Reducing Acne Scars

Acne scars occur when spots do not heal properly. There are precautions one can take in both preventing and reducing acne scars. Your average whitehead is unlikely to leave a scar unless picked. Picked spots can increase the likelihood of scarring.

Icepick scars can be treated with lasers or dermabrasion if they are not reduced by topical or over-the-counter methods.

Treatment for pigmented scars can be bought over the counter. Bleaching creams can reduce the appearance of mild scars, but it will take at least 6 weeks to see any noticeable differences. If no difference has occurred, stronger creams can be prescribed (often alongside Retin A).

More severe scars can be helped by using chemical peels (which are also recommended for women with darker skin tones to reduce chances of hyperpigmentation that may occur with dermabrasion or lasers).

Reducing acne scars is possible and need not be something that haunts you for the rest of your life.

Be sure to visit the Acne Treatment Results page to review any feedback left by others who have experience with reducing acne scars.