How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Acne scars are more than a physical problem. They also cause emotional distress as well, and it is understandable that acne sufferers are in search of ways to get rid of them. The good news is that there are quite a few options to get rid of acne scars. The bad news is that not all types of treatment options work on all types of them, and removal of acne scars can be quite costly depending on the degree of damage that they have caused.The skin consists of three layers. At the surface is the epidermis, below that is the dermis which is made up of the proteins collagen and elastin. Acne scars develop when portions of the dermis are destroyed and the collagen does not grow back.

Acne scars can range in appearance from saucer-like indentations to jagged looking craters - otherwise know as ice-pick scars. these types of acne scare become more visible as a person ages and the skin begins to lose its subcutaneous fat. Acne scars often cannot be fully removed, but their appearances can be greatly and significantly reduced.

Resurfacing and Collagen Remodeling

Skin resurfacing removes layers of skin to create a wound which when healed becomes a smoother surface. Collagen remodeling happens when damage is done to the papillary dermis and part of the reticular dermis which causes fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells) to repair the damage.

This technique is more effective than microdermabrasion and chemical peels offered in salons which do not greatly reduce the appearance of acne scars. These treatments are more beneficial to irregular pigmentations and minor skin blemishes.

Deep Peels

Deep peels should only be done on the face as the skin is thicker than on the other parts of the body. When having a deep peel done it is crucial to find an experienced practitioner as permanent damage can occur. Some practitioners do not recommend deep peels for acne scarring as it may cause near-complete loss of pigment skin. People with darker skin pigments are more likely to experience this risk.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing uses a carbon dioxide laser or an Erbium:YAG laser. The carbon dioxide laser is the preferred choice for many practitioners as it is precise and capable of remodeling collagen. However, there is an extensive down-time with this procedure accompanied by pain, redness and sometimes hyperpigmentation in Asian, African American, and Hispanic people.

The Erbium laser is a gentler alternative to the carbon dioxide laser, but offers less collagen remodeling. Sometimes both lasers are used at the same time in order to reduce side effects of using a carbon dioxide laser alone.

For more ways to get rid of acne scars, as well as information on how to get rid of acne, please visit www.homeacneremedies.org .