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By JeffreyRapaport_MD
When there is trauma or injury to the skin, it responds by scarring most of the time. There are commonly two types:
1. Pigmented
2. Fibrotic
In pigmented scars, the skin appears darker in colour due to damage on the superficial skin layers. In some skin types, the scars will appear red and later turn to a dark brown colour.
In fibrotic scars, there can be pits / holes in the skin or the skin can appear raised and bumpy.
What are the causes?
In most cases, scars are due to burns/injury/surgery or trauma.
Acne scars: These are one of the commonest scars on facial skin. They appear as pits or small holes on the skin. Sometimes, they can be deeper and appear to be wavelike.
Pigmented scars: These commonly follows minor trauma/sun burn/ abrasion. The area appears dark in colour.
Hypertrophic scars: These are raised and red scars that appear as bumps. It mainly occurs in areas of irritation.
Keloid scars: These are caused by an aggressive healing process of the skin.
Contracture scars: Occur post-burns. There is tightening of skin in the injured area.
What is the treatment?
The treatment basically depends on the type of scar.
Chemical Peeling: This helps in the case of superficial pigmented scars and takes six to 10 sessions. The peels are a combination of alpha hydroxy acids and TCA.
Fractional Lasers: New laser technologies have very less downtime and are a boon to treating scars. It takes six to eight sessions every three to four weeks. The result varies between 70 and 80 per cent depending on the scar.
Ablative Lasers: This procedure is barely used due to the long recovery period and is not suitable for Indian skin.
Injections: Steroid injections are used for treating hypertrophic and keloidal scars.
Surgery: Plastic and reconstructive surgery is required for contracture scars.
Preventive steps
Acne scars can be avoided bypicking on the scars and by avoiding forced clean up of the pimples by extraction.
The best way to remove this is by undergoing chemical peels under a dermatologist’s supervision.
Acne scars are the easiest to avoid. People prone to keloids and
hypertrophic scars should be cautious about abrasive procedures.
What does the doctor say?
Acne scarring can be treated with the latest techniques. In the last two years, there have been many advances in laser technology available for Indian skin which now makes it possible to treat scars safely and effectively. Facial scars can be removed and so one should get it treated at the earliest.
Dr. Jeffrey Rapaport, MD is a NJ based cosmetic dermatologist. His practices focuses on acne prevention and acne scar reconstruction. He pioneered Multi life Scar Reconstruction surgery. He can be reached at the CosmeticSkin.com or by calling (201) 227-1555
By MayaStein
Mild acne scars can be treated effectively with natural acne scar treatment. Try the following tips to get rid of acne scars the natural way.
1. Sandalwood is very effective in treating acne scars. Mix it with some rosewater and apply it to the scars. Leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning.
2. Rub ice cubes on the face to tighten the pores.
3. Cut a tomato in half and rub it on your skin.
4. Use cucumber juice as a toner.
5. Raw garlic is a very effective acne blemish treatment.
6. Take turmeric internally or make it into a paste and apply it to the skin.
7. Sage and Aloe Vera have healing properties. Apply Aloe Vera directly to the skin. Seep sage in hot water, cool and then apply.
8. Apple cider vinegar is good for clearing up spots. Use in place of a toner.
Maya Stein is an accomplished author. She typically writes on women’s health and related issues. She can be reached at maya@hotmail.com
By Angela
One of the newest treatments seen around dermatologist offices for the treatment of acne scars is laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing is fast becoming a preferred method for dermatologists and patients alike due to its non invasive procedures requiring minimal downtime. If you are looking for a relatively pain free way to treat acne scars with almost no recovery time and fast results laser resurfacing may be for you.
Typical laser resurfacing is the process of applying a laser to the skin in order to heal the area inflicted with an acne scar or hyperpigmentation. There are several types of laser treatment available with varying degrees of abrasiveness. In traditional laser resurfacing the laser’s target the layer underneath the visible layer of the skin and stimulate collagen production. While these types of laser are very effective, they do target a large area of the skin and as such may require more downtime then expected.
Another alternative is the Fraxel laser treatment. Fraxel is a new type of laser treatment that targets the acne scar or hyperpigmentation mark directly, while leaving the surrounding skin untouched. This method allows for faster healing time, and is very non-abrasive. Fraxel lasers are quickly becoming the laser resurfacing of choice for dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons.
If you are suffering from acne scars or hyperpigmentation, you may want to consider getting a consultation with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgery to determine if laser resurfacing would work for you. You can learn more about Fraxel here.
By Angela
HP Art @ Flickr
As a society, we have an obsession with the sun, and for good reason. There is nothing quiet like being out on a sunny day enjoying life, but the sun may worsen your acne scars.
