Articles

Acne scarring is one of the worst consequences of acne outbreaks. Sometimes scarring can be extensive and quite noticeable, however, there are times when it is so slight that it can fade after a few years.

Regardless of the type of acne scarring you have, there are several methods that can be used to remove or minimize these blemishes. The most common methods of treatment include laser therapy, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. All of these treatments can be grouped together as skin resurfacing techniques.

Skin resurfacing is a general term that implies the improvement of the skin's surface. This type of treatment is specially aimed to rid acne scars and other types of blemishes from the skin's surface. Here is a review of the possible treatments you can use.

Laser Skin Resurfacing & Acne Scars

One of the most popular ways of resurfacing acne scars is using laser treatments. This treatment uses a laser made of carbon dioxide to blast off the top layer of the skin. But rest at ease because this technique does not cause any bleeding or trauma to the surrounding skin.

One of the reasons that this procedure has become so popular is the fact that you don't need much time to recover from treatment. Another reason for its popularity are the astounding results it offers in acne removal.

Chemical Peels and Acne Scar Removal

Chemical peels are also popular skin resurfacing technique. This technique uses different chemical solutions to help dead skin slough off and peel. Once the skin has peeled off, a new, healthier layer of skin emerges.

Different acids are used depending on the purpose of the peel and the extent of damage on the skin. Retinoic acid peels are best for treating acne scars, wrinkles, and pigmentation problems. Deeper peels or higher concentrations of acid are also used for more severe scarring.

When undergoing chemical peels you should keep in mind that recovery time is longer if you undergo deeper peels. A light chemical peel does not usually require an anesthetic. However, medium and deep peels may require anesthesia, tranquilizers and pain medication.

Microdermabrasion for Acne Scars

Microdermabrasion is a technique that doesn't produce a lot of damage to the skin, however it is a slow treatment. This procedure can be performed in a spa, at a doctor's office or at home with creams or a microdermabrasion system.

Microdermabrasion's main objective is to inflict a tiny bit of harm to a specific area so that it will provoke the react and heal itself. In essence, the body's natural healing processes kick in and the body begins to repair the damage by replacing the damaged tissue with new healthy skin cells.