Acne can be annoying and embarrassing, but after your pimples are gone, you’re still left with marks to haunt you for weeks or months to come. These acne scars have different types and depending on these types, various treatment methods.  

Getting rid of the Different types of Scars from Acne

Listed below are the different types of marks or blemishes left by pimples or acne, brief descriptions of each, and ways to treat acne or remove them.

1.Indented Scars

Indented or atrophic scars are shallow holes or pits where an acne or its scar used to be. It includes rolling scars,  boxcar scars, and ice pick scars.

Ice pick scars are deep holes in the skin that appear as though stabbed with an ice pick. Rolling scars are shallower holes with smooth edges that seem like tiny valleys and hills. Boxcar scars, on the other hand, are depressions with defined edges that are broader and more boxy than ice pick scars.  

The most practical treatments for indented scars include:

●    Surgical removal of the scar followed by lifting and skin grafting to level the skin and fill gaps.

●    Laser skin resurfacing for severe cases

●    Microdermabrasion for mild scarring

●    Radiofrequency

●    Microfat injections and microneedling with platelet-rich-plasma for rolling scars

2. Raised Scars

    Raised scars result from excessive collagen production during the acne healing process. Unlike indented scars, these form raised or elevated bumps on the skin surface.

    Examples of raised scars include hypertrophic scars and keloid scars. This type can be treated through the following methods:

●    Surgery

●    Laser Treatment

●    Microdermabrasion

●    Corticosteroid, interferon, silicon, or steroid injections to reduce the size or flatten the scars

●    Cryotherapy or freezing the scar tissues to kill the cells and allow it to peel naturally

3. Pigmentation or discoloration

Dark, reddish spots or discolored skin may also appear after your acne has cleared out. These are due to the effects of skin inflammation.

There are two kinds of pigmentation: hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is when there is an excessive production of skin pigments like melanin, causing the affected area to darken.

Hypopigmentation is the opposite, when melanin production is suppressed, making the affected area of the skin lighter than the rest.  

Unlike the two previous types, pigmentation spots and discoloration are easier to treat and can even fade naturally through time. However, if you’re unfortunate enough for these marks to persist, here are the possible treatments:

●    4% hydroquinone and sunblock

●    Microdermabrasion

●    Natural exfoliants and oils for skin care treatments

●    Laser Treatment

●    Chemical Peel for shallow and mild scars

4. Combination Scars

    It is more common for people to have multiple types of scars rather than just one or two. For this case, several different treatments are also needed.

Tips To Cure Acne Scars Naturally

If you are skeptical or don’t have the budget for products or treatments for your blemishes and scars, you can always try natural remedies. If you prefer this, here are some helpful tips that you can follow:

●    Make a paste made of sandalwood powder and rose water. Apply these on your face or other problem areas before sleeping. Leave it on overnight and wash your face with cold water upon waking up. Do this consistently for a few months to notice results.

●     Incorporate fruits and vegetables in your diet. These provide vitamins and minerals that help reduce collagen damage.

●    Stay hydrated by drinking enough water. This also helps flush out toxins and impurities, as well as fight against aging.

●    Apply lime or lemon juice on scars. This is rich in vitamin C that improves skin health and complexion.

●    Use egg white as mask. Applying egg whites on scars regularly can help even out the skin’s texture and tone, plus also leads to smaller pores.

●    Tomato puree also has properties that help lighten scars and discoloration. You can also use a tomato slice on your face.

●    Almond oil applied on scars before bed is also a natural remedy to reduce them.

●    Wrap ice cubes in a clean piece of cloth and use this to rub on scars for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This will help reduce redness, inflammation, and also minimizes your scar area and pore size.

With these tips and information, your scars from acne won’t be there to bother you for too long!