Battling acne is challenging, but dealing with the scars it leaves behind can be even more difficult. The marks take months to fade but never disappear completely and can cause self-consciousness and low self-esteem. While some acne scars require professional interventions like lasers, most pimples leave mild scars. The marks often result from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or erythema. Instead of dealing with acne scars, the following tips will help you avoid them.
How to avoid Acne Scars
Acne marks or scars are pitted or raised skin caused by the appearance of pimples. When you have acne, your skin reacts by producing collagen fibers to repair the affected areas. However, if the collagen is not enough, it causes pitted scars, and too much collagen can cause raised scars. Some of the types of acne marks are:
- Rolling scars: They have a wavy appearance since they are shallow and have smooth edges.
- Boxcar scars: Unlike rolling scars with smooth edges, boxcar scars have sharp edges that leave small imprints on the skin.
- Icepick scars: They are challenging to treat since they leave deep pitted scars on the skin.
- Keloid scars: These raised scars leave red spots on the skin. They may be itchy and irritating to your skin.
6 Ways to Avoid Acne scars
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Avoid Popping Pimples
While it is tempting to pop or pick the pimples on your face, you will only cause additional damage. When you break a pimple, the oil and bacteria spread on your skin. Apart from leaving an open wound, the bacteria can spread deeper into the dermis and worsen the inflammation or create more pimples. You will also interfere with the healing process of your skin, leading to scars. If you cannot resist the urge to pick on your acne, look for hydrocolloid bandages that will speed up the healing process.
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Treat Acne Breakouts
Acne breakouts can spread fast if you don’t get the situation under control immediately. Therefore, you should visit a doctor for acne treatment options as soon as you notice pimples. If you reduce the spread of acne, the marks will disappear faster. Apart from over-the-counter medication, you can find homemade solutions that will prevent future breakouts. In addition, lifestyle changes like drinking more water and changing your diet can also reduce the frequency of breakouts.
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Reduce inflammation
Inflamed pimples usually leave scars compared to non-inflamed blackheads. When acne breaks out, your primary goal is to minimize inflammation and avoid irritation on your skin. You should use mild facial creams to avoid messing with sensitive skin. Additionally, be gentle when washing your face or applying skincare products. You can also find topical spot treatments that reduce swelling.
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Don’t Pick at Scabs
As pimples disappear, the skin forms a natural bandage (scab) that protects the wounded area during healing. You should avoid removing the scab from the wound and allow your skin to heal slowly. Picking the scab off your wound prolongs the healing process and increases the chances of infection. You are also more likely to get scars.
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Wear Sunscreen
If you are prone to pimples, ensure you wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the intense rays of the sun. Damage from the sun can darken the scars, making it challenging to reduce the marks. If you wear sunscreen every day, acne scars that develop will be less noticeable, and you can protect your skin from damage.
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Stay Hydrated
A moisturized skin gives you a healthy appearance and speeds up the recovery process after an acne breakout. Drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer makes the existing scars less noticeable since it unifies your texture and skin tone. You should also limit hot showers and activities that dry out your skin.
Most acne treatment options reduce pimple outbreaks, but you need to make lifestyle changes for a lasting solution and minimal scarring. Changing your diet and having a healthy lifestyle like getting adequate sleep and exercising can also reduce scarring.
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