Acne Scars Are Preventable

Read Time: 3 minutes

Acne is an adolescent rite of passage that can leave behind a memorable mark well after the pimples go away. Instead of accepting a fate full of acne scars, individuals can take proactive steps to not only prevent acne scars but also reduce the appearance and size of the marks.

1. Treat acne right away

Acne can worsen without the right medical treatment. Patients should manage the inflammatory and painful symptoms associated with an acne problem right away. Patients can schedule an appointment with a doctor if over-the-counter medications don’t work. Immediate topical treatment prevents acne from becoming larger and developing a permanent scar.

2. Reduce inflammation

Deep acne scars are usually caused by blemishes that are very inflamed and large. The inflammation can cause discoloration and scarring. To reduce the appearance of acne scars, patients can reduce the swelling by avoiding irritating the skin during showers or when applying skincare products. Patients can also use topical spot treatments specifically designed to reduce acne inflammation.

3. Don’t pick at acne

Patients with acne should avoid picking or popping acne, especially with dirty hands. Squeezing pimples can introduce bacteria deep into the dermis and worsen the swelling. When the blemish has popped and developed a scab, patients should also avoid picking the scab to let the wound heal properly.

Don’t forget the sunscreen

Discoloration in acne scars is typically caused by excess melanocytes that can darken the skin. Patients should remember to use a safe and effective sunscreen solution every day to prevent the cells in acne from developing more melanocytes.

When to seek professional help

A simple visit to the dermatologist can help prevent and reduce acne scars. Some types of acne can benefit from a cortisone shot to reduce the pimple and minimize the risk of acne scarring. When scars do appear, doctors can use laser technology to remove the scars. Lasers aim to rebuild new, normal-looking collagen by damaging the scarred spot.

Acne scar reduction is the answer

Unfortunately, most acne scars will be permanent, but a variety of medical procedures can reduce the visibility of the scar color and size. Acne scar prevention is crucial, but not always attainable despite a patient’s best effort. Dermatologists can offer safe and effective treatment when acne scars appear.