Many methods have been proposed for the treatment of acne scars, with variable cosmetic results. Nonablative skin resurfacing is one method that involves dermis and subcutaneous heating with lasers for the purpose of inducing new connective tissue growth. Because of a need for more noticeable clinical improvements, the ablative fractional laser was recently introduced to resurface acne scars.

Ablative skin resurfacing typical causes visible trauma to the patient’s skin. Aesthetic physicians who have both modalities can try to reduce complications and improve the results of ablative laser resurfacing (carbon dioxide, erbium or fractional lasers) by combining this treatment of acne scars with nonablative lasers.

For patients of  skin phototypes III-V with atrophic facial acne scars, the combination of ablative laser resurfacing and nonablative laser resurfacing yields the best results with fewer complications.

Acne is the most common skin disorder known today. In United States alone, nearly 60 million people are infected with acne, where 85 per cent of teenagers suffer from it.

Skin experts and aesthetic practitioners recommend several natural acne treatments you can use for your regular home-based routines.

1.Wash your face twice a day (thrice at most) with gentle and unperfumed cleanser. Avoid using soaps as they contain harsh chemicals and ingredients that can damage your skin.

2. Avoid touching your face. Stop putting your hands by your face! I am often guilty of this resting my hand on the side of my head while reading. Also rubbing or bracing your chin is another common problem when thinking. Avoid rubbing, touching, or itching your skin with your hands. Your hands contain a lot of bacteria that can cause acne flare-ups. It is probably one of the most difficult things to avoid since much of the hand to face contact throughout the day we are unconscious of. Make it a habit to avoid hand contact and be conscious of it during the day to avoid bacteria.

3. Avoid the temptation to pick, prick and squeeze your acne. This will send the infection deeper into the skin and can cause severe scarring.

4.For mild to moderate acne, you can use over- the- counter topical ointments, solutions, lotions or gels that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or azelaic acid as an alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is best at killing P. acnes and may reduce oil production. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands.

5. Topical antibiotic solutions and lotions can also be applied.

6.Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent and has a drying effect on the skin. It keeps the P. Acnes bacteria at bay along with decreasing facial oiliness, which makes this oil a worthwhile investment.

7. Sulfur helps to heal existing blemishes by unblocking pores.

8.Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA or BHA) works by keeping the skin exfoliated. Glycolic acid, the most well-known of the bunch is a useful adjuvant therapy for mild acne. Mandelic acid, a lesser known one, but one that combines the keratolytic properties of glycolic acid with natural antibacterial properties that help reduce the presence of P. acnes, may be considered a more effective alpha hydroxy acid in treating acne lesions. It is also much less irritating than glycolic acid, a factor that may be very important to those with sensitive skin who are unable to use other agents such as Retin-A, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or salicylic acid. It is effective in treating mild cases of acne on its own, and can be used successfully with other therapies on moderate acne.
These treatments are usually effective for mild to moderate acne problems only. The effectiveness usually takes several weeks or approximately three to six months to be noticed. For more severe and serious acne conditions, do not hesitate to consult your dermatologist.

These days dermatologists and aesthetic physicians prefer to use laser treatments to control severe acne and resurface acne scars. Experienced physician will prescribe a regimen, which may include some medication but mostly a series of laser treatments, which will be very effective on your acne.

If regular cleansing routines and a laser-assisted treatment plan are not followed or disrupted, some people with severe teenage acne may end up having acne scars, which may never flatten out if left untreated.

The most common laser treatment for acne scarring is laser skin resurfacing, which can be done by a variety of laser modalities.

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Everyone wants clear and acne-free skin. Unfortunately, a lot of people have various skin disorders, and many flock to drugstores to buy the latest miracle cure for that naturally beautiful skin.

Three facts to keep in mind when shopping for acne products

1. The cosmetic industry makes billions of dollars from the public quest for great skin. Do not be fooled by the advertising hype.

2.  There are many factors that contribute to the clogging of pores: like dehydrated skin, improper cleansing, excessive oil production, excessive build-up of dead skin cells, hormones, excessive sweating, dirty work or play environments, genetics, makeup, fingers on the face, allergic reactions, a diet high in sugar content and many others.

3. Most skin impurities are due to clogged pores, so the best way to have that beautiful skin is to unclog your pores.

A few words of advice to keep your pores clear

• Avoid oil-based products such as facial lotions, wash and cosmetics. Look for products that are “non-comedogenic,” it means it will not clog your pores.
• Do not wear tight headband, baseball hat, and/or helmet when you exercise or play sports, and make sure you wash the sweat-soaked things each time you wear them.
• Keep the skin hydrated and moist so your cells can function properly. Moisturize your face with mild, non-comedogenic moisturizers to keep it hydrated. Moisturizing is a necessity.
• Cleanse your pores with an alcohol-free toner or skin conditioner on cotton balls. Do not try to scrub harshly or you will strip and damage your skin. Even after rinsing your face, if you do not remove the remainder of cleanser and loosened debris residues, you are only going to imbed that debris deeper into the pores as you layer serums and moisturizers on top. The absolute best way to perform this deep pore cleansing is with an alcohol-free toner or skin conditioner on cotton balls. There’s no need to harm your skin by vigorous scrubbing or harsh acids, simply wipe with toner damp cotton balls until the last cotton comes away perfectly white.
• Astringents, Salicylic Acid, retinoic acids, and glycolic acids all work to prevent pores from clogging. Be aware of some active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide - these ingredients can cause major side effects.

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Acne won’t go away? Turn to laser treatments!

Beauty starts with your skin. If regular routines are not enough, the best and the safest way to take your acne treatments to a different level is to go to an aesthetic physician for laser treatments.