How to get rid of acne scars

Acne scars are the unwelcome reminders of the daunting battle with acne. But with the right knowledge, they don't have to be permanent residents on your face.

How to get rid of acne scars

Getting rid of acne scars often requires a multifaceted approach that includes lifestyle changes, skincare routines, professional treatments and most annoyingly, time. Here, we outline a detailed break-down of everything you need to know for your acne scar healing journey.

What are acne scars?

Acne scars are the result of inflamed blemishes caused by skin pores filled with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The pore swells, causing a break in the follicle wall. If this rupture occurs near the skin's surface, the damage is usually minor. However, if there's a deep rupture in the wall of the pore, infected bacteria can affect the surrounding tissue, creating deeper lesions. Your skin's natural response is to repair these lesions by forming new collagen fibres, but these repairs usually aren't as smooth as original skin and ultimately leading to acne scarring.

Types of acne scars

There are several types of acne scars, each with its unique characteristics:

Boxcar Scars: These are broad, rectangular depressions with steep, defined edges.
Ice Pick Scars: These are small, deep holes that look as if the skin has been punctured with a sharp object.
Rolling Scars: These are broad depressions with sloping edges that give the skin a wavy appearance.
Hypertrophic Scars: These are raised, firm scars that are more common on the back and chest.

The type of acne scars you have will determine which remedies are best suited to targeting your specific scarring concerns.

How to get rid of acne scars?

Maintain a Healthy Skincare Routine: Keeping your skin clean and moisturised is a crucial element to attaining healthier skin. Use a gentle cleanser that isn’t over-drying on your skin and follow up with a simple, fragrance-free moisturiser. Regular exfoliation can also help by removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. But be wary of over exfoliation as this may slow down the skin's healing process. Exfoliation is recommended about 2-3 times per week.

Sun Protection: Time in the sun can darken acne scars and make them more noticeable. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 every morning, even on cloudy days and make sure to re-apply every 2-3 hours.

Healthy Diet and Hydration: At Vida Glow, we understand the importance of achieving healthy skin from the inside out. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can be integral in promoting skin health and healing. A nutritionist is a good person to talk to if you’re unsure of the best foods to eat while healing your skin. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also key in maintaining hydrated and healthy skin. For an added boost, add a Vida Glow collagen sachet to your daily routine for extra hydration which permeates into your skin, hair and nails.

Avoid Picking and Squeezing: We’re all told not to pick our pimples but anyone experiencing pimples or acne knows this is near impossible. But likewise, we know picking at pimples can cause inflammation, increase the risk of scarring, and worsen existing scars.

Natural remedies for acne scars

Natural remedies can be an effective way to reduce the appearance of acne scars. They are generally safe to use and can be a good starting point before moving on to more invasive treatments. Here are some natural remedies that can help:

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It can soothe the skin and help scars fade. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the scarred area daily after cleansing your face. Over time, you may see a reduction in the appearance of scars.

Honey: Good quality manuka honey is a natural moisturiser and has antibacterial properties. It can help heal scars and improve skin regeneration. Apply raw honey to the affected area and leave it on for a few minutes before washing it off with a damp cloth.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar helps manage the pH of your skin, improving its appearance over time and reducing the visibility of acne scars.

Turmeric Powder: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce acne scars. You can make a paste with turmeric and water and apply it to your scars. Leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing it off.

Skin Treatments and procedures 

Treatments like laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, chemical peels and skin needling can also work to reduce the appearance of acne scars. It's important to do your own research, read reviews, look at the clinics credentials and ask a professionals opinion to make sure the treatment is right for you.

Laser Resurfacing: This treatment uses concentrated beams of light to reduce the appearance of scars. The laser removes the outer layer of skin and heats the underlying skin. This process stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. As the treated area heals, the new skin that forms is smoother and firmer. Post procedure, skin can be a little red, swollen and itchy, but these symptoms subside over a few days as the new skin forms.

Chemical Peels: A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. Generally, chemical peels are used to treat fine lines, discoloured skin and scars on the face – and can vary in their intensity. Deeper chemical peels offer more dramatic results but with a slightly longer downtime. After a chemical peel, your skin will feel sensitive and may be red. Over the next week or two, new skin forms, which is usually smoother and less scarred.

Skin Needling: Also known as micro needling, this procedure involves using a device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin. This stimulates the body's natural wound healing process, resulting in increased collagen and elastin production. This treatment can reduce the appearance of acne scars by generating new skin cells. After the procedure, your skin will likely feel sensitive and may appear red, similar to a mild sunburn. Over the next five to seven days, as your skin heals, it appears smoother and scars may be less noticeable. Keep in mind, these treatments should be performed by a qualified professional, and the results can vary depending on your individual skin type and the severity of the acne scars. Most require some down time too so make sure to do your research and always consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment for your specific type of acne scars.

Acne supplements and products

Certain supplements and ingestible products can help reduce acne and pimple scars. Vida Glow’s scientifically formulated Clear and Radiance are two formulas that can work in tandem to make your journey back to blemish-free, even skin easier.

Clear works to targets breakouts on a cellular level utilising a powerful synergy of ingredients such as vitamin A, zinc, selenium, and omega oil help to regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and promote skin healing.

Radiance then focuses on regulating melanin production, stabilising collagen fibres and improving microcirculation to brighten dark spots and overall dullness caused by acne scars. 

 Remember, consistency is key when it comes to anything skin related, so be sure to stick to your routine and take your supplements daily for the best results.

Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter and prescription topicals can help treat acne and reduce the appearance of scars. These products often contain ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid and niacinamide, which can work to reduce inflammation, speed up cell turnover and lighten hyperpigmentation. Some of these products, however, can be harsh on the skin, so it's best to consult with a dermatologist or doctor to determine which products will work best for you.

While dealing with acne scars can be an emotional experience, there are several strategies you can use to reduce their appearance. From natural remedies to professional treatments and ingestible supplements, you have a range of options to help restore your skin's smoothness, tone and clarity. With patience and consistency you can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars. Don't forget to consult with a skincare professional or dermatologist to determine the best treatment for your specific type of acne scars.