If you are interested in how to get rid of acne scars, it helps to understand the different types to best understand what treatment options are available and how they work for acne scar removal. Every person is different and everyone will see different results from the various treatments available.

Acne scars happen as the skin’s natural reaction to injury to the skin tissue. There are four main types: Icepick, Boxcar, Rolling, and Hypertrophic, which you can see examples of in the diagram below. Some scarring results from the skin not producing enough regenerative tissue, others form due to an excess of tissue being formed.

Because each of the scars occur for different reasons and the shape of them is different, it is logical that some will respond to different treatments better than others.

There are a few natural home remedies that one can try, though they often do not completely cure the condition or remove them completely. These include drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet, which is believed to cause skin to be better at healing. Other natural remedies include using face masks of yogurt or lemon juice. However, for most people these natural remedies will not have any impact on the scarring present on their skin, at which point it becomes imperative to talk to a dermatologist.

A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes specifically in skin care and skin conditions.  He or she can assess the damage done to your skin and help you decide with what available options may be best for treating your skin and getting rid of the scarring. Choosing a doctor that is experienced and can give many examples of what has worked and what has not worked can help you narrow down the choices to find one that is most likely to be effective first.

Before beginning professional treatment after talking to your doctor, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions, since many of the options available may be very expensive or require surgical procedures. With all medical intervention, there are pros and cons as well as risks and benefits. Before committing to a decision, carefully researching and understanding the risks and benefits will help you decide if it is worth it or not. You will also want to check with your insurance company to see which procedures are covered and which are not, as this may also affect your decision, especially if out of pocket costs are high or out of your budget.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Do the scars affect how I feel about myself?
• Do the scars cause any pain?
• Do I feel subconscious around others because of them?
• Do I have any underlying medical conditions that may be complicated by acne scar removal treatments?
• How will I feel if the first treatment does not work?
• Is the treatment affordable?
• Will they fade and heal on their own over time?

Below is a brief overview of the different treatments available for how to get rid of acne scars:

Subcision: This treatment is typically done for rolling types of scars and it is performed by causing the skin to raise and fill in the indentation. This is best for shallow scars and may require multiple treatments in order to see an effect.

Chemical Peels: Chemical Peels work by taking an acidic substance and applying it directly to the face to remove the top layer of skin to help reduce the appearance of scarring. It may help with scars that are not extremely deep, but it can also result in burning or itching skin.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion for acne can sometimes be helpful. In this procedure, an abrasive is applied to the skin which removes the top layer of skin. It is generally painless, but may result in burning or itching. Multiple treatments may be necessary, and it can take several months to see results. However, it is a popular option amongst many, and even home kits are available.

Laser Resurfacing: Like the other treatments we listed above, this is another one involving the removal of the top layer of skin. It uses lasers to do this and must be performed by a qualified specialist. This can be one of the most expensive types of treatments available – but it does not guarantee any better results that the other ones do. Some people have reported that their scars have returned, which can be frustrating.

The Many “Miracle” Creams: You will likely see a lot of advertisements for miracle creams that reduce or remove acne scars, however there has been little proof that these are actually effective. Some contain harsh chemicals that may actually do more damage to your skin than good. Ones that contain cocoa butter or vitamin E may help with improving elasticity and helping to treat with some types of scars, but this is not always the case. Some creams may result in drying of the skin or clogging of pores, which could potentially make many acne problems even worse.

Collagen Injection: In this treatment, collagen, a natural substance, is injected into the site of the abrasion and may help it to stretch or fill some sites. Treatment by this option may only be temporary for a few months.

Fat Transfer: This treatment involves taking fat from one site of your body tissue and transferring it into the site where the scarring is present. It often needs to be repeated every few months but can be an effective option.

As you can see, there are no easy and instant cures for how to get rid of acne scars. Prevention may be one of the best cures – seeking treatment before the occurrence of scarring. Speaking to your doctor or dermatologist will help you find the most beneficial solution for skin care needs.