There are different types of acne scars: raised scars (keloids or hypertrophic scars), ice-pick scars (small and deep), and depressed fibrotic scars (like craters)
Different treatments work better or different types. There's some good info on scars (and lots of other acne topics) at http://www.healthyu-skin.org/acne_scars.htm
For example, laser and dermabrasion work best for raised scars and discolorations. Punch excision works better for ice-pick scars. Fat injections can help the deep scars.
Besides the dermatologist procedures, lotions like retin-A and AHAs can cause peeling which will reduce scars, although more slowly.
And time does make scars fade, although REALLY slowly. I also find that drinking lots of water helps my skin look better, in terms of scars and fewer break-outs.
Dermatoligist recommened FARLEX treatment which is like laser surgery. I have deep holes, everyone tells me there not bad but i feel ugly so im gonna get that done soon hopefully. Had acne since 5th grade and im 18 now
Wow! I'm glad I came across this post because I'm going out of my mind trying to figure out what to do about my scarring. In fact, it wasn't until around a few months ago when I finally realized that my drinking soft drinks was irritating my PCOS and actually increasing my breakouts so now I only seldomly drink a soda....because I just have to have one every so often, but mostly I do tea and water and the tea doesn't seem to irritate the problem.
I didn't go through all of the pages so this very well may have already been mentioned. Anyway, I used Vitamin E oil. Just plain 'ole Vitamin E. Instead of my normal moisturizer at night, I use the E oil because it takes longer to absorb into the skin. During the day, I stick to the regular stuff. Vitamin E is fantastic for any type of scars. My sister used it on her face after she was run over by a truck and she doesn't have a mark on her. Swear to it! ^_^
My mom is an Arbonne dealer, so for the last couple weeks I've been using the Clear Advantage supplement as well as a Super B-Complex (from Spring Valley -Walmart) to help clear up acne. So far, I've been delighted at how my face is looking. Apparently, B6 is a huge acne-buster. Anyway, tonight I'm going to make a trip to walmart and check out things for the scarring. Thanks for the suggestions and tips! I'll be back to let you know what works/doesn't work!
__________________ Christiana - 22 - Omaha, NE - Dx Spring '04 - single, no kids
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Crissy, I'm glad Arbonne is working out for you, but I have to comment on their acne skin care line. Before using it, I had moderate acne on my chin - usually 2 or 3 blemishes at a time, and they would sometimes leave behind mild indented scars. I used the Arbonne acne line thinking it would be great, but after about 1 1/2 weeks, my skin broke out horribly - we're talking 8 blemishes on my chin. Never in my life have I "ever" been broken out that badly before, and I shutter to think about the permanent scars those 8 blemishes left behind. I don't know what exactly about that line did it, but I later found out that peppermint oil is a skin irritant (http://www.paulabegoun.com/learn/dic...PE=SEARCH&ID=P), and that line has a very strong peppermint smell. I doubt it was that alone though. It's important to make sure the ingredients in the products you are using are gentle, non skin irritants, and that they don't promote acne. Wish I had had that info beforehand! My mom used the Arbonne line too, and it made her breakout as well (though mild compared to mine!!), and she rarely ever gets a blemish on her face. I have talked with others that had bad luck with their acne line as well.
Arbonne also uses nano technology. Many are concerned about the health effects of using nano technology, as the particles are so incredibly tiny, that they may be getting "too" absorbed in the body.
Sorry to be so negative about Arbonne (I do at least admire their wanting to use mostly natural ingredients - not to say that all natural is always good, but that's another story!), but in case others are reading these posts, I just wanted to share my unfortunate story.
What many people don't understand about ANY skin care system is that it takes 4-6 WEEKS to see positive results. The new products need to expel any of the impurities under your skin left over from any inferior skin care products. This is why it is NORMAL to break out when starting new products. Don't knock the product unless you are fully informed on what your skin needs to do in order to start "repairing" itself.
I myself have had phenomenal results with Arbonne's Anti-Aging skin care system. I found that this works really well on acne, acne prevention, and clearing up old scars or dark spots.
