Be we are not up to date or misguided,  most people pass off their acne as a growing stage.  Teenagers and their parents are especially responsible for this.  Albeit that changing hormones teenagers experience do contribute to acne, it is no excuse to let it ride without caring for it. In fact, left untreated, or repeatedly squeezed,  acne eruptions can become infected by bacteria.  These infections form cysts that lead to scarring.  Acne is bad enough, but to live with scars for the rest of your life is not a choice anyone wants.

Acne scarring is more wide spread that we know.  The count is staggering, with over twelve million Americans suffering from scars.  Of course these are varying in degree,  some people may have mild scarring, but some people are left with horrendous disfigurement of the skin on their face.

Acne, even a minimal case of acne, can cause scarring which leave lifelong scars.  But it just isn’t the impact of the  physical appearance that is traumatic, it is the deep adverse psychological effects that have the most sweeping consequences. Physical scarring itself represents only a small part of the damage.  Acne scarring is disfiguring  physically and emotionally.

Scarring generally occurs when the sebaceous gland and the surrounding area is repeatedly infected. As the bacteria fill the pore, the body’s immune system receives a message that there is an injury to be repaired.  The immune system works hard to repair the damage, but in doing so, creates scar tissue. Adding insult to  injury, further bacteria and damage is introduced when picking or popping or constant touching  occurs.

Sometimes acne scarring can’t be avoided, People prone to severe acne are bound to form some scars, however there are measures they can take to minimize, if not prevent acne scarring.

There are some particular recommendations to follow.

  • •     Practice a twice a day gentle cleaning routine.Shower after you exercise. This helps clean pores of the oil that can build up with sweating.
  • •    keep your hair clean and away from your face.  The oils in the hair, and the chemicals in the styling products can wreck havoc on your skin.
  • While sunlight is good for the skin, direct exposure to the sun is harmful without some sort of protection. Unprotected exposure to the sun causes more skin damage and delays healing. It is important to wear a good sunscreen at all times.
  • Give your skin some help.  Using proven medicated  acne  creams to  speed up the skin’s healing process.  Acne creams are inexpensive and work well to control the severity of acne. Your local drug store will have a extensive assortment of lotions, creams, wipes or ointments that are available in different sizes and strengths.
  • Don’t pick, squeeze, pop, or touch your blemishes. Avoid it at all costs! Squeezing lesions introduces more bacteria, potentially re-infecting the area.  Leave any scabs that  are formed in place.  While they look ugly, scabs are form to protect the healing process that is going on underneath them. Pulling a scab off before it is ready,  interferes with the healing, prolonging the healing time.   It doesn’t matter how clean your hands are.  Keep them away from your acne.

Once you have acne scars,  it is difficult to get rid of them without professional help. There are some topical skin care products and medications that can improve mild scarring, However, it may not be enough. Dermatologist have many treatments at their arsenal to reduce acne scarring. Options range from chemical peels and microdermabrasion to laser therapy or surgery. Advancements in medical treatment for acne scarring has made these procedures very effective, and the changes in the appearance of the scars can be dramatic.

Few if us get away without some form of acne.  The best recommendation for the treatment of acne scarring is prevention.  Take care of your skin, and follow the recommendations listed above.  Scarring can be avoided for the most part.  However, some of us are left to with acne scars despite all of the best efforts. If you do have acne scars, then don’t hesitate to get professional treatment.  In today’s age, with the acne scar treatments that are available, no one has to be go through live disfigured.