When you spend a lot of time in the sun the melanin in your skin darkens, giving you a tan. And while a nice tan is a coveted looking, especially during the summer months, it is also harmful to your skin, and your acne scars. When your acne scars and hyperpigmentation are continually exposed to the rays of the sun, they are unable to heal and may actually continue to darken. This is especially true if you are currently using a bleaching cream to lighten hyperpigmentation spots.
If you are trying to treat acne scars or hyperpigmentation the best thing you can do is to wear sunscreen, especially over the inflicted area. By blocking the damage the sun can do, the spot will have a better chance of healing. Treatments will also work better when covered from the sun.
Thankfully, several products have come out lately that make wearing sunscreen easier then ever. Gone are the days of thick, smelly creams. Sunscreen is now available in several moisturizers and even make up. You can also purchase lotions that contain both acne treatments and sunscreen.
Now that you know the damage you are doing to your acne scar fighting methods, there is no excuse not to wear a sunscreen everyday. If you don’t wear moisturizer or make up there are still several sunscreen only products on the market that are safe to wear on acne prone skin. Pick up a bottle today.
By Angela
qf8 @ Flickr
If you are looking for an organic and natural way to treat your acne scars at home you may want to look in to Emu Oil. Emu Oil has been used in Australia for years to heal all kinds of ailments from joint pain to scaring, but recently there has been an influx of people using Emu Oil to treat their acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
Emu Oil is made from the fat of the Emu bird, which is found in Australia. The oil is broken down into a topical compound that can be applied on to almost any area of the skin. At it’s root, Emu Oil is essentially fatty acid, which has a softening effect on the skin and possibly a healing benefit.
In treating acne scars and hyperpigmentation the Emu Oil is applied directly to the effected area once or twice a day. Some people have reported a noticeable difference in their acne scars or hyperpigmentation after continual use of the product, however, the reviews are varied and not everyone sees a result.
On the plus side the oil is relatively easy to apply and inexpensive. This may make it worth looking in too. However, since the oil is made from an animal if you are a Vegan this will not be an option for you. Also, since the oil is made mostly from fatty acids, there may be a slight chance of increased break outs in some individuals.
Overall, the product is worth a trial run on your own skin if you do not have a problem using a product made from animals. There have been some success stories with Emu Oil, and due to the products ease of use it can be applied by almost anyone. You can purchase Emu Oil on several internet sites.
By Angela
stephenjohnbryde @ flickr
Everyone knows you aren’t supposed to pick at a pimple. Not only can it cause a scar, but it can cause the acne to spread leaving you with even more pimples then you started with. It’s not good, but most of us from time to time have been caught red-handed in the mirror, poking at those pesky marks. If you are determined to pop a pimple use this method to cut down on the chance of damaging your face.
Step One: Wash your face with a mild cleanser. Before you touch your face make sure it is clean of dirt and debris that could get into the pimple after you popped it and cause an infection.
Step Two: Soak the pimple. Hold a wet, warm towel over the area where the pimple is for ten minutes before attempted to extract it. The towel will soften up your pore and make removal easier and less damaging.
Step Three: Use Q-Tips to Extract the Pimple. Use two q-tips as “surgical tools” instead of your fingers. Your fingers can leak dirt and oil into the area, causing it to become infected. Place a Q-tip on either side of the pimple and push them together gently until the pimple is extracted.
Step Four: Swipe an astringent over the area. After you have successfully popped the pimple, run an astringent or other anti-bacterial product such as Neosporin over the area where the pimple was. This will help cut down on the chance of spreading the acne.
If the pimple does not “pop” after you have tried this, do not use any needles or other tools to puncture the pimple. Give it a day or so and try again. If you puncture the area, chances are you will get a small acne scar or spread the acne to other areas of your face.
Of course, this isn’t a fail proof method and you still run the risk of post acne scarring and hyper inflammation. If you can stand it, try to leave the pimple where it is and use topical creams and facial masks to help speed the drying time.
By Angela
BruceMCC @ Flickr
It seems like everyday there is a new product out there for fighting skincare problems. Most recently the internet is a buzz with the Dermaroller. The Dermaroller is one of the many tools claiming to fight a myriad of skincare woes from acne to stretch marks in the comfort of your own home, but can the Dermaroller live up to it’s lofty claims?
The Dermaroller itself is a reusable tool. Essentially, it is several very small needles placed on a roller. The roller is attached to a long handle, making it easy to “roll” across your skin. This treatment is offered in a few dermatologist offices around the country, but there are several Dermarollers available for home use as well.
The theory behind the Dermaroller is that the needles, once rolled on to the skin, will activate the collagen production underneath your skin. If there is an increase in collagen production in the area where there is an acne scar or stretch mark, there is a chance the area will heal. According to our research, the needles themselves to not do any actual damage to the skin, rather they “trick” the skin into believing new damage has occurred.