What many people don't understand about ANY skin care system is that it takes 4-6 WEEKS to see positive results. The new products need to expel any of the impurities under your skin left over from any inferior skin care products. This is why it is NORMAL to break out when starting new products. Don't knock the product unless you are fully informed on what your skin needs to do in order to start "repairing" itself.
I myself have had phenomenal results with Arbonne's Anti-Aging skin care system. I found that this works really well on acne, acne prevention, and clearing up old scars or dark spots.
I do understand quite well that one can begin breaking out when trying a new skin care line. However, my mom used the Arbonne anti-aging line "well" beyond 4-6 weeks, and as long as she used it, she continued to break out, which was "not" normal for her at all. I know of several others who, sadly, also had bad reactions to Arbonne. One of my mom's good friend's used to sell the line. Her daughter had a horrible reaction to the acne line as well, and I think she tried it longer than I did. As for me, since my skin wasn't healing well at the time, I couldn't risk continuing to use a product that was breaking me out that horribly. I like what the company stands for, and I think they mean well, but it doesn't change the fact that they use skin irritants in their products, nano technololy, and that many have had unpleasant experiences with their product lines. Some people will do just fine with Arbonne, but those that are more sensitive are the ones that are more likely to experience negative effects. Whatever the case, I'm glad you have found a product line that works for you, and thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Edit: Thought I'd share what skin care expert, Paula Begoun (www.cosmeticscop.com) has to say about Arbonne, along with a review of the Bio-Hydria Extreme, and some alarming news about the long-term use of comfrey, which they use in this moisturizer:
Strengths: Most of the NutriMinC RE9 products have merit and contain an exciting blend of antioxidants and ingredients that mimic the structure and function of healthy skin; a small selection of basic but effective cleansers and masks; good powder, eyeshadow, and blush; brush and color sets are worth a look.
Weaknesses: Consistent and pervasive use of volatile fragrant oils that are irritating, allergenic, and/or photosensitizing for skin; no effective AHA or BHA products; no skin-lightening or effective anti-acne products; only one sun-care product that does not contain problematic ingredients; average foundations and eye pencils; bad concealer and mascara; this direct sales line perpetuates false information about several cosmetic ingredients; overzealous sales representatives; returning a product is not easy or convenient.
Bio-Hydria Extreme($35 for 2 ounces) lists comfrey extract (Symphytum officinale) as its second ingredient, and that makes this otherwise innocuous moisturizer a problem for all skin types. Comfrey contains alkaloids, compounds that occur naturally in every part of the comfrey plant, and their absorption is a major problem for the body, either when consumed orally due to the presence of pyrrolizidine, or through the skin, where they cause problems as the liver attempts to metabolize them. It is these metabolites (referred to as pyrroles) that are highly toxic (Sources: www.naturaldatabase.com; International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2002, pages 948–964; and http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/alkaloids/pyrrolizidine.html). Topical application of comfrey has anti-inflammatory properties (as Arbonne asserts) but is only recommended for short-term use and only then if you can be sure the amount of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is below 100 micrograms per application. I doubt this is a topic that’s discussed at Arbonne parties, but it definitely makes this a moisturizer whose potential risks outweigh its benefits.
__________________
"...whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of good report;
if there be any virtue and if there be any praise,
think on these things." ~Philippians 4:8~
Last edited by Acne Be Gone Fairy; 03-02-2008 at 04:55 AM.
I started using jojoba about a week ago and I can say that I think it is definately helping with my scarring! I've been putting it on every night before I go to bed.
I have noticed that my face is starting to feel smoother and my red scars are starting to fade. Of course, I am also on medications and supplements, so I have to take that into consideration as well, and can't accurately attribute all of it to jojoba completely.
I'll report back again in a few more weeks!
So far, so good!
__________________ Christiana - 22 - Omaha, NE - Dx Spring '04 - single, no kids
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I use both Hydroquinone and Retin-A. I feel like this combination works very well for fading acne scars. Don't forget to use your sunscreen, it is the most important!
