Who, anyway, who never acne? Unfortunately, some types of acne can transform into inflammation or even abscess on the skin, which is generally referred to as cystic acne by most Indonesians. Cystic acne is most common in teenagers, mainly because hormonal changes and increased oil production in the body can trap bacteria in the skin pores. Because cystic acne can be painful, inflamed, and form deep enough beneath the layers of the skin, it usually leaves a scar. Fortunately, there are some powerful home and medical tips you can use to get rid of cystic acne scars. Read this article to find out, yes!
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Method 1 of 4: Remove Acne Scars at Home
Step 1. Do some simple research on the benefits and side effects of natural remedies
Although there are many natural remedies that are claimed to be able to fade or remove cystic acne scars, that doesn't mean they are all safe for you to use. Therefore, always take the time to read the substances contained in it, and avoid ingredients that trigger your sensitivity or allergic reaction.
If you want to buy an over-the-counter acne medication at a pharmacy, find out as much information as you can about the drug before using it
Step 2. Apply lemon juice to the acne scars
If your acne scars look darker, try applying lemon juice to lighten your skin tone and speed up wound healing. Use a cotton swab or cotton swab soaked with lemon juice to apply this natural remedy directly to the skin that has acne scars. If you have sensitive skin, first dilute the lemon juice with water or a non-comodogenic oil, such as argan oil. Then, allow the lemon juice to dry before rinsing it off with warm water. Do this process once a day.
Do not leave the skin with lemon juice exposed to the sun. Be careful, lemon juice can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight
Step 3. Massage the acne scars with aloe vera
The skin tissue covered with cystic acne may feel hard or dense to the touch. To soften the tissue, try massaging the acne scars with aloe vera. If possible, use a natural gel taken directly from the aloe vera plant. If not, try buying pure aloe vera gel (no mix) at various pharmacies and beauty stores.
Aloe vera can fade acne scars and improve skin condition, especially because it contains anti-inflammatory substances that can increase the elasticity of new skin tissue
Step 4. Massage acne scars with vitamins
Purchase capsules containing liquid vitamin E at a dose of 400 IU, or capsules containing liquid vitamin D in doses from 1000 to 2000. After that, open the capsule and pour the contents into a small bowl. Then, mix the vitamins with 8 to 10 drops of castor oil, mix well, then massage the mixture into the acne scars. Leave the vitamins on the surface of the skin to fade cystic acne scars.
Alternatively, you can also mix 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil or St John's wort oil with 2 tbsp. castor oil, then massage the mixture into the areas that have acne scars. During this time, St. oil John's wort is commonly used to heal scars from cesarean sections
Step 5. Compress acne scars with green tea
Brew one bag of organic green tea in warm water to soften the texture. After that, compress the acne scars with a warm tea bag for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this process 3 times a week, and increase the frequency to every day as time goes by. If you want, you can also soak a small towel in green tea, squeeze the towel to remove excess fluid, and apply it to the pimple.
Green tea contains antioxidants that can fade acne scars and restore skin condition
Step 6. Use Radix arnebiae (R arnebiae)
This type of herb has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine methods to fade scars. To use it, try buying R. arnebiae at a Chinese drug store or using it in concentrated soap, powder, or herbal form. To use powdered herbs, mix tsp. R. Arnebiae powder or tsp. R. Arnebiae concentrated with 1 or 2 tbsp. castor oil. After that, massage the solution into the acne scars 3-4 times a week. Over time, you can start increasing the frequency by applying the herb daily to your acne scars.
R. arnebiae is also known as Zi Cao and lithospermum erythrorhizon. In Chinese medicine, R. arnebiae is categorized as a drug that releases toxins and heat from the body. Research has also shown that consuming R. arnebiae has been shown to reduce the production of wound-forming cells and reduce their function
Step 7. Perform a glycolic acid peel at home
This method can be used to fade acne scars. If you're interested in doing so, look for a glycolic acid peel product that you can use at home, and use it according to the instructions on the package.
Step 8. Cover the pimple with a silicone bandage
Although it can help disguise acne scars, silicone bandages should always be worn for best results. Therefore, think about whether you can wear it every day for a long period of time, possibly several months. If you don't mind doing this, you can buy silicone bandages without a prescription at most pharmacies.
Method 2 of 4: Performing Medical Treatment
Step 1. Do the check
If acne scars do not go away even though you have been treated with natural ingredients or over-the-counter medications for 6-8 weeks, immediately consult a dermatologist. Do this, especially if the pimple is painful and the scar doesn't fade.
Chances are, your doctor will refer you to a dermatologist who is trusted or who specializes in treating cystic acne. If possible, ask for a dermatologist's recommendation whose examination and treatment costs can be covered by your insurance company
Step 2. Try a dermabrasion or microdermabrasion procedure
Both are the most common acne scar removal methods, but are generally only applied to small acne scars. First of all, the patient will be given a local anesthetic. After the anesthetic has worked, the dermatologist will use a special tool to scrape the patient's outermost layer of skin. If the area of the pimple is large enough and the procedure that needs to be performed is more complex, the patient may be under general anaesthesia.
Generally, your skin will look red and swollen after the treatment. However, the condition should return to normal within 2 to 3 weeks
Step 3. Do a chemical peel
If your acne scars are more severe, your dermatologist may feel the need to remove the outermost layer of your skin. Prior to a deep peel, the patient will generally receive a local anesthetic to fall asleep during the procedure. In this procedure, the doctor will apply a special chemical liquid to a portion of the skin, then peel it off along with the outermost layer of skin that has cystic acne scars.
