We probably don’t appreciate it at the time, but every spot we squeeze when we’re young can leave a permanent reminder right the way through adulthood. That’s because squeezing and bursting them are major causes of the pitting and scarring that affects many adults long after their spots and acne have cleared up. Of course, when we’re in our teens and competitiveness and image are powerful guides to our actions, the urge to squeeze a spot or temporarily remove a white head is much stronger than the urge to have smooth skin fifteen years later. In addition, many of us suffer from acne scarring even when we have been careful not to squeeze our spots, and not necessarily in severe cases.

Unfortunately, we can’t retrospectively un-squeeze our spots and we certainly can’t wish away acne, so many people live with the effects of their acne for years, which can have a serious effect on people’s confidence. The good news is that nowadays there are amazing means of getting rid of the acne scarring, and a few trips to a clinic can remedy the problem permanently.

The treatment of acne scarring has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, to the point where it is a relatively routine procedure nowadays. Treatment will depend on the nature and the severity of the scarring, of which there are three commonly recognised types, known as ice pick scars (or pickaxe scars), rolling scars and boxcar scars.

It is worth noting that some blemishes that are self-diagnosed as scars might in fact turn out to be simply temporary marks which will heal themselves, possibly over several months. A dermatologist will be able to tell which type a given mark is, and will advise accordingly.

If the blemishes or pitting do turn out to be genuine acne scars, there are several forms of treatment that can help. One of the most common is the removal of the outer skin, the epidermis, in the affected area. This might not sound very pleasant but is much less harsh than it sounds as this layer is extremely thin. Clearing does not take place immediately, but it stimulates skin growth in the lower layers, which has the effect of making the surface smoother.

Fractional laser resurfacing is a modern technique that works on the same principle as epidermis removal, but stimulates growth of collagen by applying the heat of the laser in small bursts to the skin. Where it regrows, the skin takes on a much less textured appearance. The amount of treatment and the number of visits to the clinic will depend on the severity of the acne scarring.

Other treatments include mild fruit acid peels and microdermabrasion, but the appropriate remedy will depend largely on the scarring and how long it has been in existence.

So if you’re currently suffering from acne, the most important thing to remember is not to pick at or squeeze your spots, as this can have far-reaching consequences. If you’re one of the thousands of people who suffers from post-acne scarring, however, there’s a good likelihood that it can be greatly improved or possibly even eliminated altogether.

Author Bio: Nigel is an expert on skin conditions and improvement techniques such as acne scarring treatment and microdermabrasion both of which are common and effective methods used in cosmetic clinics.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
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