Acne Scar Removal

There are four major types of acne scar which affect acne sufferers in a major way. They are, in order of regularity: ice pick scars; boxcar scars; rolling scars and hypertrophic or keloid scars. The most common of these is the ice pick scar, it is not difficult to work out how this kind of scar got its name – in short, it looks as though the sufferer has been attacked with an ice pick or a similarly sharp, thin instrument. Ice pick scars are characterised by their depth and their narrowness. Some people say that ice pick scars look like a hyper-large open pore.

The way that an ice pick scar is formed explains its unique appearance. Usually a result of cystic acne, the scar develops after a cyst, or other rooted, inflamed blemish works its way up from the inner layers of dermis. Al the skin tissue in its path, and nothing else, is effectively burrowed away, leaving behind this long and deep scar. If seen as a cross-section diagram, an ice pick scar looks like a deep, narrow ravine.

Treatment is available to improve the appearance of ice pick scars, if not remove the scarring entirely. The most popular metjhod of treatment is a form of surgery known as punch excision. A small tool is pressed into the skin like a cookie-cutter in order to pull away individual scars. The wound, scarcely any wider than the original scar, is then closed using surgical stitches or skin glue. Once it has healed, the skin looks a great deal more normal.

Although not as common as ice pick scars, nor as pronounced, box car scars are a familiar type of acne scar, most frequently found after an inflammatory acne breakout. In comparison with ice pick scars, box car scars are a good deal wider and though not quite as deep as ice pick scars they do give the skin a somewhat pitted appearance. Usually a box car scar will be round or oval in shape and have steep sides. They are recognisable for the amount of tissue that is removed to make them.

The box car scar is created when an inflammatory breakout of acne strikes, destroying some of the collagen which gives facial skin its rubbery, flexible texture. Where the tissue is effectively burned away by the inflammation, the skin is left without support and develops a sunken look. There is no set level of severity for a box car scar, and it is recognised purely by its shape. They can consequently be fairly superficial or very severe depending on the severity of the breakout and the amount of tissue destroyed.

To treat a box car scar, it is possible to use punch excision, although the nature of that form of surgery is more suited to ice pick scars. Instead, punch elevation is a more frequent choice for surgeons. This style of surgery involves cutting out the base of the scar and lifting (or elevating) it to a point where it is level with the surrounding skin. It is then held in place using surgical sutures until it heals, leaving the skin looking much less pitted.

Although the majority of scarring caused by acne, particularly facial breakouts, falls into the categories of ice pick or box car scarring, there are other forms of scar which can afflict the acne sufferer. One of the two other major forms of scar is the rolling scar, which is characterised by a rolling appearance, almost like a wave breaking across the skin. The skin around it will look absolutely normal, which throws the scarring into an ever clearer view. It is a form of scarring that causes discomfort and embarrassment.

It is caused when a fibrous band of tissue forms between the top layer of skin and the subcutaneous tissue as a result of weakening of the connection. These fibrous bands exert a pull on the epidermis and cause it to cling to the deeper structures of the skin. The aesthetic result of this pull is that some of the skin appears sunken while that around it is where it would usually be. This creates the familiar, wave-like appearance which, when moving, appears to be as the name would suggest, rolling across the skin.

In order to get rid of rolling scars on the skin, the most popular method of surgery is called subcision. This name comes from the Latin terms “Sub”, meaning underneath and “incisio”, meaning to cut. The practice of subcision involves cutting underneath the skin’s surface and inserting a needle which is used to cut out the fibrous tissue that his holding down the top layer of skin when this is done, the epidermis is freed and able to move independently.

Among the many types of acne scar that can be found regularly among sufferers, the hypertrophic scar is unique in that it is rarely found on the face of a sufferer. It is also rare in that it is not seen where tissue has been eaten away by a breakout of acne, but rather where there has been extra tissue created. A hypertrophic scar – taken from the term “hypertrophy” which means an increase in the size of an organ due to overgrowth of cells – actually stands out from the skin rather than being sunken into it.

Most usually, hypertrophic scars are to be found on the torso of a male sufferer and look like a raised, firm bump of tissue. Often, a hypertrophic scar will grow larger than the original wound and they happen as the result of an overproduction of collagen, the tissue that allows our skin to be flexible enough that we can manipulate it easily. Hypertrophic scars are often confused with “Keloid” scars. Keloid scars routinely overgrow the area of the original injury, and may affect the ability to move the skin in the area where they grow.

In order to treat a hypertrophic or Keloid scar, cortisone is injected into the affected area, shrinking and flattening the scar tissue area. The shrinking and removal of this scar tissue is also aided by a softening process involving the injection of Interferon. If you suffer a hypertrophic scar and cannot fund the surgery, it may not be that big a deal – they often decrease in size and improve in appearance over a short time.

