Most of us have experienced acne – the bane of every teenager’s existence. If you suffered from particularly severe acne, you may have permanent acne scars that last into adulthood and sometimes make you wish you didn’t have to show your face in public. The good news is that acne scars can be removed – or at least significantly diminished.

Removal of acne scars may involve more than one type of treatment, depending on the type and severity of your scars.  If you have medium to deep scarring, you should be prepared to undergo some form of mechanical skin resurfacing that will require local anesthetic.

If you are committed to eliminating your acne scars (and thereby improving your appearance and self-confidence) here are some of the most effective professional scar-removal procedures you might consider:

Treatments That Remove Acne Scars

Dermabrasion is one of the favored methods of acne scar removal for patients who have no active acne or infections and a low risk of hyperpigmentation. Dermabrasion is a mechanical resurfacing of the skin that can be superficial, medium or deep. It employs the use of abrasive tools or materials to “sand off” or remove the outer layers (epidermis) of your skin. For deeper scars, physicians will perform deep dermabrasion to remove portions of the inner layer (dermis) of your skin as well.

Your dermatology physician may choose to use motorized dermabrasion with a mechanical brush or cylinder or manual derma-sanding with silicone carbide sandpaper.  New skin will grow over time to replace what has been removed.  The skin will be tender for some time after a dermabrasion procedure, requiring weeks of healing, as collagen reforms under the skin.

Laser resurfacing may be an option for scar removal if you have darker skin that is prone to hyperpigmentation. This form of Laser treatments use high-energy beams of light to destroy the outer skin layers (epidermis) and the uppermost dermis. Like dermabrasion, laser resurfacing can cause discomfort and require considerable time to heal.

Chemical peels involve chemicals (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and others) that are applied to destroy the surface of the skin and promote new skin growth. Certain chemicals are stronger than others, and patients who receive the stronger chemical peels can achieve more benefits but also run a higher risk of infection and skin discoloration.

Dermal fillers can add volume to the skin under acne pits or scar, flattening the skin out for a smoother appearance. Dermal fillers are injected by a dermatology physician and may be used in combination with any of the skin resurfacing procedures. Patients should know that fillers wear off after a few weeks or months and have to be redone periodically.

Click here to find a specialist near you, and to learn more about the latest skin resurfacing and skin renewal treatments available!

Our increasingly youth-conscious culture drives many of us to seek magical treatments that can bring a youthful glow back to our skin. The cosmetic surgery and beauty industries are booming, but that doesn’t mean surgery is necessary to achieve a youthful complexion. Recent advances in anti-aging skin products and therapies have led to improvements in many professional, minimally or non-invasive skin treatments that can melt years off your skin. Here are the top 6 skin treatments that can help you get that youthful glow:

1. Dermal Fillers or Anti-Wrinkle Injections are injectable gels or other solutions designed to plump lips or fill wrinkles, lines and facial folds. Many different materials are used as dermal fillers, including fat, collagen and hyaluronic acid. Your skin specialist may require you to undergo allergy testing to find out if any of the dermal filler materials cause sensitivity.


2. Botox or Botulinum toxin A injections are a popular choice among the “stay young” set because they offer dramatic, long-lasting (3-4 months) results.  Botox injections target the muscles directly beneath the skin, preventing them from contracting and thereby causing wrinkles. Botox gives skin a smoothed-out appearance and works best to treat frown lines and crow’s feet. In some people, this treatment may cause side effects such as headaches, muscle weakness and nausea.


3. Chemical Peels are professional treatments that use a variety of chemical compounds to peel away damaged surface layers of your skin. These treatments can remove mild scars, improve your skin’s texture and even out pigmentation.  Chemical peels may sometimes cause scarring and permanent skin discoloration.


4. Microdermabrasion is a mechanized form of skin abrasion that removes the upper layers of damaged skin through the use of mechanical tools and aluminum oxide crystals to reveal fresh new skin. This technique works well for treating wrinkles, skin discoloration and deep scars. It can take a few weeks to heal from microdermabrasion, depending on the depth of your treatment.


5. Laser facial treatments or laser skin resurfacing like RevLite® Rejuvenation or Laser Genesis™ Skin Rejuvenation can tighten sagging skin and increase collagen production. Results progress as your skin heals post-treatment, and usually appear a few weeks after your treatment session. Your dermatologist will recommend a good anti-aging moisturizer to complement the results of laser skin treatment.


6. Light Therapy or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Fotofacial can bring back a youthful glow by boosting collagen production under the surface of your skin. IPL uses tiny pulses of calibrated laser light to penetrate deep below the damaged skin’s surface. This treatment is usually only available at medical spas and dermatology clinics. You may require several sessions before you see a difference, but results from IPL Photofacial™ treatments will continue to manifest for a few weeks after treatment.

Click here to learn more or find a dermatology facility near you that is offering these top anti-aging treatments.

