When the skin is injured, the result is usually a scar. Acne scars are the most common to appear on the face. It has been studied and proven that acne scars are often a huge cause of stress, anxiety and embarrassment among both men and women. If you have acne scars, it is recommended that you increase your knowledge on acne scarring and the various types of acne scar treatments that are available. This information will answer some typical questions about acne scars and the treatments available to you in acne scar removal.

Treatment Options

The most appropriate scar removal treatment is often determined by the size and shape of the acne scars. Some procedures work on surface layers while others treat deeper down into the dermis. Methods include lasers, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion and chemical peels, however there are also scar creams available which tend to be optimal due to their at home use, cost, and effectiveness. Let's take a closer look at these treatment options.

Laser Therapy

With laser therapy, a strong laser is used to remove the top layers of skin and help tighten the layers underneath in order to remove scar tissue. This treatment option has proved to be successful for many, however it can also be extremely costly as multiple sessions are usually required. Laser surgery is also described to be relatively invasive and therefore can be especially painful. Long recovery periods follow laser surgery and some may experience seeping, crusting and discoloration.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion removes the top layers of skin by way of a wire brush that spins at high speeds. The idea is to rid you of the outer layers of skin that contain scar tissue and imperfections, and reveal a smoother, clearer layer below. This treatment requires a freeze agent type anesthetic. This treatment is more appropriate for deeper types of acne scars. A fairly painful recovery period follows the dermabrasion procedure. Discoloration is also normal after a procedure. It will eventually fade, however it is advised to avoid direct sunlight for at least 6 months.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a less intense form of skin resurfacing. This procedure is done with small sterile particles that are then removed along with the dead skin with a suction device. Microdermabrasion is more superficial, thereby requiring neither anesthetic nor long recovery periods. This treatment is more ideal for superficial acne scars as it will fail to remove deeper dermal scarring.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peel procedures are done with combinations of strong chemicals that burn away the outer layers of skin. After the procedure, the resulting underlying layer of skin remains revealed and without the imperfections and scar tissue that affected the top layers of the dermis. To remove acne scars, it is necessary to go with a deeper chemical peel. These leave you with more prominent results but also tend to be more painful and require longer recovery periods. Deeper peels usually use anesthetic and often require pain medication. Swelling, crusting and discoloration are common after effects of chemical peel treatments.

Skin Care Products

Topical acne scar removal skin creams are available in both natural and medicated forms and can offer a great alternative to more expensive and invasive scar removal procedures. Natural acne treatment creams are ideal in addressing the root causes of the problem rather than just treating the visible effects of acne scars. This type of topical treatment may require a little more patience, but can offer the same results, reducing even the most severe acne scars of any type, size or shape. These natural acne creams are great in removing damage done by years of acne. They can soften skin, treat and eliminate existing scar tissue as well as work to prevent future acne blemishes and scarring.