Acne is something that almost everyone has had to deal with at some point in their lives. No matter how many acne tips one receives, it’s often impossible to escape those angry red breakouts.

Sadly, even after the acne is under control, many are left with acne scars that leave them feeling less confident about their appearance. Although these scars are not the bright attention-grabbers that exist during an acne breakout, they are definitely

able to make a statement all their own. Thankfully, there are many effective acne scar treatments available for recreating a healthy, smooth completion.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a great treatment for minor acne scarring. They also make a great acne treatment for active acne. Chemical peels use a blend of phenol, trichloroacetic acid and alphahydroxy acids to resurface the skin, leading to a smoother and more even complexion. These ingredients also provide anti-aging benefits by reducing the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles, making chemical peels the perfect all-in-one treatment.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion or dermaplaning is a rather invasive procedure, however it yields fantastic results. Ideal for use on shallow imperfections, dermabrasion is a surgical scraping of the skin. True, this procedure sounds a bit scary, but it is safe, common and truly effective. It may be used in conjunction with other acne scar treatments, including chemical peels, for faster or more profound results.

Microdermabrasion

As the name suggests, microdermabrasion is a lesser form of dermabrasion. It works in a similar manner, the main difference being that it removes a finer layer of skin cells. This results in less dramatic results. However, microdermabrasion is a fantastic choice if your acne scarring is minor, or if your budget is tighter. Microdermabrasion also offers anti-aging and rejuvenative benefits.

Punch Techniques

Punch techniques are used on deep acne scars, also known as “ice pick” or “boxcar” scars. Your doctor will remove the scarred tissue and repair the complexion with sutures or, in more severe cases, replacement of the tissue. While punch techniques are more invasive than other acne scar treatments, they are one of the best ways to improve the appearance of excessive or deep acne scars.

In addition to these in-office procedures, there are many acne scar treatments available for use at home. These include cleansers, lotions and treatment products created with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, topical formulas created with vitamin A, botanically-based products, and even at-home microdermabrasion products. Speak with your dermatologist to find the best acne scar treatment for you.