Many people affected by acne use over-the-counter treatments for acne scars, as they are the closest within reach and they can be used on the long run. Usually, prescription medication and OTC medication go hand in hand. However, be careful, as you may be using the same product twice. How can that be? Well, most of the over-the-counter treatments for acne scars contain basically the same ingredients as those treatments you may get on prescription basis.
The more expensive alternative to over-the-counter treatment for acne scars is the laser therapy. Unfortunately, it is not always available to regular people, who don't have the means to pay for such an advanced medical intervention. The cost problem is also an issue, as the treatment you get on prescription is more expensive than the one you get over the counter.
Studies point out that the difference between the over-the-counter treatment for acne scars and topical prescribed treatment is minimum. Groups of people suffering from acne scars have been under observation to see reactions to the two different types of medication. Results were similar, blemishes healed very well, no other scarring appeared, so the success was similar for both groups.
Over-the-counter treatments for acne scars are more effective if they are used in the early stages, when specialists talk about the y acne scars are not permanent yet. After an acne lesion has healed, a red mark remains on the skin. This is not a scar, but the normal process through which the skin recovers. Should there appear other acne lesions in the area, then the risk of scarring is quite high. This is when treatment makes the difference.
If you choose an over-the-counter treatment for acne scars you should definitely use one based on an antibiotic that will destroy the bacteria responsible for your acne. An antibiotic-based ointment reduces the small infections in the pores, and indirectly assures that they stay open. All you need to do is apply the gel or the ointment to the skin areas affected by acne.
Furthermore, there are some basic rules you should keep in mind if you want the over-the-counter treatment for acne scars to work well. For instance, early acne scars get worse after sun exposure. So, if you sunbathe, make sure you use protection for your face skin. Do not apply any products containing the E vitamin to the area affected by acne, as studies have shown that it does more harm than good. Last but not least make a visit to the doctor!
Treatment For Acne Scars
There are two types of skin problems caused by acne that can be recognized as acne scars. One is the red pigmentation that appears after acne has healed. These contrary to popular belief, are not scars, rather, these are post-inflammatory lesions, which occur as the acne heals, and these can be present for up to 6-12 months. If however the pigmentation that you see lasts longer than the said period, you may be facing acne scars.
Acne scars come from connective tissue that the body uses to repair damage done to a certain area. Together with antibodies and white blood cells, they work together to heal the wound. After the healing process, you are left with a scar.
Acne scars can develop as long as acne is present, so one good form of prevention is actually preventing acne. However, Acne scars can also be prevented even with the presence of acne. This is done by facilitating the healing of the acne, the faster it heals, the shallower the acne scar will be, making it easier to treat, or may need no treatment at all.
There are two dermatologically tested ways to facilitate the healing of acne, one is the use of Tretinoin, it's a form of vitamin A, which speeds up the skin's healing and renovation process shortening the inflammation period, thus preventing Acne scars.
The other treatment used by most dermatologists for Acne scar prevention is the use of Aplpha-Hydroxy Acids of AHA's and Beta-Hydroxy Acids or BHA's. These help the skins remodeling process, with the right concentration and proper application; these can also prevent acne scars.
Without the complicated chemicals and difficult dermatological treatments, you can also help prevent acne scars by treating your skin righteously. Avoid sun exposure, this can cause even more skin damage and may hamper the healing process of your skin. Wear sunscreen that has SPF 15 or higher. Picking at scabs never helped either. Never pick on acne as it heals; it interferes with the healing process and might worsen the resulting acne scar.
Of course, not even the most rigorous person can prevent acne scar, with the stress of everyday life, facial and other skin problems are hard to avoid, there are however, treatments available for acne scars, here are some of them.
Dermal Fillers
Collagen or other fillers are injected into the acne scar to raise is just a bit, so that it will be the same level as your skin, these treatments aren't permanent though. They mostly last 3-6 months and you'll need additional injections after that.
Punch Excision
This method is effective for some types of scars. It includes the surgical tool that matches the size of the scar; it can be compared to a cookie dough cutter. This tool cuts the scar out and the remaining wound is then sewed back together. The resulting scar will be unnoticeable, but if it is, it will be easier for laser resurfacing to treat it. Other types of this treatment include the use of skin grafts.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a very popular and fast treatment for acne scars. Laser resurfacing works by burning a measure upper layer of the skin, and then letting it heal, leaving a newer looking skin. However, care must be taken after the procedure; the correct postoperative procedure determines the success of the operation.
For more free knowledge about acne, its causes, prevention, scientific and natural treatment, please browse about on these web sites
Both Samantha Williams & Sahil Chauhan are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Samantha Williams has sinced written about articles on various topics from Car Auctions, Acne Treatment and Hair Care. Find Out about acne scar treatment please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll also learn about. Samantha Williams's top article generates over 12100 views. Bookmark Samantha Williams to your Favourites.