Thread: Acne Scarring--What should I do?

I have had acne for years, even into adulthood. I'm pretty sure my diet has alot to do with it, but it's improving. Here's the problem. The acne leaves behind dark scars on my face (brown spots, my complexion is hazelnut brown). Some scars I've had for years, some are new. I have a routine for morning and night:

Ambi Face Scrub OR Clean and Clear Cleansing Scrub
Toner
Skin Success Fade cream
Nivea Creme (only in the morning)

I use the fade cream about 2 to 3 times daily, and the Pharmacist I worked with told me it works (Hyrdoquinone is the main active ingred.), but once I stop, the scars will come back.

I was thinking of using Mederma again (used it for my back years ago). So, what am I doing wrong, or not doing? Anyone have recommendation?!

Ewww, not to scare you but I think that Hyrdoquinone is a possible carcinogen. The Mederma seems to be better because it has bioflavonoids which are good for skin cells. I would also check into laser techniques because the effect slightly tightens the skin and depending on which technique it can lighten the spots.

If stopping the Hyrdoquinone product makes the scars come back than it really isn't reducing them, is it? It's just covering over them.

My dermatologist gives me Tazorac and it works pretty good. I've been using it for the past 2 years and it takes out the discoloration and has lessened the indentations, a lot. When I forgot to use it the scarring does not come back.

I haven't used Mederma but I think they do the same thing.

Great! Two bottles of that Skinsuccess crap. Now I have to find the receipt. Maybe I could do an exchange. Why wouldn't the Pharmacist catch that? Frustrating... Thanks, Jasani!

I was thinking of doing several Hydroxy Acid facials over the next few months. Or do you think microdermabrasion (sp?) is more worth it? No lasers for me!

I can relate. I recently had a nasty breakout, I have very fair skin, so the marks looked pretty bad.

Acne peels and microdermabrasion will definitely help, but they’re very expensive. A cheap way to help fade scars is to apply lemon juice directly to the scar. You can buy the concentrated stuff, you don’t need real lemons. Apply with a q-tip or a cotton ball directly to your scar. It’s a natural alpha-hydroxy acid so it helps remove old cells and stimulates regeneration. But if your skin is sensitive, it might be irritating, so just be careful. I think it’s been helping me, the marks are getting lighter. It's hard to tell how much of that is a function of time or the lemon juice. But I have the lemon juice in my fridge and it's not hurting. I’ve also heard aloe vera gel and vitamin e oil can help as well.

Neutrogena also makes a fading mask which you can try.

Tazorac, or Retin-A. I have used both of these and they will both clear your skin and with time get rid of scars.

I haven't been to the dermatologist in ages and I ran out of my prescription so my skin looks pretty bad right now...

Hydroquionine is ok in low doses but I'm not to fond of the stuff because so many dark skinned Asians, Indians and Africans use it to lighten their skin...which is a while nother thread.

If you are wanting to do microdermabrasion or a series chemical peels, you should speak with a aestheatician or a dermatologist to see which they would recommend for you.

Originally Posted by ejaghana

Tazorac, or Retin-A. I have used both of these and they will both clear your skin and with time get rid of scars.

I haven't been to the dermatologist in ages and I ran out of my prescription so my skin looks pretty bad right now...

Hydroquionine is ok in low doses but I'm not to fond of the stuff because so many dark skinned Asians, Indians and Africans use it to lighten their skin...which is a while nother thread.

I'm not using a completely concentrated hydroquinone. It has sunscreen and other stuff, so fairly low dose I guess. Is that okay? ,f:: I'm getting a little worried.

Originally Posted by mathkitty

If you are wanting to do microdermabrasion or a series chemical peels, you should speak with a aestheatician or a dermatologist to see which they would recommend for you.

Could there be any harm done if I don't go to a dermatologist first? I think I'm going to try the Hydroxy acid facials offered at my local spa. Microdermabrasion may be a little costly for me now. I need laser eye surgery too! (I feel like such a ugly duckling these days.)

And lemon juice, huh? I'm going to have to try this. How long have you been using it?

See, you need to do some research on what you are putting on your skin. Chemicals like Retin-A. and Hydroquionine also make your skin sensitive to the light, that's why they come with SPF in some products.

Read more labels and ask about the chemicals used in the ingredients. Biotech/Pharmaceutical companies are making lots of money in this area of medicine. They don't care about you.

I would go for a consultation because 1. they are usually free. 2. you can find out what procedure is right for you.

