How to get rid of acne scars: 20 Expert Advices

Get rid of acne scars and reclaim your skin’s natural beauty. Yes, you read that right! Acne scars can be a persistent reminder of past breakouts and a major source of self-consciousness for many. However, with the right approach and treatments, it’s possible to significantly reduce or even eliminate these blemishes. From innovative skincare routines to professional procedures, we delve into the most effective strategies to smooth out your complexion and boost your confidence.

What is acne?

It is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles and pores become plugged or clogged with oil and dead skin cells.

Acne scars: a true nightmare

While those pimples fade away, they leave behind unwanted blemishes and craters that are termed acne scars.

What are the types of acne scars?

There are 3 major types of acne scars:

Atrophic scars:

These scars appear as small indentations in the skin.

They usually occur when the skin does not make enough fibroblasts (fibroblasts are cells that play a crucial role in wound healing and collagen production) in the healing process.

Hypertrophic scars:

These scars occur when the skin makes too many fibroblasts as the acne spot heals, causing a raised or elevated scar.

Keloid scars:

These scars are similar to the hypertrophic scars but tend to be thicker than the original acne spot. There is often hyperpigmentation, making them darker than the surrounding skin. They may be red or brown. There may also be itching, tingling sensations, or pain.

How do I get rid of acne marks?

In the modern day, with growing treatments, techniques, and technology, here are some methods to get rid of acne scars:

Treatment options depend on the type and extent of scarring and include:

chemical peels, such as salicylic acid

retinoids and other creams

laser treatment, micro-needling, light therapy, and various other procedures, invasive or non-invasive.

Here are 5 ways you can get rid of acne scars

1. Resurfacing for Renewal

Resurfacing treatments like lasers or chemical peels work magically by gently removing the top layer of skin. This treatment increases cell growth, smooths out shallow scars, and evens out discoloration or pigmentation that helps get rid of acne scars.

2. Fillers for a Flawless Finish

For stubborn scars, fillers are your knights in shining armour. Fillers like hyaluronic acid, collagen, or even your own fat can be injected to fill up those dips, creating a more even canvas and smoother finish.

3. Micro-needling

(one of the most commonly used treatments to get rid of acne scars in modern times)

A  tiny device with needles is used to create controlled micro-wounds that help you get rid of acne scars. Post-microneedling, your skin then goes into overdrive to heal these microneedle puncture wounds, boosting collagen production and diminishing the appearance of scars in the process.

4. Radiofrequency

These treatments use targeted heat energy to tighten the deeper skin layers. This can be particularly effective for stubborn scars.

5. Seek a specialist

Remember, a dermatologist is your best friend!

They can assess your skin, probable cause of acne, and lifestyle and recommend the most effective treatments for your specific scars.

Patience is essential on your journey to treating acne scars.

Some treatments do offer dramatic results, but most treatments require multiple sessions to get rid of acne scars and take time to show their full effect.

Can treatments help to get rid of acne scars?

Treatments are often helpful to remove scars, but scars also tend to fade with time. 

The effectiveness of the treatment depends partly on the type and extent of scarring and the person’s skin type.

Treatment can be costly and time-consuming.

It is highly recommended to carefully think about and talk with a dermatologist about what to expect.

5 Important lifestyle changes

1. Sun Protection

Sun exposure can worsen acne scars by making them darker and more noticeable.  Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50 every day. Try looking for a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog your pores.

Using sunscreen religiously can help you in the journey of getting rid of acne scars. 

2. Stay Hydrated 

Water is your holy grail.

Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins from your body and keeps your skin hydrated. Try drinking eight glasses of water per day.

3. Healthy Diet

Your skin is a reflection of what you eat.

Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve your overall skin health.  These foods contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help promote healing and reduce inflammation, which eventually increase the quality of your skin and help you get rid of acne scars.

4. Manage Stress 

Stress can worsen acne and make scars more noticeable. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, yoga, or meditation.

5. Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, including skin health. When you sleep, your body repairs itself. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.

It’s important to note that these lifestyle changes may not completely eliminate acne scars, but they can help get rid of acne scars and improve their appearance.

Natural remedies that help get rid of acne scars:

A lot of people use natural remedies to help clear up acne scars. However, the science behind them is unclear. Some may cause further irritation or other problems, so one should use them with caution.Home remedies that people have traditionally used to treat and get rid of acne scars include:

• Black seed oil (which may help even out skin pigmentation).
• Rosehip oil (which helps reduce discoloration in post-surgical scars).
• Honey (which helps with wound healing and reduces future scarring).
• Aloe vera (which helps soothe out all sorts of inflammation and irritation).

Additional tips that may be helpful to get rid of acne scars

• Avoid touching your face. This can irritate your skin and make acne scars worse.
• Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. This will help to remove dirt and oil from your skin.
• Don’t pick at your scars. Picking at your scars can make them worse.

Acne scars can be an unwanted reminder of acne and may reduce self-esteem and confidence in some people. 

However, treatment can often reduce their appearance and help you get rid of acne scars.

Many people have success using one or more home remedies. But in cases of stubborn scarring, receiving medical treatments at the dermatologist’s can also help get rid of acne scars.

Consult a qualified dermatologist when seeking help for acne scars, as some treatments can have adverse effects if used incorrectly.

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