How To Prevent Acne Scars
April 27, 2008It’s estimated that nearly 80% of people under the age of 30 deal with acne. It may appear in different forms with varying levels of severity, but nearly everyone experiences it. Some people are fortunate; the acne goes away without leaving the slightest mark or blemish. Others are less fortunate. For them, acne can be severe, often persisting and leaving unsightly scars in its wake.
While there are several treatments (surgical and otherwise) available to lessen the intensity or even eliminate scarring, there’s plenty you can do to help prevent them in the first place. Below, we’ll give you a few tips on how you can help prevent acne scars.
Catching It Early
The most important factor in preventing acne scars is to treat the acne when it first appears. While it’s impossible to predict how severe acne lesions will be before they manifest, there is a correlation between how long acne lasts and the likelihood of scarring. Left on its own, acne can become inflamed, causing significant damage to the underlying skin tissue. It’s the body’s natural reaction to this damage that creates acne scars. If you identify and treat acne early, you can prevent the tissue damage from happening.
Don’t Attack It
Most people have an enduring (and inexplicable) need to take their acne in their own hands (literally). Rather than applying a remedy like benzoyl peroxide or exfoliating their skin, they prefer to squeeze or “pop” their pimples. But, doing this can actually heighten the chances or scarring. When you squeeze a pimple, the material (oil, bacteria, skin cells) collected in the follicle can be forced deeper. If the follicle wall ruptures deep, the dermis can be infiltrated by this material, causing tissue damage. Rather than squeezing your pimples and zits, apply a remedy like benzoyl peroxide.
Homeopathic Prevention
Some dermatologists suggest a more “natural” approach to preventing acne scars. They can recommend herbal remedies such as primrose and black currant oil (usually ingested in capsule form). Often, teas such as those made from echinacea, goldenseal and calendula are advised. A diet with a high content of beta-carotene is believed to help prevent severe acne and thereby, avert acne scarring. While there’s no definitive link between this approach and acne scars, many people claim it’s effective.
Doing Your Part At Home
Most dermatologists agree that the best way to prevent scarring from acne is to wash your face regularly with a mild soap and treat acne early. Apply Retin-A or a solution with benzoyl peroxide. If the acne has become inflamed, try to avoid the sun. The UV rays can slow down your skin’s healing process and even cause additional damage. Don’t pick, pull, squeeze, or pop your pimples. Though doing so may give you a feeling of relief, you run the risk of damaging your skin tissue. In the end, there’s a lot you can do on your own to prevent getting acne scars. If you’re suffering from severe acne lesions, consider asking a dermatologist for recommendations. Their suggestions may help keep your skin smooth and blemish-free.
