Don’t let acne scars get you down!
While some acne scars may stick around for a while (long after the breakout is a distant memory), you can usually help improve their appearance with just a few simple changes to your beauty regimen.
Let’s go through your treatment options to help banish those acne scars.
First, you need to know what kind of acne scars you have:
- Indented scars - These develop from a lack of collagen in the scar area from the inflammation, and appear as though the skin has “sunken in.”
- To help with indented scars, you need to build up the collagen in the area.
- Topical Tretinoin, Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, exfoliating acids, and collagen boosting foods may help best with these types of scars.
- Raised, Keloid, or “Hypertrophic” scars - Raised acne scars are from the body producing too much collagen and scar-filling material while trying to heal the area, and these will result in a bump or raised area.
- To help with raised scars, you need to reduce scar tissue and help it remodel into regular skin.
- Topical Tretinoin, Silicone gels, laser treatments, and steroid injections are best suited to these types of scars.
Not sure what kind of scars you are dealing with, or have both? Our Strut Acne Scar Gel contains Tretinoin that can help with both kinds!
Basically, if there is a texture difference, you are probably dealing with a scar. If it is only a “mark” or a color change, this is likely just hyperpigmentation leftover from the inflammation and will eventually go away (although it may take a while without treatment).
Are you now thinking you have a “mark” instead of a scar?:
- No worries! We will identify ways to help reduce hyperpigmentation or darkened areas as well.
Boost that collagen to help fill in acne scars!
Certain chemicals applied to the skin can help with collagen production:
Eating certain foods have also been found to help increase or support collagen production:
- Aloe Vera
- Ginseng
- Kiwis
- Berries
- Almonds
- Avocados
- Carrots
- Leafy greens
- Garlic
- Oysters
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Tomatoes
What are your acne scar cream options?
To boost hydration and help blend in indented areas:
- Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide.
To boost collagen and help fill in scars:
- Tretinoin, Topical Vitamin C.
To speed up cell turnover:
- Tretinoin and Gentle Chemical Exfoliants (Salicylic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy acids, Lactic Acid.)
To lighten marks and hyperpigmented areas:
- Tretinoin, Hydroquinone, Azelaic Acid.
Luckily, our formulas can cover all four bases, depending on what your skin needs are.
What are the “natural” acne scar treatment options?
“Natural” is a tough term to define, but when I hear it, I assume patients are asking what kinds of things can they find in their kitchen to help.
While not as well studied as some of the above treatments, some people report moderate success with applying the following common items to scarred areas:
- Aloe vera, coconut oil, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, onion extract, honey, lemon juice, essential oils, shea butter, and turmeric.
You should have little to no side effects with these items applied topically. However, the scar-reducing effects are likely not as effective as the prescription or cosmetic creams available.
But hey, you do you.
Acne scar procedure options:
Opting for a procedure can be the most costly and invasive option for acne scar treatment.
But, if the other treatment options have not done the trick you can look into:
- Chemical peels, steroid injections, dermal fillers, micro-needling, or laser treatments.
2 Prevention tips for acne scar sufferers:
The worse the inflammation during the acne outbreak, the more likely scars will form.
- Do your best to keep inflammation at a minimum using ice, washing your face often, and not picking at the area!
- Our Strut Acne Formula can help you prevent and power through breakouts to avoid scars in the first place.
Wear sunscreen every day!
- This will prevent scars and marks from becoming darker and prevent further skin damage to the area.
Ready to kick those acne scars to the curb?
Our pharmacist and physician-developed acne, acne scar, and brightening formulas can help you through every step of an outbreak:
Schedule an online consultation with our physicians today to see if these formulas are right for you.
- Identify if you have scarring - if there is a texture difference, this is likely a scar.
- Tretinoin and topical Vitamin C can help boost collagen to help fill in those indentations.
- Many food items can have collagen-boosting properties as well!
- Different chemicals and medications help reduce the appearance of scarring by boosting hydration, increasing cell turnover, boosting collagen, and lightening marks.
- Some common kitchen items may have limited success in reducing the appearance of scars.
- Acne scar procedures include chemical peels, steroid injections, fillers, micro-needling, or laser treatments.
- Pro Tips: Keep inflammation during a breakout as low as possible to reduce the risk of scarring and wear sunscreen.
.png)
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
