Deep acne scars are caused by persistent inflammatory acne cases affecting the same area of the skin. Persistent outbreaks damage the affected skin and underlying tissues. Removing deep acne scars and acne holes is not easy, but very possible.
I researched a lot on this topic and made a short list of the most effective methods of skin resurfacing and removing deep acne scars.
The below information is for research and information purposes only. Each method involves some risks, so please do your own research and decide if you want to start with one of the methods described below.
Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars can be divided into two categories:
- Atrophic scars – loss of tissue;
- Hypertrophic scars – excess tissue.
There are 4 types of acne scars within the above categories:
- Ice pick scars are deep and very narrow scars.
- Boxcar scars give the skin pitted appearance and caused by tissue loss.
- Rolling scars are wave-like scars.
- Keloid scars are raised scars with firm mass of tissue.
Common methods used for removing deep acne scars
1.Which Laser Skin Resurfacing method is best?
There are many types of laser skin resurfacing: fractional laser, fractional radio-frequency device laser, erbium laser, CO2 laser. Which one is best?
Richard H. Tholen (MD, Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon) states that a properly-performed ablative dual-wavelength CO2/Erbium-YAG full-face laser resurfacing is the BEST one-time laser resurfacing procedure available. The recovery time is 7-10 days and not longer than any other fractional laser treatments. He states that this method provides smoothness to the skin and outcomes are superior.
The cons of this procedure is that it is painful and needs IV sedation, long standing redness, and the cost.
2.Do Chemical Peels help?
There are many types of chemical peels: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, polyhydroxy acid, amino fruit acid, pyruvic acid, trichloracetic acid (TCA), Jessner’s peel, and others.
Deep acne scarring requires deep chemical peels, which completely remove the top layer of the skin. Phenol peels can remove 75% of acne scars. It is a very invasive method, which results in bleeding, swelling, and crusting of the skin. The side effects are long-lasting and recovery time can take up to 6 months. May cause permanent skin lightening and keloid scars. As you can see, it is NOT the best method of removing acne scars.
There are over-the-counter acids that can be used at home, which produce manageable exfoliation of the top layers of the skin without the side effects. These acids can be used every 2-3 nights until the desired results are achieved. I did not research this method well and not sure if the over-the-counter kits are useful for deep acne scars.
3.Dermarolling
Derma rolling is also called micro-needling. A derma roller is a tool with a roller head covered in tiny titanium needles. The needles penetrate the outer layer of the skin, which alerts collagen to rush to the surface of the skin and it starts repairing it. Derma rolling helps diminish wrinkles, scars, and other skin problems. Some women swear by it and love the results.
Deep acne scarring requires deep derma rolling, which can be painful with followed bleeding. It can be used once a year.
This method is cost-effective and can be performed at home with great results! However, it has potential side effects.
The side effects of this method can be an infection, hyper-pigmentation, irritation, and bruising if not performed properly.
Most effective Natural ways of removing Deep Acne Scars
The internet is full of natural acne scar removal tips, which are usually not very effective for deep scars. I picked the most promising natural ways of deep acne scar removal. There are many who have tried these methods on themselves and love the results, though it takes some time and patience.
The below natural products and combinations are the most promising ones:
- Spongilla (badyaga) powder with Hydrogen peroxide
- MSM cream with Vitamin C
- DMSO/SSKI (1:1)
- At-home Microdermabrasion with Baking soda
Continued: “Homemade Natural Methods for Removing Deep Acne Scars”