It is difficult to find a commercial product that will cure acne or even clear it up for a prolonged period. If you can prevent acne from growing on your skin in the first place, this is a far more effective way of dealing with the issue. There are numerous things you can do to aid this, and some of the most effective of these are as follows:

• Wash your face twice a day. Do not scrub, and do not use a harsh cleanser. These practices will simply cause your acne to get worse instead of better.
• Wash towels and pillowcases regularly. These can harbor bacteria and are regularly close to your skin.
• Get regular exercise. This increases blood circulation and allows your skin to get a regular supply of oxygen. This is a doubly good way to prevent acne, as it is a stress reliever.
• After the exercise, take a shower. Sweat is one of the major causes of grime which can get trapped in pores and cause acne
• Keep your hair clean and away from your face, especially while you are sleeping. The hair catches all manner of grime simply by being so dense, and also has its own natural oil supply. For the same reason, try to avoid using gels which will replicate the oils you are trying to minimise around your face.
• Drink plenty of water. This helps detoxify the body and hydrates the skin, which allows dead skin to fall away and be replaced by smooth, blemish-free skin.

Acne is a tremendously embarrassing and burdensome problem. It is easy to feel that you don’t have control over your breakouts. But the fact is, you do. Now, your first response may be to assume that I’m going to recommend you see your dermatologist. Well, think again. Natural remedies can be just as effective and medications. Possibly more powerful. Sometimes, all your body needs is the right nutritional balance and proper skin care. Here are some easy things you can start doing today to help you heal your acne. You should notice a difference in about 4 weeks.

Apply a honey mask to your face once or twice a week – Honey has antibacterial properties so it is great for disinfecting and healing minor blemishes. It is also gentle on sensitive skin.

Wash twice a day with acne soap – You should wash your face twice a day with a sulfur based soap designed for acne. Once when you first wake up in the morning and then, right before you go to bed at night. Be extremely gentle to your skin when washing – do not scrub or use any sort of rough cloth. Overwashing your skin will actually stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, thus increasing your acne.

Keep your hair off your face – If you have long hair or bangs, pull your hair off your face. Your hair contains oils as well, and will contribute to your breakouts. You’ll also want to wash your hair everyday and after workouts

Take a potent multi-vitamin – Acne can be a sign that something is wrong on the inside. Your skin depends on nutrition. It is a vital organ that is usually neglected. If your body is not receiving the right nutrition, it will fight back. One common way it will rebel is to produce excessive sebum, clogging pores, and reducing the ability for your skin to heal and fight bacteria (see Acne Prevention Vitamins)

Include chromium in your diet – Chromium is well known for weight loss diets. But it is also excellent for healing infections on the skin. Taking a chromium supplement once a day will help heal your pimples quickly and prevent future breakouts.

Eat carrots for beta-carotene (Vitamin A) – Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and actually prevents acne. It helps reduce sebum production. This vitamin is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins. Did you know that a deficiency in vitamin A can actually cause acne?

Avoid wearing makeup – Leaving makeup products on your skin only contributes to clogging your pores, causing more pimples and blackheads. If you feel you must wear makeup, be sure it is water-based.

Do not pick or squeeze your blackheads and pimples – As tempting as it may be, do not squeeze, scratch, rub or touch your pimples and blackheads. Do any of these actions, actually increases the sebum production. Plus, when you squeeze, you are actually rupturing the membranes below your skin, causing infection and sebum to spread underneath your skin. The result is more pimples.

Wash your pillow case every other day – Your face lays on your pillow case every day. Your pillow case absorbs the oils from your skin and reapplies the dirt and oil. Thus causing breakouts. Keep your sheets and pillow cases clean.

Eat foods rich in zinc – Zinc is an antibacterial agent and a necessary element in the oil-producing glands of the skin. A diet low in zinc can actually cause acne breakouts.

Question: Does Drinking Water Help Prevent Acne?
Will drinking eight glasses of water each day keep my face clear?
Answer: The answer is no. Drinking water sounds good in theory, which is likely why the belief that our bodies need eight glasses of water daily continues to perpetuate. But the idea that drinking eight glasses of water is essential for having clear skin and good health is not accurate. This widely accepted reasoning has been debunked by the scientific community because there is no evidence to back it up.

Factors that Contribute to Acne
Factors that can affect acne outbreaks include stress, hormone imbalances, and digestive disorders.
Drinking Water is Still Important
Since we don’t have to keep track of our daily water consumption or feel guilty for not drinking enough water this doesn’t mean water should be eliminated from our diets. It is still important to drink water. Water is one of the four basic elements afterall. Obviously, for anyone desiring a healthier diet, water would be the preferred beverage choice over caffeinated drinks or high-fructose sodas. Go ahead and reach for the water bottle or turn on the water faucet to treat yourself to a refreshing glass of water whenever you’re thirsty.

Note: If your primary concern is dehydration it is important not to neglect your body’s exterior needs. You might like to explore different types of facial treatments to moisturize your face and skin.

