Posts Tagged ‘scars’

Tips for Coping With Pimple Scars

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Acne scars are very stubborn and can be difficult to get rid of. It can be very maddening to have to deal with a scar on top of having the pimple in the first place. While there are hundreds of solutions on store shelves for acne, finding a way to get rid of the scar is a bit harder. Here are some tips for dealing with this situation.

First, keep in mind that it is going to be a slow process. A scar doesn’t form overnight so you can’t expect it to go away that quickly either. You have to keep your expectations realistic. Deep scar pits may not go away entirely but you can probably reduce their appearance quite a bit over time.

Most acne scar treatments need to be used daily over the course of a few weeks to make a difference. One such example is Vitamin E in liquid form. This vitamin heals skin and helps to moisturize it but it needs to be used regularly before you will notice any effects. Likewise, alpha hydroxy acid products should be used daily. This ingredient slowly removes the top layers of skin to reveal newer, healthier skin underneath and can really help even out scars.

When dealing with acne scars, you need to be very careful with the sun. The sun will only make their appearance worse. You should always wear sunscreen when going outside if you have pimple scars. Be sure to choose an oil-free sunscreen so avoid future breakouts.

There are a few ways to prevent acne scars from forming. Perhaps the most obvious of these is avoiding pimples in the first place. That means washing your face daily using an anti-acne soap. Also, avoid adding extra oil to your face in the form of oil-based moisturizers, creams, and makeup. Always choose products with ingredients that don’t clog pores. When you do get pimples, avoid touching them. It can be very tempting to pop or squeeze them but remember that doing so is a sure way to end up with a scar.

Pimple scarring is a very complex issue that requires a lot of patience. Different types of scars require different treatment and what works for someone else may not work at all for you. The most important yet difficult part of the whole process is waiting to see the results. Take good care of your skin, keep it hydrated, and avoid the sun. Over time you will notice a much healthier and clearer complexion. For more advice on how to get rid of acne scars, be sure to check out the website Acne Tips 101.

Skin Lightening and Acne Hyperpigmentation

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Anyone who has successfully completed a course of treatment for acne will tell you that the process is much longer than it initially seems. For one, effective treatment works by peeling off the upper layers of the skin to eventually arrive at a pimple-free complexion. During this process, acne lesions that had not yet developed are exposed, giving the patient the illusion that treatment is not working. If they abandon the topical creams and antibiotics prescribed to them by their dermatologist, there is a good chance that any progress they have made will be reversed. Those that continue to have faith in the process can expect to wait six months to a year before all of their lesions have cleared.

However, the need for some commitment doesn’t stop there. Acne often triggers a phenomenon known as hyperpigmentation. This condition is characterized by patches of discolored skin that can be caused by lesions that have since healed as well as unprotected sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation gives the illusion that the acne on your skin continues to be active, despite the fact that these discolored patches aren’t in any way inflamed. Regardless, people want to do everything in their power to get rid of them so they can enjoy there hard-earned clear skin, regardless if it takes hydroquinone cream to cure hyperpigmentation of some other form of treatment.

You have a number of options when it comes to eliminating hyperpigmentation. On the expensive side, you can opt to undergo laser treatment. These high-energy light beams help to decompose the pigment in discolored portions of the skin, which can then be disposed of by the body. This same technology is employed in the removal of tattoos and has been characterized as being painful, among other things. The cost for this procedure can be as little as a few hundred dollars to as much as $1000 or more. Sometimes, multiple treatments are required for the best results. This might not be the best course of action for someone who has had acne as lasers can cause major irritation. Acne does not respond well to this type of thing, so a less aggressive form of treatment may be in order.

You will find that a number of skin lightening creams are available on the market to help you achieve your goals without draining your retirement savings. Some employ the use of natural active ingredients like glycolic acid, vitamin c and lemon juice extract. These are generally safe if used in moderation. Another popular option is hydroquinone cream, which features an active organic compound that has been shown very effective in lightening the skin. Hydroquinone comes in a variety of different concentrations that each produce more potent effects. The safety of the compound has been debated for some time and fears that it may be a carcinogenic substance have arisen. However, evidence exists that disputes these assertions and instead claims that it is only harmful in large doses that are administred orally. Whichever lightening product you do decide to try, its best to check in with your doctor to ensure you don’t unintentionally cause any adverse effects.

Waterproof Scar Coverup Makeup

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Our skin has and always will be one of our most important features. Although people go to great lengths to ensure their skin glows and is free of things like wrinkles or pimples, there are some things that can’t be easily reversed without the aid of expensive procedures. Take for instance moles. To some, these darkened patches of skin are anything but intrusive. When they find their way on someone’s face, however, they can interfere with a person’s self-confidence.

Skin scars are likely one of the most unsightly skin abnormalities one has to contend with. Scar tissue rises above the skin and takes on a different hue, making it extremely apparent. Many scars are acquired during childhood, when people are prone to sustaining injuries from bike riding or shoving their hands into the oven to fetch one of those freshly baked cookies. Professional scar treatment is a big industry, with procedures like laser scar removal, chemical peels, and dermabrasion easily costing $1,000 or more for complete treatment. Each of these treatments often require more than one go, so the costs stack up relatively quickly.

If you are in no position to pay for the expensive treatments afforded to those with various forms of scarring, you’re in luck. You can use waterproof scar cover up makeup to render your scars much less noticeable. This makeup has a thicker consistency than waterproof foundation makeup (which is often used as a first option) and can be matched to any skin color imaginable. Shades can often be combined to create a color that more closely matches your skin tone. You can even use it to mask tattoos for that upcoming job interview or date.

Scar cover up or camouflage products are applied to problem areas using a small brush and can keep your scar discreet for the entire day despite sweating and other obstacles you might encounter throughout the day. Most manufacturers recommend using only a tiny amount, as this alone can provide significant coverage. If you skin is prone to becoming dry throughout the day, you can apply a small amount of moisturizer under the scar camouflage. You should work it thoroughly into the skin so that it does not interfere with the concealer.

Oily skin might be an issue if you intend to apply the product to your face. There are special waterproof makeup products for oily skin that can help tone down the shine and reduce the necessity for constant reapplication. Some popular brands to consider include Chanel and CoverGirl.

It will take some practice to blend in the scar before you get passable results. If the brush doesn’t apply the makeup as evenly as you as hoped, you can use your finger to smooth it out. Also experiment with mixing the shades of color to see if you can make your work even more discreet.