An acne scar can leave a mark on both your skin and mind. You get torture from both sides- physically and mentally.
Those culprits appear after a little pimple or other acne breakout clears. It all starts when your skin pores get loaded with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It causes inflamed lesions that break at the dermis layer, go deeper below the skin surface, and eventually leave a scar.
Some milder scars might fade on their own. However, you need some action to remove them. Some acne scars treatments include light therapy, ointments, peeling methods, and laser treatment.
You can consider the first one that can offer evident results among them.
Presently, red light therapy is widely used because of its efficiency in treating acne scars.
It helps to remove marks on the face and the body as well. However, you can try other techniques too.
Today, you’ll find some of the top ways through which you can get rid of acne scars.
Top 4 Ways To Remove Acne Scars
Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy is all about flashing some specific wavelengths of light to the affected areas of your skin.
It delivers visible red wavelengths (630–660nm) and/or invisible Near-infrared wavelengths (810–850nm) under your skin. They work to penetrate the skin up to 2-3 millimeters deep and cause positive reactions around damaged cells. That’s how it treats acne scars.
This way, not only does it help fade the acne scars on both body and face but it also removes them. On top of that, the therapy works to boost collagen production, improves skin texture, and brings it a fresh, youthful glow.
You can get yourself an RLT device to use at home. Just make sure to have one that’s high-quality and well-powered. Such devices come in different powers ranging from 160-190 mw/cm2. The higher you go, the more power, and the deeper and more effectively it treats to remove acne scars.
Don’t go for higher power for milder scars. Talk to your dermatologist and know if you can use the device or which one you can get.
Note that each session should last up to 20 minutes. The frequency is usually 3-6 times a week for 3-5 weeks depending on acne intensity. It can take 2-6 weeks to see visible results.
Topical Treatments
You can consider topical treatments as well to remove acne scars. They are prescription creams and gels. Such ointments carry active ingredients like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids. They all work in different ways for acne treatment.
The ointments take out dead skin cells that cause acne, boost collagen production, and speed up skin cell turnover. This helps soften acne scars and pain and eventually remove them.
In short, prescription ointments are quite safe and effective for acne. You might start noticing the difference within a few weeks to several months. But it depends on the condition and severity.
That said, consulting a dermatologist is a must before using medical creams and gels. Because they have active chemicals, they can cause allergic reactions.
So, get help from doctors to know which one will be safe and proper for you.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is a solution that holds different formulations. The common ones are usually glycolic acid, retinoids, salicylic acid, TCA, lactic acid, phenol, tretinoin, beta hydroxy acids, mandelic acid, hydroquinone, and/or pyruvic acid.
You apply the formulation to the skin and this will remove the top layers of damaged skin and improve its texture.
Because the treatment peels out the epidermis part, it helps reduce the appearance of acne scars and remove them overall. Moreover, chemical peels help better skin texture, even out skin tone, and promote the growth of new, smoother skin.
They usually target superficial to deeper scars and make sure you have healthier and more rejuvenated skin.
Then again, you have to talk to your doctor to see if you can go for it. Such treatments have side effects like redness, scabbing, swelling, itchiness, blistering, burning sensation
VI Peel
VI Peel is mainly a product of Vitality Institute company that treats and removes acne scars with different active ingredients.
The solution has a medium-depth premixed formula made of trichloroacetic acid (10-12%), phenol (10-12%), salicylic acid (10-12%), vitamin C (4%), and tretinoin (0.4%).
Such a blend takes out cells from the outer layer and upper part of the middle layer of the skin. Consequently, it works to remove acne scar tissue and improve the texture, tone, and clarity of the skin.
However, VI Peels are not for severely sensitive skin. They have some side effects like swelling, blistering, burning sensation, and cardiac arrhythmia. It’s important to know if such treatments would suit your skin beforehand. Hence, make sure to discuss it with a dermatologist.
Other Clinical Acne-Scar Treatments
- Laser resurfacing
- Dermabrasion
- Surgery
- Skin needling
- Steroid injection
- Soft Tissue Fillers
3 Skin Maintenance Tips For Removing Acne Scars
Wash Your Skin Regularly
Acne scars usually happen when pores get clogged with excess dirt and oil. So, make sure to keep the skin clean. Wash your face every day to help water flush out impurities and heal your acne.
Keep Skin Moisturized
Moisture helps your skin heal from the scars. So, use moisturizers with active- ingredients that suit your skin the best. They have properties with occlusive, humectant, and emollient effects that help reduce acne scars naturally.
Apply Sunscreen Everyday
Apply sunscreen regularly. This will prevent your acne-scarred skin from darkening. It helps dampen exposure to free radicals that can worsen your acne scars as well as reduce inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove acne scars naturally?
No, you can’t remove acne scars naturally without treatments. They might fade over time but you need to take some actions to make them disappear. Some options could be Red light therapy, ointments, chemical peel, VI peel, and laser treatments.
What removes acne scars fast?
Red light therapy can be an effective option to remove acne scars quickly. It might take 2-6 weeks to notice the difference.
How long do red light therapy sessions last for acne scars?
The RLT session can last between 10 and 20 minutes for acne scars. Going beyond 30 minutes can result in skin inflammation, redness, and blistering which can worsen the scar.
No matter what you opt for, it’s a must to consult a dermatologist. They’re going to suggest you better options that’d suit your skin the best. Out of the options explored here, red light therapy can be a great pick to consider.
In case you have any stories regarding your acne-healing journey, do share them here.
Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.
