Red Acne Scars

Acne and pimples develop when the skin pores get clogged due to over secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Such clogged skin pores often harbor bacteria and microorganisms, which in turn cause inflammation and infection, leading to the development of acne, zits, pimples, cystic acne, etc. When such skin lesions or eruptions heal, they often leave behind ugly red acne scars, or hyperpigmented marks on the skin. Such marks are the result of the normal process of healing or repairing the damaged or injured tissues.

Acne marks usually diminish or fade within a few months. However, if more lesions or acne develop on the scarred area, then such scars might become more difficult to treat. Usually, there are three types of acne scars, ice pick scars, atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars. As the name suggests, ice pick scars are very small, but deep and make the scarred area look like it has been pierced with an icepick. Atrophic scars are not as deep as ice pick scars, and usually have smooth borders, while the hypertrophic scars are very thick and look like raised lumps on the skin.

Red Acne Scars Treatment

Mild to moderate scarring that take place due to acne, usually heals on its own within a couple of months. However, severe scarring might need some scar removal treatment. The usual treatment options available for removing acne scars are microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and punch excision. The punch excision method is generally employed for icepick and deep acne scars. This method employs a punch biopsy tool to excise the scar, after which the skin edges are sutured together. Dermabrasion, on the other hand, is the method where the top layer of the skin is removed with the help of diamond coated wheels or a high speed rotating wire brush, in order to make the scarred area smooth.

Microdermabrasion is another technique that removes the surface layer of the skin, with the help of abrasive crystals or agents like, diamond dust, aluminum oxide or silicone granules. Laser resurfacing is a popular technique not only for acne scar removal, but for diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines as well. In this method, high energy light or laser beams are used to burn the top layer of skin, to make the scarred area smooth and even. The burned layer is then replaced by new skin tissues, as it heals within a week or two. Find out more about acne scar removal treatment.

How to Heal Red Acne Scars Naturally

Red acne scars can also be treated at home with some simple home remedies. These remedies often work well for mild to moderate acne scars, and many of them can help to clear up acne and pimples, besides improving your skin tone and complexion. So, try out the following red acne scars home remedies:

* Ice cube is the simplest of all the home remedies for acne scars. Just rub an ice cube on the acne scar for about 10 to 15 minutes, which will help to reduce the appearance of the scar significantly by tightening the skin pores.
* Try some raw potato juice on the acne scar. It can help immensely to lessen the scars.
* Lemon juice has bleaching properties, for which it can clear up scars and blemishes. Take a cotton ball, dip it into lemon juice, and then apply on the affected area. Leave it for a few minutes, after which, you can wash it off with clean and slightly warm water.
* Honey is another effective remedy for red acne scars. Just apply a thin layer of honey to your face and leave for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then use lukewarm water to rinse it off. Use honey in this way regularly to reduce the visibility of the acne scars, and also to get glowing and radiant skin.
* Like honey, a facial mask prepared with oatmeal can too do wonders for acne scars. Just add some raw oatmeal to boiling water and let it cool down for sometime. Apply it evenly on your face, wait for about 15 minutes, and then remove it with a soft, wet cloth. Now, wash your face properly.
* Tea tree oil, which is renowned for its antibacterial properties can help you to get rid of both acne and acne scars. Dab some tea tree oil on the acne marks and leave for a few minutes to clear up acne scars.
* Sandalwood paste is an excellent remedy to speed up the healing process of acne, and eliminate scars and blemishes. Mix some sandalwood powder with rose water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the affected area of the skin and let it dry out completely, before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
* You can also try cucumber juice and aloe vera gel or juice on the areas affected by acne scars. Leave the cucumber juice or the aloe vera gel for 15 to 20 minutes, after which rinse your face with clean, lukewarm water. Use these remedies regularly to remove red acne scars.

Along with applying these home remedies, it is also important to find out and address the underlying causes of acne and pimples, in order to prevent their future outbreaks. This is because, if more acne or skin lesions appear on the areas that already have acne scars or marks, then scar removal becomes more difficult. At the same time, avoid the habit of popping or pricking the pimples, as this will cause more redness. If the above mentioned home remedies fail to reduce the red acne scars, then try an antiseptic ointment or an acne scar removal cream, after consulting your dermatologist. For severe and extremely deep acne scars, it is better to seek the help of an experienced dermatologist.

source: buzzle.com