recommend is a helpful hint that can cut down on your researching and searching time also.
Medical Procedures
If none of the above remedies work for you, and you’ve run out of ideas from the internet, visit your medical professional and find out what they can prescribe for scars and discoloration.
There are a few questions that you could ask before the procedure. Some include whether the procedure will hurt, whether the insurance will cover it, and how long it will take to heal.
Conclusion
Fear not, scars and discoloration are treatable. Time does help clear things up, but if you are a person who likes to feel like they are doing all they can to improve the situation, or even if you’d like to see if you can speed up the case, trying one (or more) of the treatments in this article can help you out.