How to Get Rid of Acne Scars, According to Dermatologists
The Best Way to Treat Acne Scars, According to 3 Skin-Care Experts
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When in doubt, see a dermatologist. Dr. Guanche recommends a pulse dye layer for superficial red scars. "VBeam is best to reduce the redness and remodel collagen," she said. For indented scars, you can commit to pro-grade microneedling, fraxel resurfacing, fillers (which are injected to plump up skin and fill the scar), chemical peels (for collagen buildup to fill texture scars from within), or radiofrequency microneedling.
All three experts agree that controlling and treating acne is the first step. Otherwise, you may just be chasing more scars. "Use a nourishing oil cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and grime, then use a face wash to deeply cleanse," Dr. Engleman said. It's also important to focus on hydrating the skin to promote a healthy skin barrier that is less vulnerable to acne.
Again, as tempting as it is, the best advice to prevent scarring is not to pick pimples. "Picking worsens the problem and increases the risk of scarring," Dr. Guanche said. Instead of picking, you can apply a targeted spot treatment, or better yet, spot patches to help you fight the urge.
The second best line of defence is to wear sunscreen no matter what. "SPF will help fade the scars and prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation," Worden said.