After completing the deep chemical peel procedure, the dermatologist will teach you how to change the bandage properly. However, if the intensity of the procedure is not too high, you will most likely just need to apply a cold compress and lotion to the skin
Step 4. Fill in the pimple marks
If the texture of the acne scars sinks deep into the skin, try filling in the empty skin spaces by injecting dermal fillers. In this procedure, collagen (a protein approved by the US Food and Drug Administration) will be injected under the skin layer to fill the empty cavity due to acne growth.
In addition, the dermatologist may also inject steroids into acne scars that are hyperpigmented or darker than the surrounding skin
Step 5. Use laser and light therapy
Pulsed dye lasers or intense pulsed light methods can be used to remove prominent acne scars, by utilizing high-intensity beams of light energy to burn damaged skin with acne scars. After acne scars burn, the skin can more easily recover normally without leaving scars.
Meanwhile, less intensive laser and light therapy can be used to stimulate collagen production in the skin without burning the layers of your skin
Step 6. Perform a skin graft or skin transplant procedure
Generally, this procedure is used to treat very deep cystic acne scars, especially if all other methods have not worked. In this procedure, the dermatologist will make a hole in the skin to remove the damaged tissue, then fill the hole with your own skin (usually taken from the skin behind the ear.
Remember, most insurance companies do not cover the cost of removing acne scars, especially since the procedure is categorized as cosmetic surgery (unless your acne scars are a physical defect). Check the policies imposed by the insurance company that covers you
Step 7. Ask your doctor about collagen induction therapy
For this type of therapy, the dermatologist will apply a special tool that has several small needles on the tip to the area of the skin that has acne scars. Then, the needle will puncture the layers of skin, and as the needle-stick wound heals, the skin will produce collagen that can fill the empty spaces in and around the wound. To get the best results, this therapy needs to be done several times. Also be prepared to experience temporary swelling after therapy.
Method 3 of 4: Covering Acne with Concealer
Step 1. Choose the right concealer to disguise acne scars
Look closely at the acne scars and try to identify the color. After that, choose a concealer or foundation that is the opposite color of the pimple on the color spectrum wheel. Believe me, this method can cover acne scars very effectively! In general, you can use:
- Green concealer to disguise redness of acne scars.
- Yellow concealer to even out skin tone that is stained due to acne scars.
- A pink concealer to balance out dark or purplish areas of skin.
Step 2. Apply concealer to the acne scars
First, pour a small amount of concealer onto the back of your hand. After that, take a little concealer with the tip of a brush and immediately apply a thin layer to the skin area that has acne scars.
If you don't have a brush, you can also apply concealer with your fingers. However, make sure the amount is not too much so that the acne scars do not stand out more
Step 3. Apply foundation to cover the concealer color
This step is especially necessary if your skin tone is slightly different from your makeup, or if you use a green concealer (color corrector) that really stands out on your skin. Wear a foundation that you often use to even out skin tone and disguise acne scars.
Be careful when stacking the concealer with the foundation so that the color of the concealer doesn't rub off or shift
Step 4. Lock the makeup with powder
Let the foundation sit for a few minutes to allow the texture to dry a bit. After that, apply loose or compact powder with the help of a large brush with vertical movements upwards. Make sure the brush is first tapped into the air to remove excess powder before applying it to the face.
Make sure you always clean your face every night. This habit will keep the skin healthy and acne free
Method 4 of 4: Prevent Acne From Reappearing
Step 1. Treat acne early
The longer a pimple is left on, the more likely it is to form a scar. Therefore, increase the frequency of washing your face, treat acne with natural ingredients, or use over-the-counter medicines sold in pharmacies. If all these methods don't work, or if the pimple transforms into a nodule (like a cyst or boil), see a dermatologist immediately.
A dermatologist can prescribe appropriate acne medications or inject cortisone into the layers of the skin to reduce swelling and deflate the pimple. According to research, acne that is treated while it's inflamed is less likely to scar
Step 2. Do not squeeze, poke, or peel the pimple
No matter how tempting it is to reduce the size of the pimple, try to resist it because doing so will increase the chances of the pimple leaving scars. After all, squeezing a pimple will also make it easier for bacteria to penetrate the skin. As a result, the redness and swelling of the pimple will get worse.
This action also has the potential to spread acne-causing bacteria to the surrounding healthy skin pores. As a result, more and more pimples will appear afterwards
Step 3. Apply retinoids
Research shows that applying a topical retinoid medication is one of the best ways to prevent acne scars. Therefore, try to choose skin care products that contain retinoic acid and use them according to the instructions on the package. Instead, use the product for at least 12 weeks to prevent acne from leaving scars.
If possible, use products that also contain glycolic acid. Research shows that the combination of retinoic acid and glycolic acid is much more effective than retinoic acid taken alone
Step 4. Quit smoking to improve skin condition
If you are a smoker, try to stop or at least reduce the habit. Remember, smoking can damage the skin and has been shown to slow down the wound healing process.
- In addition, smoking will also accelerate the aging process of the skin and make it wrinkle faster.
- So that the skin is not dehydrated and damaged, also reduce alcohol consumption.
Tips
- Always wear sunscreen and covered clothing when going outside, especially if you are taking acne treatment. Be careful, the drugs used will generally increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
- Moisturize your skin with a cream or lotion that contains non-comodogenic ingredients.
