Q. I used to have really bad acne that covered basically my whole face, mostly my cheeks. I still get zits that pop up now and then, but its totally manageable. Now, the problem I'm having is that I have a bunch of scarring left over on my cheeks from the acne I used to have. I have been using the ProActiv 3-step system and i also have been using ProActiv's skin lightening lotion, though i havent noticed much of an improvement. I dont have any deep scarring or anything, but its about moderate. I hate having these marks on my face and ive been trying to get rid of them for a while. Is there any easy-enough solution to getting rid of moderate acne scarring without having to get involved in surgical processes such as dermabrasion?
A. Acne can be very mild, resulting in a few lone blemishes, or it can be severe when it occurs on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. Pustules and deeper cysts occur with very severe acne and scarring may result if the condition is not cared for properly. These scars may be visible for a lifetime. Here's what your can do to prevent these scars from forming, and treat them if they do develop.
Preventing Acne Scars
Never pick or squeeze acne blemishes. This can lead to the spread of acne and the development of acne scars. Instead, there are a number of treatment methods that can be used to care for acne and prevent the development of scars. Herbs such as chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, Echinacea, poke root, witch hazel, and burdock root can be used to reduce toxicity, improve the skin's condition and treat acne. Vitamin supplements can also be helpful as vitamins A, C, E and B6 are vital for healthy skin. Also, avoid exposing your skin to the sun's rays. Initially, sun exposure may dry out an acne blemish, but over time, unprotected sun exposure can damage the skin and further aggravate problem acne.
Types of Acne Scars
Medical professionals have developed a acne scarring classification system that aids in the diagnosis and treatment of many acne scars. Scars may be classified as ice pick, boxcar, or rolling.
Acne Scars - Ice pick
As their name implies, ice pick acne scars are thin, sharp scars. The skin looks as though it has been sliced with an ice pick. These scars are narrow, but deep, extending into the deep dermis or subcutaneous layer.
Acne Scars - Boxcar
Unlike ice pick scars, boxcar scars do not taper to a point. Instead, they are round pits that have sharp vertical edges. Skin resurfacing techniques such as dermabrasion or laser resurfacing may be used to treat shallow boxcar scars. Deeper scars require full-thickness treatment techniques.
Acne Scars - Rolling
Rolling scars appear to have a rolling or undulating texture. They are the result of folds in the skin to the subcutaneous tissue below. Rolling scars must be treated by breaking up the fibrous bands that are causing the skin to fold or roll. Subcutaneous incision is the method most commonly used to treat this condition.
Acne Scar Treatment
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers such as fat, collagen, hyaluronic acid derivatives, and polytheyl-methacrylate microspheres with collagen can be injected into acne scars to raise the surface of the skin and give a smoother look. The injection of dermal fillers does not permanently correct acne scars. The results are temporary, so further injections are necessary.
Punch Excision
Deep acne scars such as ice pick and deep boxcar scars can be treated with the punch excision method. This procedure uses a punch biopsy tool that looks similar to a round, sharp cookie-cutter. It comes in diameters ranging from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, and the correct size can be chosen to match the size of the scar. Local anesthesia is used to remove the scar tissue and suture the edges together. If a new scar should develop in the old one's place, it will now be easier to treat with a skin resurfacing technique.
This technique can also be performed with a skin graft, where the scarred skin is removed and that area is filled with a skin graft taken from behind the ear. Some kind of skin resurfacing technique will still likely be needed to correct any differences in the skin's color and texture.
Punch Elevation
This method of surgically correcting acne scars uses the same punch tool that is used in the punch excision method. It is used on deep boxcar scars that have sharp edges and normal appearing bases. With the punch elevation method, the base of the scar is excised leaving the walls of the scar intact. The excised base is then sutured to the surface of the skin to fill the void. There are fewer incidences of color and texture differences with this technique and less chance of developing another visible scar.
Subcutaneous Incision
Rolling scars can be treated with subcutaneous incision. This method is used to break up the fibrous bands that cause the skin to roll or appear undulated. Local anesthesia is inserted under the skin with a special beveled needle that remains parallel to the skin's surface. The needle is then used to gently cut the fibrous bands with a piston like motion. Bruising is likely to occur with this method, but it will usually fade in about one week.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a popular treatment used to cure many skin defects. Carbon dioxide and YAG lasers are the two most common types used for the laser resurfacing of acne scars. Using the controlled beam of a laser, the top layer of skin is burned to a precise depth. The skin then heals itself by replacing the lost skin with new skin.
http://withoutacne.com/Treatment_for_Acne_Scars.html
How to remove acne scars and hyper pigmentation?