In theory, it is a clever idea that makes some sense, and there have been some claims to the success of the treatment, especially with shallow acne scars. However, the tool does take some time to see results, up to several months, and is definitely not for the squeamish. While the tool doesn’t do any actual damage, reviews indicate that it can be a painful procedure and typically it takes several, if not dozens, of “rolls” to see any results.
Overall, the Dermaroller may be worth trying if you are not squeamish about applying needles to your own skin. There are several available on the internet for purchase and they come fairly cheap and are reusable. Since it is a fairly new product, we do not have any first hand experience with the Dermaroller, but it definitely caught our eye.
By Angela
roadsidepictures @ Flickr
People will try almost anything to help alleviate their hyperpigmentation and with good reason, hyperpigmentation is annoying. After you finally get that blemish cleared up you are left with a bright red mark that can last weeks or even months. So many home remedies have been born, one of the most popular being the aspirin mask.
Using aspirin as a mask to treat hyperpigmentation is not a new idea, people have been using it (and swearing by it) for years. Since aspirin is relatively cheap and easy to come by, it may be one of the easier at home treatments to try out, and there are hundreds of people who report a noticeable difference in their hyperpigmentation after using the mask for a continual period of time.
The theory behind using aspirin as a mask may hold some weight. Since aspirin has some anti-inflammatory properties it may help to reduce the redness in your hyperpigmentation marks. As an added bonus, the aspirin may also work to decrease the size and redness of your current acne.
All you need to try the aspirin mask is pure aspirin, a grinding tool and water. First, make sure you have 100% aspirin, a pain reliever containing aspirin will also contain other ingredients you may not want on your face. Grab a small handful of the aspirin, depending on the size of the pill, and crush them into a fine powder. Next, mix the powder with a little bit of water to make a paste. Finally, apply the paste to your face and let sit for ten to fifteen minutes before rinsing. The mask should be repeated two to three times a week for the best results.
While there is no definitive proof that the aspirin mask will reduce or remove your hyperpigmentation, the are enough sufferers singing its praises to try it out
By Angela
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation you know how frustrating it can be. When you’ve finally gotten that pimple to clear up, you’re left with a red mark that can last months. Fortunately, most people only suffer from mild hyperpigmentation that can be easily covered by makeup or ignored. However, if you’re one of the few with moderate to severe hyperpigmentation you may want to look in to a seeking the help of a qualified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
Dermatologists have several methods of treating your hyperpigmentation and speeding healing time. Check out the list below for a quick review, and when you are ready you can reach a dermatologist for free using the online form provided to answer any further questions you may have.
How A Dermatologist Treats Hyperpigmentation.
Bleaching Creams. If your hyperpigmentation is mild, or you are looking for a non abrasive treatment, a dermatologist can prescribe a bleaching cream. These creams work to lighten the spot over time until it is no longer visible to the naked eye.
Hydroxy Acid Peels. Performed by a dermatologist, peels are a solution of exfoliating ingredients applied to your face that work to buff away the outermost layer of you skin where the hyperpigmentation lies. These treatments do have some healing time but are very effective in treating moderate to severe hyperpigmentation.
Dermabrasion Dermabrasion is comparable to peels as they both work to remove the hyperpigmentation through exfoliates. However, with dermabrasion, a dermatologist will use a tool as well as fine buffing ingredients to sloth off the outermost layer of skin. Dermabrasion does require some recovery time, but works very quickly on hyperpigmentation.
Laser Resurfacing. Like Dermabrasion and facial peels, Laser Resurfacing works to remove the layer of skin effected by the hyperpigmentation. During laser resurfacing a laser is applied to the effected area of the skin, essentially dissolving the mark. Laser Resurfacing is relatively pain free and extremely effective in battling hyperpigmentation.
If you’d like to talk to a dermatologist about your hyperpigmentation you can receive a free consultation online using this form. http://www.jrapaport.com/askquestion.php
By Angela
Scottpartee @ Flickr
Did you know there is several products right in your own kitchen you can use to treat acne and acne scars? While the effectiveness of using home made treatments for acne scars is debatable, several people swear by them. If you’re interested in giving a home made treatment a start you may want to try olive oil.
Why Olive Oil?
Olive oil has long been thought of to have moisturizing properties when used both internally and externally. Several western cultures have used olive oil for years to improve the appearance of their skin and many people claim that applying olive oil directly to an acne scar will help increase it’s elasticity and suppleness, making the scar appear less noticeable.
How To Use Olive Oil On Your Face.
To use the home made olive oil treatment, gently wash and pat your face dry. Next, take a small amount of olive oil and apply it directly to the acne scar and surrounding area. Gently massage the oil in for one to two minutes until most of the oil has been absorbed in to the skin. Repeat this process once a day, and you should start to notice results within a few weeks.
Olive oil can be a great way to moisturize your skin, but if you are highly prone to acne you may want to proceed with caution. As olive oil is an oil, it may cause an increase in acne break outs. Try it out for a week or two, if you notice an increase in acne, discontinue use.
