Treatments for Acne Scars

Acne in itself is unsettling, but acne scars can be even more unpleasant. While acne generally takes the form of raised red blemishes or small black or white dots and goes away after awhile, acne scars can be permanent, and can take the form of discolorations, raised bumps, or “pits” in the skin. When your child has these scars on the face, it can be anywhere from upsetting to traumatic. In either case, you will definitely want to look for the proper treatment for acne scars.

Can Acne Scars Be Prevented?

Like acne itself, much of who gets acne scars is genetically determined. There are some ways to reduce the incidence of acne scars for your child, however. For one, make sure your child does not scratch his or her acne. For another, try to get your child to avoid popping or squeezing pimples. These actions can lead to acne scars. Finally, if your child has severe acne, take them to a dermatologist for treatment. The sooner you have your child on effective acne treatment, the better your chance of reducing acne scars.

Is There Effective Treatment of Acne Scars?

There is absolutely effective treatment of acne scars, but the best treatments generally involve professional medical procedures, so you may want to weigh the costs and benefits before proceeding. There are essentially three dermatologist-approved treatments for acne scars, all of which involve removal of the skin containing the scars. These are microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing. While these procedures are generally safe and usually not painful, there is some cost incurred and any surgical procedure carries with it some risk, so have a talk with your child and your dermatologist before proceeding.

Are There More Natural Treatments for Acne Scars?

There are home remedies used as treatment for acne scars, but they are usually of limited value. Vitamin C has been indicated in good skin health, so some people try to coat the face with the juice or a puree of a fruit containing Vitamin C, such as lemons, oranges or pineapples. This can lighten dark acne scars, but will not make them go away. Similarly, using baking soda to exfoliate the skin or olive oil to hydrate the skin may even out acne scars a bit but will not actually remove them. Drinking water and juice can also help the skin look healthier.

What Else Is There to Know About Acne Scars?

Benzoyl peroxide can help with all kinds of acne, and an acne control system such as the one found with Proactiv Solution can do wonders for problem skin. Remember that reduced acne can mean a reduced incidence of acne scars, so helping your teen treat his or her acne now can mean easier treatment for acne scars later. Consult your dermatologist for the best way to treat both acne and acne scars for your child. Most of all, be a support for your child in this difficult time and reassure him or her that there are solutions to this problem.