Acne scars and what to do about them

[TeaJunky]

I've had a really crazy past couple of months with continuous breakouts on my face. Some of them were almost cyst like, huge and red and painful and stayed for weeks.
The acne is thankfully under control now, but it has left quite obvious scarring on my cheeks. It's red and as I'm fair skinned, it stands out a lot. thankfully it's not crater like indentation or anything, just loads of red surface scars.
I must say it's really been getting me down (shouldn't be getting this at the grand age of 29 ffs!) , and I'm now considering some kind of laser treatment.

Have googled and there are so many options my head is spinning. Microdermabrasion, glycolic acid(!), laser etc.

Has anyone had a try of any of these treatments for acne scarring?

Would love to hear different views and experiences before I decide what to do!

I have no answers teajunky but am watching with interest as have extremely fair skin and these red scars can take literally years to fade on me, I understand how you feel. Am tempted to try alpha h liquid gold as have heard some people recommend but would love to know any success stories!

Ah Joan, yes it's awful isn't it my skin had just got all lovely and clear and glowey as well

Off to google the gold thing you mentioned !

Ah I see it's a product.
I was thinking of something a little more drastic.
Have heard microdermabrasion is good for red scarring.
Have you looked into that, Joan?

I've had a few Fraxel laser sessions for some acne scarring. I did this thru my dermatologist, she wouldn't start treatment until my acne was 'cured', Roaccutane. Because there is no point treating scarring unless you're pretty confident you're not going to get more spots, making new scars. Fraxel is the 'gold standard' for scarring. fraxel.com. It's a bit sore, and expensive. The number of sessions you need depends on the severity of scarring.

It all depends on how bad your scarring is. Having been there and done that for years, and spent a fortune, my advice would be to go to a good cosmetic dermatologist and get their advice on your next step. Much, much cheaper in the long run.

Obagi nuderm, esp the Tretinoin.

Thanks for replies so far

Could anyone tell me the difference between medical microdermabrasion and a salon level microdermabrasion? Or are they the same thing?

Those red or brown marks left after an acne lesion subsides aren't true scars - they are a post-inflammatory discolouration. Unlike a true scar (e.g. the ice-pick scars you can get with severe acne), they will eventually fade in time (although it can be years), although there are a number of ways to speed the process up.

I have had laser treatment and microdermabrasion and it has been incredibly effective at treating red marks, but anything which speeds up the skin's process of renewal should help - e.g. retinoids, glycolic acid, peels etc. Wearing sunscreen is important because sun exposure can darken the affected skin even more.

I would try a chemical exfoliant, they are brilliant for this kind of thing. I love the Clarins one but Paula's Choice do some great ones too. And then I would follow up with rosehip oil, also good for scarring.

Oh squoosh, great thanks, I'll give the oil a go.

Fair - which laser did you have done and how many sessions to see a difference? Also, did you have a crystal clear microdermabrasion or a medical one?

Anyone else with gems of wisdom on acne scars?

Yes, Obagi! I don't do long posts but trust me, this works!

Sorry foxy, I saw that earlier but forgot to thank you!

Will deff google it

Foxy, just googled obagi extensively!

Would it be available on prescription in the uk, do you think? I don't think it's available to buy .

I buy retin a from eBay, you could ask your gp for it.

You mustn't use it if you are ttc or bf though. It can cause similar birth defects to roaccutane.

It is marvellous though.

Try the Dermaflannel. I've got the actual Dermaflannel but a lot of mumsnetters use a good old microfibre cloth.

Don't scrub too hard when you first use it until you get used to it. I did and I looked like I had severe sunburn. And don't use it when you have an active breakout as it tends to make it worse.

But once your acne is under control it's great for smoothing and exfoliating skin and its definitely improved the acne scars on my chin.

Fluffy is obagi and retin A same thing? Is obagi just a brand name of retin A then?

Fluffy could you post me a link to the retin A you buy please?

Tea The V beam laser was the best for dealing with redness. About 3 sessions is enough for me to see quite a difference. And the microdermabrasion was a medical one (it was combined with a laser treatment called Isolaz).

Whonickedmyname

Whats a demobrasion cloth? Can i get one in boots?
I keep reading that vit a is good for fading scars but i tried it on a scar caused by glass and it didn't help at all.
I'm covered in red marks including an enormous purplish one on my chin from constant cysts breaking out in the place!
Is there any oils that would speed up the fading process?
How about bio oil?

Sorry for hijacking op, i have the same problem :/

It's quite all right mermaid, really know how you feel about the whole thing !
How long did you try the vitamin A for?
I wouldn't try bio oil on face. Many reviews say it brought on break outs.

Am having a really bad skin day today

I've pm'd you.

Nothing but nothing off-the-shelf works on this. It's hard core chemicals or nothing I'm afraid. Don't waste your time or money on oils etc. They will not work on scars.

I agree with Foxy - I spent ages mucking around with rosehip oil, vitamins etc etc but it's all bollocks. You need something hard core.

Thanks ladies.

I've been taking vitamins, fish oil capsules, gallons of water etc etc too and it's just not working.

Have booked an appointment with Harley medical centre for consultation Monday - hardcore here I come

Fair- does the laser work for scars only or active acne too? Is it really expensive ?

I had it done in the US where it was pretty cheap, and it sounds like you've chosen a top-end clinic, so I really have no idea what they would charge. For comparison I started having sessions at $100/session, but they discounted it to $50/session after a while because I had several bunches of sessions over a few years.

There are lasers which are supposed to work on active acne I think. Be very clear about the issue you want to address (redness). V Beam is supposed to be mainly for things like rosacea and port wine birth marks (it targets blood vessels) but it certainly helped my marks left from acne. I think Fraxel, which someone above mentioned, is more for true scars - it stimulates collagen growth aiui.