Have you tried applying a thick layer of snail slime? How about rubbing a banana peel all over your skin? If these don’t sound too appealing, there’s always good old-fashioned Windex. 

These are just some of the unusual treatments that people use to get rid of acne. Hey, whatever works, right?

But when those pesky pimples have disappeared, and you’re ready to breathe a sigh of relief, it’s time to deal with the aftermath of your breakout. The only thing worse than acne is acne scarring.

If you’ve tried everything to get rid of your acne scars and they still won’t budge, it might be time to consider laser treatments. Keep reading, and we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the best way to treat acne scars. 

What Are Acne Scars? 

Acne is the most common skin condition in the US, affecting over 50 million people a year. Although it’s common, it’s still a  pretty tough skin condition to deal with. There’s a lot of stigma and shame attached to this chronic inflammatory condition, especially for young folks. The good news is, there are tons of treatments available for tackling acne.

However, depending on how bad your acne is, you’re probably going to have some scarring once the inflammation dies down. Scars occur when the skin is damaged and must form a protein, known as collagen, to regenerate. Collagen can often form noticeably, and this is where scars come in. 

Skin is particularly vulnerable to scarring if it is sensitive, your acne is severe, or you have picked or squeezed your pimples. 

Types of Acne Scars

Different types of scarring require different types of treatment, so before you get started, you need to know which type you’re dealing with. Acne scars can be separated into three different groups: depressed scars, raised scars, and dark spots.

Depressed Scars

Otherwise known as atrophic scars, this type of scarring is characterized by its sunken appearance in the skin. These scars are formed when not enough collagen is produced to heal your skin damage. Atrophic scarring can be further broken down into three different types.

Boxcar scars are wide, irregular-shaped scars that can be shallow or deep. They sink into the skin and vary in color. Ice pick scars are sharp little crater-like scars sunken into the skin. Finally, rolling scars are aptly named for their rolling mountain-like appearance in affected areas. 

Raised Scars 

More scientifically known as hypertrophic scars, these scars are more raised in appearance. The problem here is a little too much collagen is produced during the healing process, so that the skin appears bumpy and discolored. 

Dark Spots

Dark spots don’t really affect the skin’s texture but have more to do with the color. These scars are also less severe than depressed or raised scars. Once a zit calms down, there’s usually a red, purple, or mark that stays around for a while. Luckily, dark spots are the easiest scars to treat. 

How Can Acne Scars Be Treated?

As hard as you try, acne scars can be difficult to cover up. This is why most people opt to get rid of them entirely. The treatment for your acne scars will depend entirely on what type of scarring you have and how severe your scarring is.

Before you begin any treatment for your scarring, your acne must be fully treated. There’s no point treating damaged skin when your skin will only become inflamed again when your acne returns. 

Topical skincare products should help to treat mild scarring and initial inflammation. Soothing ingredients like aloe and lavender are great for minimizing damage. Bonus points if the product contains CBD oil for extra-fast relief that lasts. 

Once you’ve managed to get rid of your acne, you must maintain a proper skincare routine to keep those zits at bay! The specifics will depend on your skin type, but a full skincare routine usually involves a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Invest in a targeted zit treatment for extra stubborn pimples that always seem to reappear, and you’re good to go! 

Lasering Acne Scars 

But what if your scars don’t respond to topical treatment? Don’t panic! This usually occurs with deeper, depressed scarring but is also common with more stubborn raised scars. These types of scars respond best to laser treatment. 

How Do Laser Treatments Work?

Picoway Resolve lasers use advanced laser technology to target the layer of skin under the scarring. This treatment is FDA approved and uses ultra-quick laser pulses to minimize skin damage.

Laser treatments work well for a variety of skin conditions, including sunspots. But when it comes to acne scars, lasers target the damaged cells directly. The laser pulses cause little microscopic wounds, prompting the skin to produce new, healthy cells. Laser treatment also affects collagen production, making it a particularly good choice for atrophic scars.

How Long Does This Treatment Take?

The best thing about laser treatment is that it requires no recovery time and can be completed in a series of sessions lasting between 10 and 15 minutes. While other scarring treatments require a long waiting time and some patience, laser treatments give you smooth, flawless skin in a fraction of the time. Plus, you’ll see results after your first session. 

Are There Any Side Effects?

The idea of microscopic wounds might seem a bit scary, but laser treatment is painless. Side effects usually include a bit of redness and swelling post-session, but these won’t last long. Plus, the results are definitely worth it.

Say Goodbye To Acne Scars Today

Acne scars can sometimes be more annoying than acne itself. Luckily, there are effective treatments for anything from mild discoloration to deep scarring. If you’d like to give laser treatment a try, or you have questions about what this type of treatment can do for you, get in touch today!