Effective Treatments For Acne Scars and Marks

Acne is an itchy and uncomfortable skin disorder which is aptly described by dermatologists as a disorder of the hair follicles or pores. This skin condition is often characterized by the the formation of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, zits or cysts on the face, back, chest or neck areas. The development of acne varies form mild to very extreme cases. Acne also causes a great deal of scarring. Here are some of the effective for acne scars and marks.

Acne Is The Most Prevalent Skin Disorder Today

The American Academy of Dermatology agrees that acne, or acne vulgaris, is the most common skin disorder today. Acne occurs when excess oil and dead skin cells get trapped in the skins hair follicles or pores, and this creates a plug within the pore or follicle. Once the clogging progresses, bacteria invade these areas, and the follicle wall ruptures within the dermis, inflaming the area and reddening it as well. Some severe acne cases sometimes also lead to the development of deeper lesions and scars.

Acne Scars Are A Blight On The Body

The scars created by acne are like a double punishment of sorts, because while you were forced to deal with the itchiness and discomfort of the pimples, after that you'll also need to deal with the remaining marks as well. Some acne scars feature a gradual dip or depression, which are often called "rolling scars", while some are deep and narrow, and others feature a wave-like appearance.

How To Treat Mild & Severe Acne Scars

If you have mild or shallow acne scars, your doctor or dermatologists may probably suggest that you undergo a chemical peel or micro dermabrasion, to effectively remove the appearance of the scarred areas. For moderate to severe scarring, there are other methods for clearing this.

Among the popular methods include laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing involves the use of a laser to remove the damaged top layer of skin, and tighten the middle layer, to reveal fresh and smoother skin. The procedure often takes from a few minutes to an hour. Dermabrasion is another technique, which involves using a rotating wire brush or spinning diamond instrument to wear down the skin surface. Once the skin heals, a smoother layer should replace the abraded skin. The healing process usually takes from 10 days to 3 weeks.

Fractional laser therapy is also a preferred procedure for removing acne scars. This treatment is much like laser resurfacing, although it works at a much deeper level, and doesn't wound the top layer of tissue.

Most severe cases of acne scarring are often brought about by the formation of nodules, which often leave a deeper and more permanent scar on the skin. The best way for preventing the severe scarring is to treat acne as soon as it develops. Once you spot the growth of nodules, immediately see your doctor or dermatologist for prompt treatment.

Stan Morse is a skin care expert and author, with a 21 year old son and a 15 year old daughter, both with that dreaded Teenage Acne problem. His website, Acne Faqs, provides more detailed information on www.acne-faq.net/articles Treatments for Acne Scars. The Acne report titled "The Natural Way To Get Rid Of Your Acne" and a complete 15-part email course are available, free of charge, at www.acne-faq.net Acne-Faq.net - the course covers not only treatments, but also several other unique tips & tricks for skin care.