Acne is a real pain in the ass for everyone. There are very few people who can boast of never having suffered from this dermatological problem, not even in their teens, and there is another group of people who suffer from it constantly and intensely to the point that not only do they suffer from the appearance of pimples, but also from its sequels, which to a lesser extent are blemishes and, when more serious, scars.

Removing acne scars can be complicated depending on the level of depth left in the skin, so it is best to prevent their appearance. But if the scars are already there and we want to remove them, there are a series of resources we can try to make the marks disappear or be much more concealed.

8 treatments to remove acne scars

Severe acne also tends to leave marks on the skin, in addition to the momentary blemishes that remain after the pimple has disappeared. These spots can be treated with home remedies and creams to make them fade quickly, but deep scars need more consistency and specific products to help regenerate the skin .

1. Sodium Bicarbonate

If the damage consists only of a spot or a slight scar, applying baking soda may be enough to remove a mark of acne. Simply make a paste of baking soda, water and lemon drops. Apply it every night to the scars , leave it on for 20 minutes and remove with cold water.

It is important that it is applied only at night, because the lemon in combination with the sun’s rays can stain the skin.

As mentioned, baking soda can help not only with blemishes but also to remove mild acne marks because it stimulates the production of collagen , which is what helps restore the skin.

2. Aloe Vera gel mask

The properties of Aloe Vera are excellent to hydrate and reduce inflammation , so that by reducing inflammation, they reduce the coloration of blemishes caused by acne while relieving and refreshing allowing the regeneration of the skin.

To apply, take an aloe vera leaf, open it in half and take the gelatinous extract. Apply it to the scars, leave it on for 30 minutes and remove it with warm water. It can be used every day to remove marks caused by acne.

3. Honey

Another natural ingredient that is efficient in removing blemishes and reducing scars on the face is honey. It contains many antioxidants , which help regenerate the skin and remove dead cells, it is moisturizing, cleansing and softening. Simply apply pure bee honey with a clean spatula to the scars, leave it to act for 20 minutes and remove with warm water.

The most important thing about home remedies is constancy , and it is important to remember that it is better to prevent the appearance of acne spots and scars, but if they have already appeared, these home recommendations will work very well for minor injuries.

4. Collagen creams

When acne marks are severe or have been present for a long time, the treatments required are more specialized and preferably prescribed by a dermatologist who will help us see faster and more effective results.

One of the first options usually recommended by dermatologists are creams that promote collagen formation. They are also ideal for teenagers who are at the peak of their blackheads and pimples to avoid deep and permanent scars.

A dermatologist will be able to diagnose what type of cream and how often it should be used to remove acne scars.

5. Peeling

Another of the most complex dermatological treatments is acid peeling. It consists of applying acidic substances to the skin where the marks are located.

The skin flakes off giving way to a new layer of firmer and smoother skin. This treatment is very effective in making acne scars disappear completely, but only if they are not too old and still have time to heal .

This treatment should be applied to mature skin where there are no longer any pimples.

6. Plasma injection

By applying injections of the person’s own blood and plasma, this treatment that requires being performed by a dermatologist has excellent results. This alternative should be recommended by an aesthetician or dermatologist , since it is not really common to apply it to acne scars. However, it can be a good alternative for people who for different reasons cannot undergo other treatments.

7. Laser

This treatment has become popular for its effectiveness. The therapist places the laser on each scar and emits shots that can be uncomfortable or painful. The laser causes an alteration of the collagen fibres , so in the third session you will perceive smooth skin and almost free of acne scars. The result is also long-lasting.

Laser application should be performed by a dermatologist or therapist specializing in the technique to avoid skin damage or burns.

8. Micro-needles

It consists of passing a small roller full of small needles in a row over the whole area affected by acne scars. These needles penetrate the skin causing microscopic wounds that when healing form new skin because it promotes the increase of collagen fibres in the injured skin. This treatment is for people with mild or moderate damage.

This alternative can be done at home by purchasing the roller and following the instructions; however, it is recommended that a dermatologist guide the treatment.

Bibliographic references:

  • Proksch E., Brandner, J.M., Jensen J.M. (2008). “The skin: an indispensable barrier.” Exp Dermatol. 17 (12): pp. 1063 – 72.