How to Prevent Acne Scars Naturally

Acne is a skin disorder that is most common in teenagers and even adults. Caused by clogged oil glands and dead skin cells, this skin disorder is usually a temporary problem. However, when it starts to heal, it can leave scars and blemishes on the skin. These marks are naturally part of the healing process, but these can also stay permanently. Here’s how to prevent acne scars naturally. 

Forms of Acne

These are three different forms or levels of acne – mild, moderate, and severe.

• Mild Acne. This type causes whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads are formed by the closed clogged, oil glands while blackheads are open acne pores that have oxidized. 
• Moderate Acne. This form of acne is what we know as the pimple. Under this are two types: papules, the inflamed pimple which is commonly red and swelling; and pustules, pimples that are red with a white center.
• Severe Acne. This form of acne is painful and causes nodules or lumps under the skin. It is commonly caused by a combination of clogged oil, bacteria, irritation, and dirt from cosmetic products and dead skin cells.

Among the three forms of acne, severe acne tends to end up leaving more serious scars, while nodules are more likely to leave a permanent scar even after the healing process.

Types of Acne Scars

After acne and pimples have healed, scars are likely to occur. Our bodies produce collagen fibers which help in repairing damaged skin due to acne. However, when our bodies do not produce enough collagen fiber needed for the scars to heal, these acne marks will likely remain on the skin permanently.

These are the four main categories of acne scars:

• Rolling Scars. These scars are common in the jaw and lower cheeks where the skin is thick. It is a shallow scar that is smooth and soft, but it gives a wavy appearance.
• Boxcar Scars. Similar to the scar left by chickenpox, this type has sharp edges and usually appears as a small stamp on the skin.
• Icepick Scars. This is a deep noticeable empty pore in the skin. It is the most difficult acne scar to treat.
• Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars. This acne scar is produced by excess collagen fiber. When a mass of tissue settles in the skin, it can cause redness and itchiness, which can result in irritation.

Ways to Prevent Acne Scars

Acne scars can be prevented but not completely. Some scars occur even though prevention is taken. However, there are ways on how to minimize and prevent future acne scars  – even without any cosmetic products or skincare routines. 

Don’t pop or pick pimples

This is very tempting to do whenever a pimple occurs. But it tends to push bacteria deeper into the skin. The bacteria from your fingers and nails can also increase the risk of swelling and redness that may lead to skin infection and severe scarring.

Don’t pick the scabs

Scabs are the skin above the wound. If you pick at the scabs even before the pimple or wound has properly healed, it may prolong the healing process and leave a scar on your skin.

Wash your face twice a day

Clean your face using warm water and mild soap to remove the dirt and bacteria that cause acne. Skin cleansing is also important to reduce the risk of having acne scars.

Don’t scrub your face

After cleaning your face with water, use a soft towel. Gently massage your face to avoid worsening the wound. Harsh scrubbing of your face irritates the skin.

Avoid touching your face

If you touch your face with a dirty hand, the bacteria will spread and it will cause the skin to be irritated. Thus, wash your hands before touching your face. In addition, stop or avoid leaning your face on different objects like your phone.

Keep your hair and pillows clean

Our hair and pillows are always close to our faces. If these are always clean, we can prevent the dirt from clogging our pores and irritating the skin.

Protect your skin from the sun

Sun rays are harmful to our skin. It can worsen acne and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Keep hydrated

Water can help to flush the toxins out of our bodies. In this way, acne breakouts can also be prevented as well as acne scars.

Key Takeaways

Even though acne is considered to be a temporary problem, acne scars can become permanent.  There are different forms of acne and scarring. Some acne scars are difficult to treat but several natural means can help to prevent severe acne scars. 

Learn more about Acne here.