Tips How To Minimize Acne Scars

Most people with mild or moderate acne will recover from the condition without serious scarring. In cases of severe acne, however, scarring is almost inevitable. But don't give up hope -- new acne treatments can minimize scarring and existing scars can be removed with a variety of techniques.

Most pimples leave behind a discolored patch of skin. This is not really a scar and will usually clear up by itself within one year. Marks or skin defects that remain longer than one year are considered to be scars and can be treated.

Preventing Acne Scars

Acne scars can be prevented through a program of active treatment and self-control. One of the worst things you can do to pimples is to pick them. Some people try to squeeze or remove blackheads or whiteheads but this is the worst thing that you can do. Not only will the bacteria which causes acne spread, the skin can be damaged which leads to permanent scarring.

Mild cases of acne can usually be self treated with over-the-counter medications but more severe cases should be treated by a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe oral medications as well as topical ointments for use on the skin. In some cases, the doctor will also physically remove blackheads or whiteheads and lance and drain pus filled nodules. The dermatologist uses surgical instruments which have been sterilized, so these procedures should never be attempted at home. Pimples form on the skin because of the presence of bacteria.

The bacteria damages and inflames the skin. Once the acne has cleared up, the skin may appear discolored -- this is part of the natural healing process, and the discolorment will disappear after a period of time. This healing process can be sped up with the use of medications like Retin-A, Renova, and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids.

Sunshine can damage the skin and thereby delay the healing process, so sunscreens should always be worn outside. Above all, avoid picking scabs that may form over old acne lesions. Scabs are a necessary part of the healing process and picking them off unnecessarily exposes the skin which extends the time necessary for scars to heal.

Treating Acne Scars

Existing scars left over from acne can be treated in a number of ways. If acne scars are not too severe, a chemical peel can be applied to the skin. This effectively removes the microscopic top layer of the skin allowing the cells underneath to rejuvenate.

More severe scarring can be treated with lasers or dermabrasion. Lasers remove the damaged layer of skin and tighten the skin underneath to raise the depression caused by the scar. The process can be mildly painful so the dermatologist may use an anaesthetic to numb the pain. The healing process after laser treatment takes about 3 to 10 days.

Dermabrasion removes scars by actually scraping away the surface of the skin where the scarring occurs. During the healing process a new layer of skin is formed to replace the scarring.

Both dermabrasion and laser treatments can cause the skin to turn red, but this discolorment will disappear after several months.

As you can see, there are several ways of preventing and treating acne scars.

Source: http://www.hobbyandlifestyle.com/acne-scars.html

Home Remedies for Back Acne Scar Removal

Back acne is a condition in which the skin on your back breaks out with blackheads and pimples. When you're back acne is gone, you may be left with dark scars. Deep, severe breakouts are more likely to lead to extensive scarring. A dermatologist can prescribe prescription treatments or cosmetic procedures to remove back acne scars. If you'd prefer to treat your scarring using home remedies, you have several options. Consider discussing home treatments with a medical professional first.

Lemon Juice

Since the skin on your back is not as sensitive as the skin on your face, lemon juice may be a good home remedy for removing unsightly acne scars from your back. After washing your back with warm water, use a cotton ball to apply lemon juice to any acne scars on your back. Leave the lemon juice on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing. Lemon juice can make your skin sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen or cover your back with a shirt if you plan on going out in the sun after this treatment.

Tomato Pulp

The Fat Free Kitchen website claims that you can use fresh tomato pulp to treat back acne scars. Just cut a tomato in half and rub half of the tomato on your skin where acne scars are present. Leave the tomato pulp on your skin for 15 minutes, then rinse your back. Tomato pulp can be too acidic to put on your face, but it can be helpful in treating acne scars on your back, especially if you suffer from oily skin.

Sandalwood and Rose Water

Make a paste at home for treating acne scars on your back using sandalwood and rose water. You can find sandalwood powder and rose water at health food stores and natural grocers. The Fat Free Kitchen site suggests combining sandalwood powder and rose water until a paste forms. Apply the paste to acne scars on your back and leave the paste in place overnight. Rinse the paste off in the morning. This paste can dry your skin, which makes it ideal for use on the back -- a less sensitive and less visible area of skin.

