Acne is a common condition afflicting people from adolescence to adulthood. Most people experience it during puberty. When not treated properly, acne can lead to scars. The good news is, there are now a lot of ways to remove them. Read on to learn more!
What are Acne Scars?
Acne scars are the result of swollen spots that are caused by inflamed skin pores, bacteria and dead skin cells. The skin pores suddenly swell, causing them to break a portion of the wall of the skin follicle. Normally, the shallow cuts are only minor and can quickly heal. However, if there’s a deeper break, it might create a much deeper lesion.
The skin will then attempt to repair these lesions by forming new collagen fibers. However, these repairs are not as smooth and flawless as the original skin, leaving scars.
Acne scars can cause physical, emotional and social problems. Improving their appearance can enhance your self-esteem and promote skin health.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Some research says that genetics play a big role in the development of acne scars. Poor habits, such as picking at or popping acne, is also a common cause of scarring. Popping pimples can result in infection, which worsens acne and results in scars.
A lack of collagen in the skin may also be a cause. If the acne goes away after it is popped, the skin’s surface may sink into a deeper layer if there is no collagen to support it, creating the crater-like appearance of acne scars.
What are the Symptoms?
In most cases, acne scars appear to be a bit darker than the normal skin tone. This is perhaps the reason why many people mistake acne scars for skin staining or discoloration problems. Some people’s scars look more like a bruise under the skin, while others’ may be more reddish in colour.
Usually, acne scars appear as depressions or holes in the skin, making the face look dented or bumpy. The size of the depression depends on the size of the pimples that created it.
How to Remove Acne Scars
There are many ways to remove acne scars. You can choose natural or chemical solutions depending on your skin, but be wary of unnatural solutions. Aside from being expensive, they can also have side effects which may worsen the condition. Luckily, there are some home remedies which you can try instead. Not only are they effective, they are much cheaper!
The following are the most common remedies for acne scars:
Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural cleanser that helps relieve many skin ailments, including acne scars.
Cucumber: This amazing fruit helps lighten the appearance of scars on the skin. Not only does it soothe inflammation, it also speeds up the healing process.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This helps reduce skin-related problems, including acne scars.
Lemon Juice: You can use lemon juice to reduce the appearance of acne scars on your face. Not only will it naturally reduce their appearance, but it will also help make the skin lighter.
Olive Oil: Using this every day helps gradually lighten scars, considerably reducing their visibility.
Ice: The soothing effect of ice on the skin helps with inflammation and speeds up healing.
Conclusion
Many regard acne scars as an agonizing reminder of the skin’s harsh history. It may trigger a lot of negative emotions, like depression, low self-confidence, poor self-esteem and much more. This is why you may be seeking treatment. Removing acne scars can be a lengthy and difficult process, but it is possible. It’s important to practice patience, commitment and dedication. Follow a proper skincare routine on a daily basis and you will be sure to see results.
