Pockmarks are one type of acne scars that are quite deep on the skin. Generally, these acne scars do not go away on their own. So, how to get rid of pockmarked acne scars for a smooth face again? Let's look at the facts here.
Is there a way to get rid of acne scars?
If you have a pockmark, which is a scar that looks sunken, like a hole or indentation of the skin, it means that the inner layers of the skin have been damaged. One of the causes of this condition is the habit of squeezing pimples that appear.
Actually, there are various ways that can be done to remove pockmarked acne scars, ranging from treatments from doctors to natural ingredients. Here's the list.
1. Chemical peels
One way that is quite popular in removing pockmarked acne scars is chemical peeling. This procedure with a chemical solution applied to the face works by exfoliating the skin to reduce scar tissue.
Generally, each peeling session will use a different chemical liquid. However, the main ingredients of the treatment performed by this dermatologist are glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
Both types of acid have been claimed to be effective in reducing acne scars, whether inflamed or not. This is evidenced by research from the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery.
The study reports that the glycolic acid in this treatment is safe, especially for darker skin types. On the other hand, salicylic acid provides the added advantage of providing a whitening effect.
In addition to salicylic acid and glycolic acid, there are a variety of other acidic fluids used in chemical peels, including:
- pyruvic acid, and
- trichloroacetic acid.
Therefore, chemical peels are said to be effective as a way to get rid of perforated acne scars. Even so, keep in mind that this procedure does not completely remove acne scars.
2. Acne scar removal cream
In addition to chemical peels, specialist doctors may also suggest acne scar removal creams as a way to get rid of pockmarks. Actually, even without a doctor's prescription, you can buy pock-removing creams over the counter at pharmacies.
The way this cream works is quite simple, which is to moisturize the skin and reduce symptoms, such as itching and redness. Unfortunately, pock-removal creams can take months to years for maximum results.
Therefore, it is important for you to choose the type of cream that is suitable for human skin type and is safe for removing acne scars.
The good news, there are some masks that contain ingredients like in this cream, such as Centella asiatica. Centella asiatica is a herbal plant that contains active substances, such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic.
These compounds are believed to help relieve irritation and repair the damaged outer layer of the skin. If you are in doubt, you should consult with your doctor to find out what kind of cream can help get rid of the pockmark.
3. Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is one of the most effective ways to get rid of acne scars. The doctor or beautician will usually use a type of small, fine wire that rotates to lift the top layer of skin deeper.
During the recovery period, the skin will be covered with a new, smoother layer. It aims to replace skin damaged by pockmarks. This procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the size of the pockmark that requires treatment.
Dermabrasion is more ogled by people because it helps create an even appearance on the skin. However, the effect will not be seen instantly because it takes 10 days to 3 weeks.
This acne scar pock treatment should be done by a dermatologist because an improper procedure can cause new scars.
How is it different from microdermabrasion?
While dermabrasion rubs the skin layer with a fine wire, microdermabrasion is performed with an abrasive, such as tiny crystals of bicarbonate or aluminum oxide.
This method is considered quite effective on pockmarked acne scars whose surface is not too wide. Although classified as safe, microdermabrasion can cause side effects when it is done regularly.
4. Laser resurfacing
Basically, laser resurfacing (laser therapy) is the same as dermabrasion and chemical peels, which removes the epidermis and tightens the middle layer of the skin.
It's just that, how to deal with this one pockmark uses a laser which promises a faster healing time.
Laser therapy is also useful for stimulating skin regeneration in acne scars. The condition is that you have to keep the area of the face covered with a bandage for 3-10 days so that the skin fully recovers.
5. Dermal filler
One treatment that is often recommended as a way to get rid of acne scars is dermal filler. Dermal filler is a facial injection procedure to lift a pockmarked wound so that it is level with the original skin.
This method, called filling the skin by patching holes, uses certain compounds, such as hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite.
The results of dermal fillers are temporary. However, this procedure usually lasts from several months to several years, depending on the product used.
Although fairly fast and effective, this method of removing pockmarks has several risks, such as:
- skin irritation
- skin infections
- allergic reaction
Therefore, always consult with a dermatologist or beautician before choosing derma filler as an acne scar treatment.
6. Microneedling
As one way to treat skin to stay young, microneedling is also often used to remove pockmarked acne scars. This procedure is done to produce more collagen in the perforated acne scars.
The way this therapy works is to pierce the skin that has healed so that the skin produces more collagen to fill the pockmarked acne scars. If it is filled, the pockmark will be more disguised.
Normally, microneedling will need to be repeated every few weeks. Experts recommend patients to undergo this therapy every two to six weeks. Results are usually seen within the next nine months.
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7. Facial skin graft
Did you know that it turns out that facial skin can be grafted and can be done to get rid of acne scars? This procedure, which is performed by doctors, aims to fill in the gaps in the face with a small piece of healthy skin tissue.
Generally, the skin to be taken comes from the skin behind the ear. Besides helping to treat acne scars, this technique can also be used as a follow-up treatment after dermabrasion. This applies when dermabrasion leaves a hole effect on facial skin.