scars left by acne

Re: scars left by acne

I have to say, this thread is full of awful advice.

  • Do not apply almond oil (or any other oil) to your skin. You have acne - which means that the pores in your skin are already clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Applying more oil to your skin will just make your acne worse.

  • Do not make an effort to expose yourself to more natural sunlight. Sunlight promotes tanning and darkening of the skin - which will make the dark spots on your face even darker and more prominent. If anything, you should be avoiding sunlight as much as you can.

  • Do not use Bio Oil or any other products containing Vitamin E. Studies have shown that it actually impairs wound healing.

  • Diet, Tea Tree Oil, Vitamin Masks, etc play virtually no role in scar healing.

  • As far as actual treatments are concerned, I'm not sure if Retin A is available in Pakistan, but it's a mild exfoliant that will gradually smoothen the texture of your skin and make pitted scars less visible. Chemical peels are also an option, but I would consult with a reputable cosmetic dermatologist first, because the acids used to have the potential to burn your skin and leave more scars.

Re: scars left by acne

^Janab, I'm still unsure of some treatments. I have the fortune of being on a another forum with one of USA's most prominent electrologists. People asking what they can do to heal electrolysis or acne scars is routine. He personally swears by a good diet and vitamin C masks.

There is a reasonable amount of literature on high dose vitamin C as a treatment for many problems.

As a physician, I disagree. There is no convincing evidence that applying vitamin C to your skin will improve the appearance of acne scars. We generally recommend chemical peels and Retin A to our patients.

Re: scars left by acne

janab_e_ali has some good pointers. also, i've heard that Vitamin E oil helps with marks on your skin but I haven't personally tried it. someone also mentioned aloe vera; either natural or in a gel form - it really helps!

I was going to suggest that as well :)

Re: scars left by acne

I was prescribed retin A for very mild scars.. but then i read on many forums that it left people with more scars and more breakouts (initial breakout).. I being clear now, didn't want to go back to the breakout stage again.

For one month now, ive been taking vitamin C 500mg (worked wonders in lessening the red marks and hyperpigemenation), eat lots of green vegetables, oranges, grape fruit. What i would say is that diet, vitamins, minerals helps a lot with skin problems. I may go for a dermabrasion, peel or IPL later.

Re: scars left by acne

AGREED

If u have acne and oily skin, please don't use any oils or oil-based moisturizer use water-based formula's instead.

The act of massaging Vitamin E oil helps distribute melanin which helps lighten/fade scars (not to be used if u have flared acne)

Tea tree oil will help active acne and not scars. Chemical, glycolic/AHA peels and sessions of microderm may lighten marks.

Retin A and HQ (4% with inbuilt-sunscreen) will help too. Use u're sunblock 20mins prior to stepping-out

Re: scars left by acne

4 scars time is the best healer................. lols

I agree.. give a year for the scars to fade after ur acne has cleared up!

Re: scars left by acne

is taking vitamin c in that higher dose ok for red marks if pregnant......and what about applying it?CAN I just crush vit c tablets and apply on face?

Re: scars left by acne

Again...Vitamin E has been shown to delay wound healing. We strongly discourage patients from using it for scars.

Vitamin E penetrates the skin and interferes with free radicals that may delay wound healing..but it massaging it helps distribute the melanin and for acne scars.