Acne scars can form on the skin of individuals who had severe acne as well as on the skin of those who picked at their acne and worsened the condition. Although some minor blemishes heal over several months to years, others can remain long-term due to major damage to the skin. Acne scarring can leave you feeling less beautiful and can damage your confidence and self-esteem. Today, a variety of noninvasive and minimally-invasive cosmetic treatments can gradually repair this damage.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses a noninvasive method to sand away old, dead skin cells. This allows fresh, new skin cells to grow and rise to the surface. When used on acne, it can get rid of minor scars altogether in only a few sessions and can minimize the appearance of larger scars.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
This is a noninvasive method for changing your skin from the inside out. A laser targets tissues deep beneath your skin to initiate change, particularly in the collagen cells. Collagen is what produces a plump look in your skin. When collagen increases, acne scars will begin to fill in rather than looking depressed.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels come in a variety of strengths to treat different depths of problems. Peels use strong acids to remove the top layer of skin and to promote the growth of new, healthier skin cells.
Microneedling
With microneedling, a device with tiny needles is rolled over your skin. As microscopic holes are made in your skin, your body rushes healing chemicals and cells to the area to improve the health of the surrounding tissues.
In the meantime, there are a few other steps that you can take to minimize the look of acne scars on your skin. Be sure to use sunscreen every day. Not only will this reduce your risk for skin cancer, but also it will decrease the color contrast between your natural skin and scarred skin. Other cosmetic treatments that you may want to try include Botox, which can reduce the puckering found in skin surrounding scars, as well as dermal fillers, which can fill in atrophic scars that form depressions in the skin.