The Best Treatments To Get Rid of Acne Scars

Acne is every teen’s nightmare, and acne can sometimes even extend into adulthood. But long after Official link pimples clear up and the redness and irritation are gone, some of us carry unwanted reminders: scarring. Unsightly scars left behind from acne can be tough to bear.

But whether your acne scars are raised or sunken, there are several good ways to mask or minimize them — think laser resurfacing, chemical peels and microneedling.

“I’m always amazed at how much healing the skin can do once you get the inflammation under control,” says dermatologist Amy Kassouf, MD.

Dr. Kassouf explains the best acne scar treatments that are available and how they can help minimize your acne scars.

Best acne scar treatments
Acne is a common skin condition affecting about 80% of those between the ages of 11 and 30 at some point. It can be on your face, chest, back and shoulders. It may seem like the irritation will never go away, but it does. When it goes away, you may be left with acne scars.

Although it’s not possible to get rid of your acne scars quickly, it’s never too late to treat them. Teenage patients may have to wait until their early 20s before undergoing treatment to make sure there’s little risk of future acne flare-ups.

While there are plenty of over-the-counter products that claim to improve a scar’s texture, color and appearance, there’s no real way to get rid of acne scars naturally and at home. Over-the-counter products may include the following ingredients:

Alpha hydroxy acids.
Lactic acids.
Retinoids.
Salicylic acid.

But your best bet is to consult a dermatologist. First, they’ll focus on getting your acne under control. The fewer breakouts you have, the fewer scars you’ll get. And the good news is that not all acne scars are permanent.

When your doctor turns attention to the scars your acne has left behind, they’ll typically explore the following treatment options.