When you get a breakout, it settles down in a week leaving the skin problem-free without any mark or blemish. However, it’s not always that easy especially if you are dealing with adult acne. Those unwanted pimples leave behind pesky scars that sit on the skin as an ugly reminder of those stubborn zits. The good news is that not all scars are permanent and with the right products and skincare routine, they can be handled at home without any in-clinic treatment.  

What causes these scars? Sometimes the base of the hair follicle gets inflamed, stimulating the cells called fibroblasts. The scar tissues, which contain three types of collagens and are located under the skin, get deposited on the surface resulting in a scar. Simply put, this time your pimple healed in a different way which is rigid and without any structure like hair follicle or sweat gland.  There are three types of scars–one which flattens after some time and are easiest to clear, the second ones are those which develop white heads, and the third type of scar is deeper into the skin, with cystic acne and are raised and brown in colour. 

Spot Treatment 

If you are struggling with acne marks, make sure to consult a dermatologist as these can only be treated using medical creams which come with lightening agents like azelaic and kojic acid. These spot treatment creams are usually prescribed by a dermatologist according to the severity of the problem and skin type. Products with ingredients like salicylic acid can help reduce inflammation and swelling that can help minimise the appearance of scars while also preventing any other breakout. AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid also help deal with the condition. These actives are mild exfoliating agents, they help speed up the cell turnover resulting in speedy takeover of new cells for an even toned skin. However, make sure that you get a skincare routine prescribed by a dermatologist that not only includes the use of actives but after care as well.  

In-Clinic Treatments 

Depending on the severity of scars, you can also go for a microdermabrasion treatment in a clinic by a trained aesthetician or a board-certified dermatologist. This can be taken once a month or as prescribed. This helps in getting rid of the top layer of the skin called epidermal and reducing the intensity of acne and acne scars. Depending on the type of acne scar, treatments like fillers and lasers can be taken that help flatten and fade the marks. 

At-Home Care

A proper at-home routine can help fade the marks to an extent. Make sure to exfoliate the skin regularly, however be careful if you have active acne and dry skin. Use an anti-blemish serum followed by a moisturiser to keep the hydrated, strong enough to fight the marks. Make sure to use actives only at night with proper moisturisation and sunscreen the next day.

Preventive Measures

If you have acne or breakout, try not to use harsh products on the skin and do not pick the pimple. These habits result in acne scars which are difficult to get rid of later. Make sure to not go for any salon treatments during this time unless approved by your doctor. Also, make sure not to overdo the acne medication. Over application of spot treatment creams will not get faster results and can be counterproductive.