Do your research. Lots of places have doctors or nurses who do the laser/microdermabrasion because not all states allow laser machines to be used by your everyday spa technician - and if spa techs are the operators it's an illegal practice (in most states) so make sure you ask questions about the procedures and operator licenses and their success rate - oh and how many visits it will take till you see results.

Again, bioflavonoids are very good for your skin and they are in lots of fruit like citrus fruits and even watermelon. I remember when I was in grade school a friend of mine had dark freckles and her mom use to rub lemon on her face and she kept it there for a couple of hours. This reduced the darks spots.

Off topic about eye laser surgery - go to a reputable doctor not one of these fly-by-night mall places. There have been too many reports about dry eyes after the surgery. Do your research - can't stress that enough!
Look on the internet for the pros and the cons so you can decide for yourself and there may be natural alternatives. Too many doctors want to do unnecessary procedures to make their money.

A sample I've just finished using! - MAMA Lotion
MaMa Lotion - Malic and Mandelic Acid Skin Care

there are reviews on MUA and EDS.

I have pale skin and have a couple of brown spots from spots and the sun. The lotion (it's more like a light gel) has gone a good way to fading both. Please use a sunscreen with this or any aha or peeling product.

Could there be any harm done if I don't go to a dermatologist first? I think I'm going to try the Hydroxy acid facials offered at my local spa. Microdermabrasion may be a little costly for me now.

I doubt there's any harm. Chances are if you go to the spa, they'll give you some kind of consultation first, or at least they should, I think they might be legally obligated to do this, though I'm not sure. I think there are people with certain skin conditions or health issues who shouldn't have these types of treatments.

And lemon juice, huh? I'm going to have to try this. How long have you been using it?[/QUOTE]
I've been using the lemon juice for about two-three weeks. I'm doing my best to be consistent about using it and I do think it is helping. But it's cheap and it's apparently an old folk remedy for lighting/brighting your skin. It's amazing what you can learn when your good friend is a naturopath.

Originally Posted by straightleftknee

A sample I've just finished using! - MAMA Lotion
MaMa Lotion - Malic and Mandelic Acid Skin Care

there are reviews on MUA and EDS.

I have pale skin and have a couple of brown spots from spots and the sun. The lotion (it's more like a light gel) has gone a good way to fading both. Please use a sunscreen with this or any aha or peeling product.

Malic acid, lets see. That is apple cider vinegar, which by the way is a a great source for AHA. Use the unfiltered with the mother.

Souzan

Definitely see a derm, but in the meantime if your present skin program works, keep on doing it if it's not irritating your skin. To keep the dark marks from returning a good sun block formulated for facial use would help immensely. I've used the Ambi brand myself and I like their formulation better than Porcelana's, by the way.

I would definitely see a dermatologist before taking hydroxy acid facials.

Skin reacts differently to facials. You already use stuff on your face and you have history of acne. If your skin overreacts to the acid facial, you might have to walk around with a bright red face for a couple of days or even weeks.

I also have acne scars (discoloration mostly) but I'm afraid that an acid facial might bring on another acne episode or that it won't work as well as I hope.

From a person of ethnic decent (the skin that scars the worst) with horribly acne prone skin, I've tried much of the natural stuff including the lemon juice and it didn't work. In fact my mom has worst acne prone skin and the acid from the lemon tended to do more harm than good in permanently scrarring her face. My regimen is below:



Morning

1. Plexion cleansing clothes (perscription) add Peach/ Apricot scrub to the wipe before scrubbing to exfoliate the skin while getting the antibacterial medicine into the skin. (GNC has a wonderful grainy version that costs under $5.00 and lasts forever. I use a dime size)
2. Benzaclin (perscription) kills acne causing bacteria.
3. Proactive Refining Lotion (It helps the blemishes and protects the skin with SPF. Also aids in moisturization when the skin is peeling. Great for Oily skin since its non greasy.)
4. Optional - Sometimes I use Tazorac in the daytime when I've been non-compliant with my regimen. It helps to get the skin back on track quickly. Do this sparingly as both Tazorac and Retin-A together make the skin beyond senstive to sun; fairer complexions should be extremely cautious!

Night

1. Repeat #1 above
2. Repeat #2 above
3. Every night RETIN-A Micro. Its 1MM times better than the original one and it works very quickly.

My skin is now beautiful. My occasional breakout during the cyclic time of the month is also less traumatic.

I think I'm going to take you all's advice and see a dermatologist. My skin is getting bad and I think I need the intervention of RX strength like some of you suggested.

Thanks for all the advice so far! I really appreciate it.

DON'T do laser treatment. i met a few girls who had laser to take away acne scar and other black spots things and they all had some dark pigment coming out afterwards.