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Your
comprehensive guide for the treatment of acne and pimples!!!
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Acne Scarring
To see a list of scar products ranked click here
What is acne scarring and how can you prevent it? Please use the following
information in conjunction with your physician: The way an acne scar
forms is affected by an individual's age and the location
on the
body
or
face.
Younger
skin
makes strong
repairs
and tends to
overheal, resulting in larger, thicker acne scars than does older skin.
Skin over a jawbone is tighter than skin on the cheek and will make
an acne scar easier to see. If an acne scar is indented or raised,
irregular shadows will be seen, giving the skin an uneven appearance.
A scar that crosses
natural expression lines or is wider than a wrinkle, will be more apparent
because it will not follow a natural pattern nor look like a naturally
occurring line.
Acne scars result when the skin repairs wounds caused by accident, disease,
or surgery. They are a natural part of the healing process. The more
the skin is damaged and the longer it takes to heal, the greater the
chance of a noticeable scar.
Typically, an acne scar may appear redder and thicker at first, then gradually
fade. Many actively healing acne scars that seem unsightly at three months
may heal nicely if given more time.
Chemical Peels
This procedure involves the use of a chemical to
remove the top layer of the skin in order to smooth depressed acne scars
and give the skin a more even color. It is most helpful for shallow
superficial acne scars.
The chemical is applied to the skin with an ordinary cotton-tipped
applicator beginning on the forehead and moving over the cheeks to
the chin. Different chemicals can be used for different depth peels.
Light peels require no healing time while deeper peels can require
up to two weeks to heal. The amount of scarring and color change determines
the type of peel selected.
Other Scar Treatments
Pressure bandages and massages can flatten some acne scars if used on
a regular basis for several months.
Silicone-containing gels, creams, and bandages have also been helpful
in reducing scar thickness and pain. They must also be used regularly
and results are variable.
Cryosurgery involves freezing the upper skin layers which causes blistering
of the skin. This can sometimes cause acne scars to diminish in size.
This technique has been used on raised acne scars.
Cortisone (steroid) injections or tapes are effective in softening
very firm acne scars (or keloids) causing them to shrink and flatten. This
is usually the treatment of choice for hypertrophic acne scars and keloids.
Silicone impregnated gels can be used by the patient at home to remodel
elevated acne scars in addition to injections of scar tissue.
Interferon is a chemical that can be given by injection and may help
improve the hardness and cosmetic appearance of the scar.
Cosmetics applied correctly can be very good at covering up acne scars.
Physicians encourage patients to wear make-up after scar treatments.
Make-up will improve the appearance while nature completes the healing
process.
For more information on acne scar treatments, go to http://www.scar-wrinkle.com/main.html
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