How to Reduce Acne Scarring with Clinical Help and At-Home Care
Acne scars are a painful reminder of an embarrassing skin condition and are often just as embarrassing as acne itself.
Even years after a breakout, acne scars haunt us, reducing self-esteem. There are, however, several ways to treat scars, either with the help of a dermatologist or at home. What’s more, with a bit of work and patience, you can reduce the appearance of acne scars, leaving your skin smooth and healthy. Fillers, laser treatments, and microdermabrasion in Ottawa are all fantastic options to help you rediscover clear, smooth skin.
We’ve put together a list of some of the top acne treatments Ottawa residents depend on, including a few at-home acne care tips and tricks. Let’s take a closer look:
Professional Skin Care Treatments
Dermal Fillers
Dermal filler injections help lift acne scars and even out the skin. Fillers are usually either made with hyaluronic acid or collagen. Hyaluronic acid is a compound used in the skin’s natural healing process. Collagen is another naturally-occurring substance found in the skin that maintains volume.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments reduce the appearance of acne scars and smooth out the skin by stimulating collagen growth. What’s more, some lasers target redness, reducing the discolouration associated with acne scars and spots. Laser treatments are effective but may require healing downtime.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive, pain-free, exfoliating treatment with little to no downtime. Dermatologists use a diamond-crystal-tipped wand (applicator) to exfoliate the top layer of skin.
Microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells and stimulates new cell growth. As a result, new healthy skin surfaces, reducing the appearance of acne scars and spots. The number of treatments needed will depend on the type of acne scarring. A combination of microdermabrasion and laser treatments will help patients with deeper scars.
Natural Remedies
Aloe Vera
This vitamin-rich plant gently heals skin, leaving it soft and healthy. Aloe Vera is best used fresh from the plant. Break off a small piece from one leaf. Peel off the outer flesh to expose the gel, and rub the gel into your skin. Leave it for 30 minutes before washing off.
Baking Soda Scrub
Gently exfoliate skin with a paste made from water and a few teaspoons of baking soda. After a couple of minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water and moisturize your skin. Repeat every other day to remove dead skin, encourage new skin growth, and improve the appearance of scars.
Coconut Oil
Use a ¼ teaspoon of organic virgin coconut oil. Let it melt in your hand before massaging it on your scars with your fingertips. You do not need to wash off coconut oil since it is a natural moisturizer with healing properties.
Cucumber and Honey
Cucumbers are vitamin-rich and hydrating, encouraging skin to heal. Leave thin slices of an organic cucumber on your acne scars for about 30 minutes. Then rinse off your face with cold water. Repeat daily. You might also try massaging a small amount of raw honey on your scars to moisturize and help heal your skin. Repeat as often as you wish.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a popular choice for naturally healing scars. Simply puncture the end of an oil or gel capsule, squeeze it out on your fingertips, and massage into the scars.
Visit your local skin care clinic to find the best combination of treatments for your skin. With the help of a dermatologist, you can reduce the appearance of acne scars and be happy in your skin.