Acne affects as much as 80% of teenagers and others in their

early twenties, while most get out with only a few minor acne

scars, some even without any at all; there is also a notable

percentage that suffers from acne scars.

There are two types of skin problems caused by acne that can be

recognized as acne scars, one is the red pigmentation that

appears after acne has healed. These contrary to popular

belief, are not scars, rather, these are post-inflammatory

lesions which occurs as the acne heals, and these can be

present for up to 6-12 months. If however the pigmentation that

you see lasts longer than the said period, you may be facing

acne scars.

Acne scars come from connective tissue that the body uses to

repair damage done to a certain area. Together with antibodies

and white blood cells, they work together to heal the wound.

After the healing process, you are left with a scar.

Acne scars can develop as long as acne is present, so one good

form of prevention is actually preventing acne. However, Acne

scars can also be prevented even with the presence of acne.

This is done by facilitating the healing of the acne, the

faster it heals, the shallower the acne scar will be, making it

easier to treat, or may need no treatment at all.

There are two dermatologically tested ways to facilitate the

healing of acne, one is the use of Tretinoin, it’s a form of

vitamin A, which speeds up the skin’s healing and renovation

process shortening the inflammation period, thus preventing

Acne scars.

The other treatment used by most dermatologists for Acne scar

prevention is the use of Aplpha-Hydroxy Acids of AHA’s and

Beta-Hydroxy Acids or BHA’s. These help the skins remodeling

process, with the right concentration and proper application;

these can also prevent acne scars.

Without the complicated chemicals and difficult dermatological

treatments, you can also help prevent acne scars by treating

your skin righteously. Avoid sun exposure, this can cause even

more skin damage and may hamper the healing process of your

skin. Wear sunscreen that has SPF 15 or higher. Picking at

scabs never helped either. Never pick on acne as it heals; it

interferes with the healing process and might worsen the

resulting acne scar.

Of course, not even the most rigorous person can prevent acne

scar, with the stress of everyday life, facial and other skin

problems are really hard to avoid, there are however treatments

available for acne scars, here are some of them.

Dermal Fillers

Collagen or other fillers are injected into the acne scar to

raise is just a bit, so that it will be the same level as your

skin, these treatments aren’t permanent though. They mostly

last 3-6 months and you’ll need additional injections after

that.

Punch Excision

This method is effective for some types of scars. It includes

the surgical tool that matches the size of the scar; it can be

compared to a cookie dough cutter. This tool cuts the scar out

and the remaining wound is then sewed back together. The

resulting scar will be unnoticeable, but if it is, it’ll be

easier for laser resurfacing to treat it. Other types of this

treatment include the use of skin grafts.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a very popular and fast treatment for acne

scars. Laser resurfacing basically works by burning a measure

upper layer of the skin, and then letting it heal, leaving a

newer looking skin. However, care must be taken after the

procedure; the correct post operative procedure determines the

success of the operation.