Here's why you should treat that acne
Acne, while a normal part of being a human, has many negative connotations. There are times when people pick at their faces, backs, arms, or wherever the acne may be. There are other times when people try to cover it up with concealer, and there are multiple different ways that acne can make us feel bad about ourselves.
While acne is a rite of passage into adulthood and sticks around on some, looking in the mirror to find a bright new bump on your face can cause some disturbing reactions. Whichever way you handle acne (we are supposed to leave it alone, but there are a variety of groups dedicated to picking, itching, popping, rinsing, and more—Time magazine devoted an entire study to why people have compulsions to pick at their face), with acne usually comes scars, red marks, and spots.
The Circle of Acne and Acne Spots
Does that mean that we should be treating the acne spots instead of the acne itself? Or is there an essential factor in place that allows us to resolve the acne before the spots arrive? After all, there are no acne spots without the acne, and unfortunately, acne seems to be an inevitable part of being human. Acne occurs when oil glands attached to hair follicles become stimulated during puberty or through hormonal changes like menopause. And, while no one factor causes acne, any hormonal changes can speed up the oil excretion. When this happens, the follicle becomes plugged and forms a white or blackhead.
And the circle of acne and acne spots continues.
The importance of dealing with acne spots and scars is that some can become painful while other types can itch. While yet another kind, doesn’t hurt or itch, will cause discoloration in makeup, and sunscreen will spread unevenly on your skin, which is a whole other set of problems.
There are Three Common Types of Acne Scars
These include atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars, and Keloid Scars. While there are many treatments for these scars, knowing what one you have can help you figure out what treatment you should use.
Atrophic scars are small indentations in the skin. They develop because there aren’t enough fibroblasts during the healing process. (Fibroblasts help create collagen. Collagen helps skin heal, stay smooth, and appear healthy.)
Hypertrophic scars occur when the skin makes too many fibroblasts. When the acne heals, the skin becomes raised.
Keloid scars generate even more fibroblasts than the hypertrophic scar. When this happens, the collagen is overproduced. When collagen is overproduced in acne spots, it creates a dark red or brown spots that can be even thicker than the original acne. This type of scar can cause itching and pain. They can also cause atrophy or create a depression in the skin.
While other scars such as boxcar, ice pick, and rolling acne scars are also part of the acne spot possibilities. The three mentioned above are the most common.
How to Treat Your Scars and Acne Spots
While learning to become comfortable in your skin is important, no one wants itchy, painful, or sunburnt spots, so the good news is that acne spots are treatable. Some types of scars will take longer than others to heal, and depending on what kind of blemish or spot, you have the treatment will vary.
There are other times when you will need to use more than one type of treatment. However, that is another topic altogether. There are many home remedies that you can use to help your scars heal and other medical procedures. Finally, there is the option to buy an over-the-counter acne spot remover, which isn’t exactly a home remedy but isn’t a medical procedure either.
If You’re Looking for Some Home Remedies
The internet is ripe with home remedies for many types of scars. If this is the route you are going in, make sure to ask your doctor if, for any reason, there are unknown ingredients to you. Also, make sure to stop using if your skin has any irritation or extra redness. And, don’t use any ingredients that you are allergic to (it seems obvious, but mentioning it is important too).
If You’re Looking for Medical Procedures
Make sure to ask a few questions before you dive into the acne spot removal process. Some items could be, “Will the procedure hurt?” “How long will it take to heal?” “Does my insurance cover this?” “How much does it cost?” “Will I need follow-up procedures?” “Are there risks that come with this procedure?” and “Are there any restrictions for after the procedure that I should follow.”
If You’d Like Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Cream
Go to your local pharmacy or all-in-one, type store. They will have a variety of brand name, acne spot creams you can try and use to find one that works.
To Sum Up
Acne scars and spots can be healed, and it is essential to heal them if you are finding that you are in pain, itching, or are picking at them more often than you should. Skin heals easily, remember that it may take longer than you’d like, but if you stay consistent with treatment, it will improve with time.
Resources— Healthline, Medical News Today, Medicine Net, Time, WebMD
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