Do you have raised and bumpy areas on your skin long after your acne has cleared up? In this blog, we explore different ways to prevent the occurrence of acne scars, treatment options, and helpful tips to reduce the scars on your body.
ACNE SCAR: AN OVERVIEW
Scars from acne are a common issue that develops after the acne is gone and can be seen anywhere, be it on the chest, face, or neck. These scars are not a serious health condition but can affect a person’s self-esteem and confidence. It can take various forms, like raised bumps, depressions, discolourations, or textural irregularities on the skin.
What Causes Acne Scar?
Acne scars usually develop after the initial acne has gone and your body starts healing the areas where you had your breakout. They can also occur when the acne goes deep into your skin and leaves a deep, painful pimple, usually known as a cyst or nodule. Other reasons include squeezing, popping, or scratching the acne just to get rid of it, but eventually, this can lead to inflammation and scarring.
How to Prevent Acne Scars?
Acne scar usually fade away over time, but if it does not, then you must seek guidance from doctors to get the right treatment that can improve your condition.
There are various ways available that can lessen the scars left behind after acne breakouts.
- Avoid popping pimples or acne, as when you pop the acne, it can release oil and bacteria onto your skin and leave an open wound.
- Do not use harsh products on your face and skin, as they may irritate the skin and exacerbate acne or scarring.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a well-balanced diet and managing stress levels to reduce acne flare-ups.
- Protect your skin from ultraviolet rays by wearing sunscreen daily.
- Always try to treat your acne early so that it reduces the chance of deep inflammation that turns into scars.
Treatment Options for Acne Scars
According to Ayurveda, acne scars occur because of an imbalance of the doshas in the body, particularly the Pitta and Kapha doshas. Let’s take a look at some of the treatment options for acne scars.
- Herbal remedies
Herbs such as neem, aloe vera, turmeric, and amla can help lessen the scars related to acne. These herbal remedies are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation, prevent acne breakouts, and minimise the risk of scarring.
- Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a rejuvenation and detoxification therapy that involves five cleansing procedures. This therapy helps remove toxins from the body and promotes overall skin health.
- Leech therapy
Leech therapy, also known as Jalaukavacharana, is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy that involves the application of leeches to the affected area. This treatment improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue regeneration, thus reducing the appearance of acne scars.
- Abhyanga
Abhyanga is a form of ayurvedic massage that uses medicated oils to improve blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and skin elasticity. This helps reduce the appearance of acne scars over time.
Tips for Scar Reduction
Here are some tips that help reduce acne scars:
- Follow a gentle skincare routine with products that are suitable for your skin to keep it healthy and hydrated.
- Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays
- Maintain a balanced diet by eating fresh fruits and vegetables
- Try to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and manage stress to improve the effectiveness of the acne scar reduction treatments.
CONCLUSION
Acne scar usually develop after the healing process of acne lesions, such as pimples, cysts, or nodules. There are various treatments that can help reduce the appearance of these scars, such as abhyanga, panchakarma, and herbal remedies including neem, aloe vera, and amla.
It’s essential to consult with Ayursparsh Clinic & Panchakarma Center, a well-known wellness center in Dharwad, Karnataka, to get rid of those acne scars.
Seek guidance from Dr. Rashmi C. Patil, MD (Ayu), to address these scars and achieve smoother and clearer skin.
