Injuries to the skin produce scars as they heal. The most common types of scars to have on the face are those that result from acne. It has been studied and proven that acne scars are often a huge cause of stress, anxiety and embarrassment among both men and women. If you have acne scars, it is recommended that you increase your knowledge on acne scarring and the various types of acne scar treatments that are available. This information will answer some typical questions about acne scars and the treatments available to you in acne scar removal.

Treatment Options

The most appropriate scar removal treatment is often determined by the size and shape of the acne scars. Some procedures work on surface layers while others treat deeper down into the dermis. Methods include lasers, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion and chemical peels, however there are also scar creams available which tend to be optimal due to their at home use, cost, and effectiveness. Let's take a closer look at these treatment options.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy removes scar tissue by burning off the top layers of skin and helping to tighten underlying layers. Although this treatment tends to yield good results, it can prove to be costly as multiple sessions are usually required. Laser surgery is also one of the more invasive methods and therefore can be considerably painful. Risks include seeping, crusting, and discoloration, not to mention long recovery periods.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion 'sands' down the top layers of skin using a type of wire brush that spins at high speeds. The procedure removes the top layers of skin along with their scar tissue and imperfections in order to reveal a smoother and newer layer below. Dermabrasion often requires anesthetic, usually a freezing agent. This treatment is more appropriate for deeper types of acne scars. Dermabrasion is usually followed by a fairly painful recovery period. Discoloration is also normal after a procedure. It will eventually fade, however it is advised to avoid direct sunlight for at least 6 months.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a less invasive form of skin resurfacing. The skin is rubbed with small sterile particles that are later removed with the dead skin by way of a suction tool. Microdermabrasion is more superficial, thereby requiring neither anesthetic nor long recovery periods. However, because it is superficial it is only appropriate for surface scars and will fail to remove deeper dermal scarring.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peel treatments entail the application of strong combinations of chemicals that dissolve the outer layers of the skin. The smoother underlying layer of skin remains revealed at the end of the procedure. Deeper chemical peels are usually necessary in order to remove acne scars. These have more prominent results, but are also more painful and require longer recovery periods. Deeper peels usually use anesthetic and often require pain medication. After effects of chemical peels include swelling, crusting, and discoloration that could last for several months.

Skin Care Products

Topical acne scar removal creams provide great alternatives to these more invasive and costly procedures and come in both natural and medicated forms. Natural acne treatment creams are a smart idea as they aim to fix the cause of the problem rather than just deal with the visible effects of scarring. This type of topical treatment may require a little more patience, but can offer the same results, reducing even the most severe acne scars of any type, size or shape. These topical acne creams are optimal in removing damage caused by years of acne. They can soften skin, treat and eliminate existing scar tissue as well as work to prevent future acne blemishes and scarring.