How do I get rid of acne scars?

ALMOST everyone, whether male or female, will have suffered the trials of acne - and the scarring it inevitably leaves behind.

Acne scarring can leave you feeling very self-conscious - so what's the best way to banish those blemishes?

What are acne scars?

Acne scarring refers to the different marks, depressions and indentions caused by a breakout.

Acne scars can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and contours and are given different names accordingly - ice-pick, rolling or boxcar scars.

Acne scars are different from surface-level acne marks - which look like flat, dark spots, and tend to resolve themselves over time.

However, scars from spots are permanent if they are not treated, and cause a notable indentation in the skin.

While most types of scarring can be treated at home, keloid scarring - a raised scar that can spread beyond the original area of damage - requires professional treatment with either a doctor or dermatologist.

How do I get rid of acne scars?

1. Prevention

The most important step to keeping those pesky acne scars at bay is to take steps to prevent yourself getting acne in the first place.

Use products that contain salicylic acid, zinc, or benzoyl peroxide - these are really good for acne prevention.

You should also make sure to wash your face twice a day and remove your make-up before bed.

If you follow all these pre-emptive measures, you may be able to prevent acne scarring before it’s even happened.

2. Vitamin C serum

Vitamin C serums are some of the best products for tackling skin discolouration - which is often the most visible part of acne scarring.

On lighter skin tones acne scars produce red marks, while on darker skin tones it causes brown marks.

But whatever your natural skin colouration, Vitamin C serums are usually perfect for acne-prone skin.

Beauty fans have rated Generation Skincare's serum as one of the best products to try.

The all-natural serum contains hyaluronic acid which hydrates your skin, brightens your complexion, and helps remove acne and scars.

3. Chemical peels

Chemical peels are a good option for mild acne scarring.

Peels are used to remove damaged skin cells, revealing healthier skin underneath.

These miracle-peels renew the skin and reduce the depth and intensity of scarring.

These treatments should be conducted by a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, licensed healthcare provider, or trained skin care specialist - but they are completely safe if done through these channels.

4. Microneedling

Meanwhile, microneedling is the perfect option for moderate to severe acne.

The process involves using tiny needles that create thousands of micro-punctures in the skin.

This prompts a renewing of the cells, and can completely clear scars.

Micro-needling should be performed by a professional and is an incredibly effective way of dealing with scarring.

5. LED facials

Light therapy can be incredibly healing for the skin.

Research suggests red LED light repairs skin cells stimulating recovery. It also destroys breakout-causing bacteria and speeds up the time it takes for skin to heal.

The Light Salon, based in London, specialises in LED facials perfect for mild to severe adolescent acne.

Prices for this sort of treatment start at around £35 but it's highly effective and definitely worth it.

6. Exfoliation

Exfoliation won't completely banish blemishes, but can help heal mild scarring.

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and will help smoothen out bumpy surfaces.

Products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), like Glycolic acid provide really effective treatments.

Kate Somerville's "ExfoliKate" Intensive Exfoliating Treatment costs just £21 and will give your face a fresh glow in no time!