Turmeric

The Home Remedies for You website claims that turmeric, a pungent spice, is an effective treatment for back acne scars. Purchase turmeric powder at most grocery stores or ethnic markets. Make a paste to treat back acne by combining turmeric powder with cream. Apply the paste to any acne scars on your back to reduce the appearance of scarring.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is helpful in removing acne scars from your back, notes Natural-HomeRemedies.com. You can purchase vitamin E oil at the drug store. Apply a small amount of vitamin E oil topically to acne scars on your back. Vitamin E oil can also help to prevent new acne scars from forming.


Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/154107-home-remedies-for-back-acne-scars/

What Is The Best Body Wash For Back Acne ?

What is the best body wash for back acne? The most helpful answers appear below:

It’s not a real body wash, but the original formula of Head and Shoulders for dandruff has helped people with body acne. The pyrithione zinc works as an active ingredient as an antibacterial and can keep the area “clean.”

Also, it depends on why the acne has come about. I got the worst back acne when I neglected moisturizing my back, and it sounds as though there is some sort of correlation in your situation. As BenevolentOne said, hot showers can dry your skin out more, and the more moisture that is removed from your skin, the more it will try to overcompensate — anywhere.

All of the oil it’s trying to build to keep your skin moist could be clogging pores and causing breakouts.

Back when this was a major problem for me, I would step out of the shower (hot showers) and without drying myself, slather a light layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on my back right away. Granted, this is not foolproof for acne, but it does help with dry skin.

Regardless, you should keep all of your skin well moisturized with something that can retain water well – you have a key 3 minutes after stepping out of the shower to moisturize. I found traditional acne-geared cleansers and body washes to be too harsh, and it just exacerbated my problemed skin.

Editor’s Note: Hey guys! We get tons of beauty and fashion related questions, and we know of no better source of advice than our own readers. So, without further ado, we’re unraveling a new feature called Lovelyish Questions (suggestions for a better title are much appreciated ).

Basically, a person asks a beauty question, Lovelyish readers comment, and we feature the comment or comments that best answer the question. Let us know what you think, and feel free to send in questions of your own!

Source: http://www.lovelyish.com/2009/03/11/best-body-wash-for-back-acne-lovelyish-answers/

How To Get Rid of Acne on the Back of the Neck

Acne can be unsightly and uncomfortable, but having it on the back of your neck can be particularly troublesome. Though common in teenagers, it can persist into adulthood for both men and women. It is most common in those who are physically active and sweat a lot, as the neck is where much sweat accumulates. You can treat your neck acne by modifying a few habits and taking the appropriate steps to treat blemishes.

Definition

Acne can appear in a variety of forms from blackheads to large cysts. On the neck, you'll most often notice pustules, which are red and inflamed lesions filled with pus. Other forms of acne common to the neck include whiteheads and cysts. Whiteheads are mild and generally go away with over-the-counter treatments, while cysts penetrate deep into the skin and can scar if left untreated. Any acne that appears on the neck will likely be more deeply rooted, because the skin is thicker than on the face. The likelihood of scarring, however, is reduced because the skin isn't quite so thin and fragile.

Hair

Having long hair that constantly touches your neck could contribute to neck acne because the hair contains oil, which can clog your pores. Likewise, using hair products could lead to breakouts on the neck because they can gunk up on the scalp and skin. You might wish to stay away from gel, mousse and some conditioners to prevent acne, as they contain oils. At the very least, take care that these substances don't get on your neck during application. Washing your hair every day or every other day can help reduce acne from sprouting up on your neck due to oily hair.

Causal Factors

Some people might touch or rub the back of the neck distractedly, but this habit might be causing your breakouts. Your hands and fingernails can be dirty and touching your neck can introduce bacteria and oil there, clogging your pores and resulting in blemishes. If you don't change your pillowcases often enough, they might also contribute to your breakouts, as oil and dirt from your hair can build up and transfer to your neck each night. Lotions, shampoos and detergents with strong fragrances and dyes may also irritate your skin and should be avoided.

Treatment

Treat acne on the back of your neck much as you would acne on any other part of your body. Over-the-counter cleansers and creams containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help dry up your blemishes, kill bacteria and unclog your pores. Your neck is sensitive and it may need extra care to prevent overdrying and future breakouts, so always follow your treatment with an oil-free moisturizer to keep skin supple.

Prevention

Preventing new blemishes is key to maintaining healthy skin. To do this, avoid touching your neck, thoroughly cleanse and medicate the area daily, pull your hair up off your neck during the day if it's oily, wash your bedding each week with fragrance and dye-free detergents and avoid using oily hair products that could clog your pores.

Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/78513-acne-back-neck/