BLEMISH-FREE SKIN
A HOST OF ADVANCED TREATMENT OPTIONS AND HERBAL REMEDIES ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP GET RID OF ACNE SCARS
A host of advanced treatment options and herbal remedies are available to help get rid of acne scars
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions being treated on a daily basis. Around the world, it is said to attack one out of every five people.
Amira Nassar, laser and skincare specialist at Dubai Cosmetic Surgery Clinic says, “While some people find themselves lucky enough to have their acne disappear the moment they cross the puberty bridge, there are those who are not so fortunate. They end up carrying the skin condition way into adulthood; or there are those who get it when they are adults. Acne can be treated, but in some cases it ends up leaving a stark reminder on the skin, which is commonly known as acne scarring.
“Most acne scars are either a dark mark or a deep scar, which is quite difficult to outgrow or get rid of, leaving most women investing in full cover foundations just to hide them. Whatever has led to the acne scarring, be it a habit of picking up your pimples or simply genetics, they will always remain unwelcome. The
great news is that you can get rid of the scarring either through lasers and tailor-made skin treatments, or through do-ityourself natural home remedies.’’
Amira lists a few treatments and home remedies for readers of Panorama.
Mesotherapy
This is a skin treatment procedure that involves controlled injections into the target area to infuse the skin with vitamins and minerals so as to stimulate collagen and elastin. This in turn lightens and smoothens out the acne scarring. Mesotherapy is recommended for basic cases of acne scarring, and takes between 45 minutes to an hour.
Radio Frequency Microneedling Commonly known as RF Microneedling, the treatment uses a grid of insulated microneedles that pierce the epidermis into the dermal layer, and deliver controlled radio frequency pulses into the tissue. This stimulates the body to actively produce elastin and collagen at a deeper level because it targets deep scarring. The result is a tighter and smoother skin. Depending on each case, several sessions might be needed to completely treat the deep acne scars.
Radio Frequency with PRP Therapy
This treatment is a combination of radio frequency lasers and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). It involves skin resurfacing with lasers and then the PRP applied afterwards to enhance the efficiency of the treatment and the recovery process. PRP is known to be rich in growth factors which stimulate stem cells, and in return they repair damaged tissues like in the case of acne scars.
Chemical Peels
These include Glycolic and TCA (trichloroacetic acid) skin peels, which work by simply peeling off the damaged top layer of the skin, and are used to improve conditions like acne scarring and skin hyperpigmentation. Green Peel
This is a natural and herbal peel that works by massaging green herbs containing enzymes, vitamins and minerals into the skin. After a few days, the top layer of the skin starts to peel off, leaving behind a clear and even skin tone.
Home remedies
Yogurt: Natural yogurt contains azelaic acid that works by fighting post-inflammatory pigmentation by enhancing faster turnover of new skin cells. Caution should be taken when it comes to active acne because it’s not advisable to use in that case.
Honey, Lemon and Yogurt: Honey contains antibiotic agents which minimises breakouts, while lemon has citric acid which reduces oil production, redness and lightens the skin tone. These three combined into a face mask can help improve acne scars. It, however, should not be applied on active acne, and sun exposure should be avoided.
Yeast: This ingredient is rich in several minerals including selenium, which works wonders when it comes to repairing damaged skin cells. Simply mix the yeast with water into a paste and apply on the affected area. Rinse after 10 minutes.
Oat Scrub: Oats are a good exfoliator in addition to absorbing excess oil from acne-prone skin. When mixed with yogurt, which contains azelaic acid, makes it into a great mask that helps improve acne scarring.
Strawberries: Prepare a paste by crushing them and mixing with a little corn flour and yogurt then use it to scrub the face. This will not only get rid of the top damaged skin, it will also make the skin tighter.
“If you prefer to do the laser and skin treatments, it is advisable to choose a licensed skincare therapist or dermatologist with experience on the skin problem, “says Amira. “When it comes to home remedies, you should stay away from ingredients you are allergic to. Also do a patch test on your arm before applying the remedy on the target area.’’