Treat irritating skin eruptions (blemishes, pimples, blackheads, cysts, pustules, folliculitis, furnuncles) the natural way. Our bodies respond quite nicely to natural remedies. Pamper your skin with herbal salves and poultices. Clear your complection by drinking herbal teas to treat yourself.

Natural Remedies

Strawberries/Strawberry Leaves – Used in a poultice are recommended as an herbal remedy for acne. Egyptians discovered that applying wetted strawberry leaves improved the complexion.
Dandelion – Useful in treating acne, eczema and psoriasis
Natural Facial Masks
Zinc Supplements

Herbal Tea Acne Formula
2 parts Red Clover
2 parts Dandelion Root
1 part Echinacea root
1 part Alfalfa leaf
1/2 part Capsicum

These dried herbs are crushed and placed inside capsules or tea bags.

Question: Do Home Remedies for Acne Really Work?
I’ve heard a lot about home remedies for acne, but I’m unsure if I should try them. Do home remedies for acne really work?
Answer:

Many people mean natural when they think “home remedies for acne.” In general, natural treatments aren’t the best choice if you’re trying to clear your skin.

Most herbs, oils, teas, etc. have not been studied extensively for their effectiveness as acne treatments. While there are a few alternative remedies that have shown promise, most natural home remedies for acne fall short.

But there are home remedies for acne that are effective and still don’t require a trip to the doctor’s office. Over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur are great home remedies for acne.

So depending on the treatments you choose, home remedies for acne can be very helpful. Not every case of acne will respond to home remedies, though, so be willing to see your doctor if you aren’t seeing improvement.

How To Prevent Acne and Pimples

Pimples are tiny skin lesions or inflammations of the skin. They usually develop after blackheads or whiteheads become clogged and infected. They may appear as deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) on the face, neck, chest, back and sometimes shoulders.

Before we begin to learn about how to prevent acne and pimples it is important to understand how pimples are formed.
Acne sebaceous gland follicles

There are oil glands on our chest, face and back numbering in the thousands. In fact, between the nose and cheek areas there are as many as two thousand oil glands every square inch. The function of these oil glands is to lubricate the skin by producing oil, or sebum. Oil that is produced in the glands flows through follicles or tiny ducts to the surface of the skin.

In acne sufferers, the uneven shedding of dead skin cells constantly clog the oil glands. Bacteria then invades the area, feeding on the sebum resulting in a blemish (or internal lump). Our bodies respond by fighting the bacteria with white blood cells. As these cells die off they form puss which builds up, swelling the area, resulting in a pimple. At this stage the pimple can develop further into nodules and cysts that go deep into the skin. These can be quite painful and even lead to scars.

Acnezine is a skin care management system that has been highly successful in preventing pimple breakouts by attacking the root of the problem. It consists of a skin anti-oxidant taken orally and a moisterizing cream containing benzoyl peroxide, one of the first proven treatments for acne which has been used for decades.

In addition to whatever treatment you are using and advice you have sought, here are 5 basic tips that will go a long way in helping you prevent acne and pimples:

Commit to a strict regimen – Depending on the day’s activities, set specific times to wash your face with a suitable cleanser (Avoid oil & alcohol based cleansers as they leave your skin dry and tight). Note that over-washing may lead to your skin producing even more oil. When it comes to applying skincare products, avoid oil-based ones. If your dermatologist prescribes a skincare regimen, sticking to it will produce the best results in the long-term.
Avoid contact with your face – Our hands are consistently “dirty”. Unless absolutely necessary, avoid touching your face. By doing so, you are preventing bacteria and dirt from clogging your skin pores. In addition, those with long hair should try keeping your hair from direct contact with your face as our hair traps dust and dirt throughout the day.
Do not allow sweat to linger – Those with sporty lifestyles should as far as possible wipe away excessive sweat from the skin during exercise. After exercise, it is important to use a mild face cleanser to get rid of dirt and dried sweat as soon as possible. Consider using a gentle exfoliate to remove dead skin once or twice a week.
Avoid scratching, pinching & squeezing – While it might look inviting to pop that irritating pimple on your face, doing so might lead to permanent scarring and leave the spot redder and more swollen.
Seek early treatment – In most cases, severe acne problems can be avoided through seeking early treatment from a qualified dermatologist. Having your dermatologist prescribe a regimen of surgical treatments, skincare products and constant review will accelerate the healing process as well as prevent future breakouts.

Acne Treatment & Cure

Mike Walden, a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Health Consultant who was once a chronic acne sufferer, found a holistic system to permanently clear his acne problem and end breakouts. In his book Acne No More Mike highlights a step by step system for curing acne. You will learn to make important changes and follow new routines for a clearer skin.

There are other contributing factors like genetics and type of skin that affects the severity of acne. For severe cases of acne, consult a dermatologist for systemic medications like antibiotics in addition to topical treatments.