Q. I'm 13, and I have acne scars on the apples of my cheeks. I don't want to wear powder and concealer to cover up my acne scars due to my mother hating it and I feel awkward wearing it. I want my scars to be gone when I'm 18. Any home remedies or cheap products that can work?
A. Adam Lambert has the worst acne scars. JLo, even Demi Moore have been seen with scars on their faces during interviews. Demi in October 2012 issue of 'People magazine, showed her freckles (acne?) on the cover and inside article photo showed she had them removed but there was a 'hole' and no makeup could fill that in. How about Jennifer Hudson 'flea beaten scars' on her legs, as if she had itched them and got infected. I had some of those when I was a kid. With all their money they're making now, even beauty products can't do anything about their faces or should I say scars.
Avoid exposure from the sun, use a floppy hat. The sun can darken them, even skin where it never saw daylight. The sun can go through clothing.
Avoid too much sun exposure, so it won't make your scars even DARKER. Skin heals. So let your scab heals.
Take the Skin Picture Quiz - Identify These Common Skin Conditions on MedicineNet.
Any kind of facial wash, you're leaving something toxic behind, it's not a matter of convenience, it's a billion dollar business that can do more harm than good to your acne. And sometimes we feel entirely virtuous about our skin-care regimen because it's full of SPF-- all year round!-- and cleansers and such. But the truth is, we may not realize that we're overdoing (or underdoing) something that can lead to the very thing we're trying to avoid: dryness, breakouts, accelerated aging, New York dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf. (I've been giving this same advice for decades, but she's proof enough!).
Take a shower everyday, use washcloth to exfoliate and bath & body wash. Hydrogen peroxide does wonders for acne. Visit their website for more tips & other uses. ONLY $1.
Acne medication could worsen what ever allergies you have, so instead of trying out one product after another, you're actually spreading it around.
The less products you use, the better for your skin. Use a bath & body wash like Suave, Irish Spring, Dove Body & Face wash in the shower, use a washcloth. Treat your face like the rest of your body, take a shower everyday or wash your face everyday.
The secret is keeping your face clean and oil-free. I also don't use liquid on my face for anything, and very little moisturizer, not even a dime size. Since my face is not dry. Good skin also comes from your good genes. Increase your fresh fruits & vegetables 3-5 servings per day. And programmed your mind to do this day after day, for the rest of your life.
The beauty industry is a billion dollar business, they know acne is everyone's problem, but instead of saying soap is drying for you, they have to invent an acne product that can worsen the skin as MANY TEENAGERS have experienced during hormonal change, but as you get older those are completely a waste of time & money!
Sometimes just the oil on your face from make up and lotions, even from your hair can travel to your face causing acne to come out. Others, from stress, hormones & diet or foods.
If acne's a problem, your pillowcases may be part of the cause. "They collect skin oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess night creams," says David Bank, a professional Dermatology @ Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian Hospital. "But if nothing changed by 6 week the product will never work for you. Time to move on."
"If you have breakouts, dairy is the devil' it is inflammatory and will add hormones to your already hormone-rife system. Get calcium elsewhere, or try nonfat organic dairy products. For PMS breakouts, avoid dairy and bakery items the week before your period - sugar and flour are both causes for pimples and collagen." Dr. Jessica Wu, M.D. University of Southern California School of Medicine and author of the new book Feed Your Face.
SOMEONE WROTE TO ME the other day, ASKING IF THIS BRAND IS BETTER THAN THAT BRAND - FOUND @ DRUGSTORES THEN WROTE ME BACK & THANK ME, SHE LOOKED @ HER MOM'S SKIN AND THEY WERE GOOD, BUT SHE USES ONLY WATER TO WASH HER FACE. There you go, an update.
Lea Michele recently revealed her secret to clear skinâShe gives it room to "breathe." "Maybe I'll put on a little mascara. But other than that I try very hard to just let my skin breathe," she told people.com. "I care more about letting my skin breathe than how I look."
Another good example is Lily Collins, actor, writer, artist: "When I travel to Europe, I go days without putting anything on. It feels healthier. I just never understood the idea of caking it on. The more you have on your face, the more there is to smudge and go wrong." Glamour - Sept. 2012.
How do I get rid of acne scars and general acne?
Q. I get acne on my chin, lower cheeks and my face has gotten some scarred. Kind of like dark marks, not really indentions. What should I do? Products, methods, anything helps!
A. Acne is caused due to the wrong food habits and improper skin care. It is also caused due to hormonal changes. Another important cause is the high level of insulin produced by processed carbohydrates. This excess level of insulin creates blockage in pores and extra oil under the skin. Acne is an extreme condition of sebaceous glands. When hair follicles are plugged with Acne Marks or Scars
dead cells and sebum, acne is formed. There are many ways to eliminate acne scars at home.
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