The pimple or breakout has finally cleared up. But what are you left with? Scarring. On one hand, you’re happy the painful bump is gone but why does there have to be proof that something was there? So let’s delve into why scarring occurs and how to treat it.
Though the area of the skin where the pimple was is described as a scar, it is actually not a scar if under a year old. The discoloration or red mark is described as a post-inflammatory change, part of the healing cycle that can take the skin 6-12 months to heal from. As long as no more breakouts surface in that area, the scar will diminish within a year. If the scar is there longer than a year, it is then
described as a permanent scar.
Almost everybody has heard the advice, “Don’t pick your pimples. It’ll cause scarring.” It’s true! As hard as it is not to pick or pop those pesky pimples or scabs, DON’T! You’re not doing yourself any favors by futzing with your pimples so leave them alone. In addition to scarring, picking at your breakouts will lead to more breakouts. When you break open the pimple, the infection can leak and spread to other areas around the affected area.
During the six to twelve months that the red mark is healing, there are things you can do to prevent the mark from taking longer to heal or becoming permanent:
– Avoid being in the sun unless using sunscreen. Unprotected exposure will delay the healing process.
– Tretinoin-related products (like Retin-A) will help speed up the healing process, minimizing scarring. These products are also known to prevent new breakouts from occurring as well.
– Microdermabrasion treatments done by your dermatologist or using a gentle exfoliating cleanser will remove cellular build-up and make room for new skin to re-surface.
Laser resurfacing has been quite effective in reducing temporary and permanent scarring. Lasers work by burning the top layers of skin to a certain level. The new skin then replaces the old burned skin, looking renewed and less scarred. It is known to be a bit painful, but many patients have been very happy with this procedure. Post-surgery care of the skin is essential and patients need to follow the proper guidelines so the skin heals properly. Discuss with your dermatologist if this is a procedure you should look into.
I felt so happy going through this article, because I am a serious victim of Spots from pimples and insect bites. I think I’ll go for a suncreen and cream that contains tretinoin. Ma dermatologist av used the laser light on my face but as soon as I stopped, the spots started getting darker. Real sad
Thank you for the information about scarring after the pimples are cleared. I have been researching articles about acne now for some time and enjoyed your article
Beeen using a retin. A based cream but my breakout seem to ve incrased,wat do u suggest I use
Hello,
First of all I want to say I enjoyed yout article. I’m having microdermabrasion treatments at the moment and it indeed does the work for the most part (I had depth scars in my skin, now mostly gone). Additionally I want to use Tretinoide cream, so I wanted to know if you could recommend good cream brands? I’ve used a lot creams and want something that actually works.
Thanks in advance.
Greetings from Holland,
Selma
Well does this work on black folks skin..? becasue our scars are balck marks..
Try using Tea tree oil for the scars. Just remember to use tiny amounts when applying to the scars 🙂
I used tretinoin for my chicken pox scars on my face. But i noticed bec of the gel of that tret it’s just blacken the scars. Aww no?! What do you suggest?
I got pimples on my face 🙁
Am pleased to read this article.please i grew pimples at age of 12years and upto now they comeup from time and this lead me to have scars.what can i use to eliminate both pimples and scars?
Hello! I’m having some scars on my face. But I’m not sure if it’s permanent? But what if is permanent? Is there any medicine or tips to make it gone?
Best regards
Greetings in Singapore,
Jason
You have the best website online on acne. I never understood what acne was but now, l talk like a dermatologist to my friends!! Thanx to your great website.
Thankyoooo! Your article is very helpful and informative 🙂 I begin to have pimples when I entered college. Oh so stressful life~
Av beeen a victim of severe acne since 12yrs ago,av tried different kind of product but this still persist.tell me what to do.
I am an acne sufferer for almost 2 years and when I go to the dermatologist and thought me how to properly treat it by some of her prescribed medication,my acne marks on the face and all of my acne slowly starts to vanish.
For acne scars,what she prescribed was an AHA,but I only bought this on her clinic so i am not sure where can others bought this. You will just have to put an AHA cream on the scars every night after you cleanse your face.