Sources:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42270697/ns/today-style/t/thinking-about-botox-peel-best-fixes-your-skin/

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/news/20110921/needle-free-wrinkle-treatment-works-like-botox

Ringing in a new year isn't necessarily a joyous time for people with acne scars. And while these scars are permanent, a person's appearance can be improved upon. Depending on the types of acne scars that you have, several different methods may have to be employed, the most effective treatment methods being surgical in nature. The most common treatment is a resurfacing, which can be done either with a mechanical device or a laser. More severe and deeply pitted scarring may require surgical excision and grafting.These permanent scars cause many people to lose self-esteem. If you're struggling with your self-confidence because of acne scars, consider one of the following options to start off the new year right:

Dermabrasion

Motorized dermabrasion is a mechanical resurfacing method. It generally removes both the epidermis and the dermis of the skin with an abrasive tool. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area, and then the device is used to resurface the skin. Removing the outer layers allows new skin to be exposed, leaving a more clear and clean appearance. Sun exposure should be avoided initially, and the full results of a treatment are visible after four to six weeks.

Manual dermasanding  is also a resurfacing treatment, which requires local anesthetic. The doctor uses a silicon carbide sandpaper to remove the outer layers of skin. This method is sometimes used along with a chemical peel or another treatment for acne scars.

Lasers

CO2 lasers and YAG lasers can be used to resurface the skin and minimize acne scars. The outer layers of the skin are destroyed, bringing new skin to the surface. Laser resurfacing methods can be more effective than dermabrasion or sanding, but might require a longer recovery time.

Chemical Peels and Fillers

Chemical peels are used to improve the appearance of the face by removing superficial layers of the skin while promoting the growth of new skin. Fillers add volume to the skin and can temporarily improve the appearance of acne scars by flattening and evening out the skin’s surface.

Subcision and Excision

Subcision involves removing scar tissue beneath the skin with the use of a needle. An excision requires cutting out a large acne scar and then sewing the incision shut; it involves trading a larger scar for a smaller one, which is filled in later using different methods.

If you are ready to do something about your acne scars, click here to find a skin specialist in your area.

From the summer sun to the autumn wind, your skin can suffer as the seasons change. Check out these tips to keep your skin healthy this fall:



1. Keep skin hydrated



Fall weather can lead to dryness, so moisturizers and serums are important to keeping your skin soft and supple.



2. Oily skin needs moisture, too



In some cases, dryness can actually contribute to acne or oiliness. This is because the skin starts to procduce more oil to compensate for a lack of moisture.



3. Don't stop using sunscreen



Even when it's chilly, the suns rays can still damage your skin, leading to age spots, freckles, and even skin cancer. Try a moisturizer that has some SPF built-in, and keep you skin safe year-round.



4. Go in for a professional treatment



Microdermabrasion, frational resurfacing or a chemical peel can do wonders for your skin's health. There are a variety of treatments available to lift off dead skin cells and target the signs of aging, leaving you with a healthy glow.

Despite what most skin-related ad campaigns might indicate, men have skin, too! While the rugged and handsome among us may not want to admit to needing more than soap-n-water, men's skin has unique needs and should be treated as such. Check out these quick skin care tips that will turn heads.



Tip #1 - Wash Your Face. This seems pretty basic, but it's probably the most critical element when it comes to keeping your skin healthy. Men have an average 15% more oil in their skin than women do, so if skin isn't cleaned regularly that oil can build up and cause the skin to look dull, and even cause acne. When you wash your face, choose an unscented cleanser that is suited to your skin type. Avoid extremes in temperature; rinse your face with lukewarm water to avoid drying it out. Pat dry, and repeat twice a day.



Tip #2 - Know Your Skin Type. Yes, you have a skin type! Learning what it is is an important part of choosing the best products for your skin. Make sure your cleanser, toner, aftershave, and moisturizer all reflect whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, sentitive, etc. Getting the right tools will help your get the best results.



Tip #3 - Watch That Razor. You probably learned how to shave as a teen, but your routine might need an update if you end up with red bumps instead of smooth skin after a shave. Take your time (hurrying usually equals nicks and cuts), replace your razor frequently, and use a shaving cream or gel and aftershave forumalted to your skin type. Also consider whether you can skip a day or two between shaving, especially over the weekend--this will give your skin a break and make it healthier when you do shave again.



Tip #4 - Tone and Moisturize. Toners are typically liquid products you sweep over your face after cleansing; they firm the skin and tighten pores for a smooth look. Moisturizing is a significant aspect of skin health--every time you wash your face you're stripping it of essential oils and nutrients, so replacing the 'good' that you removed is important. Consider choosing a moisturizer that contains sunscreen--there's nothing rugged about melanoma, and sun damage can also lead to wrinkles and discoloration.



Remember, skin care is important for everyone. If you're not happy with your skin's condition, think about visiting a skin care specialist for a rejuvenative treatment like a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or even just a facial massage. Your skin will thank you!

If you’re over 40 years of age, chances are you have – or will soon have – age spots, those pesky tan, gray or brown spots and patches that typically occur on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun. Most individuals experience at least a few age spots once they reach middle age, and fortunately, there are treatments that can help fade or eradicate the spots before they become too noticeable.



Also called sun spots or liver spots (although these discolorations have nothing to do with the liver), age spots are harmless, and occur when melanin – skin’s natural pigment – becomes concentrated in a specific area. In addition to sun exposure, the aging process and even genetics can play a role in how many age spots an individual will develop over their lifetime.



Age spots usually can be faded using bleaching creams and vitamin A gels (retinoids) over several months, but individuals looking to get rid of the spots faster have other options. Laser treatments destroy overactive melanocytes (melanin producing cells that cause age spots) beneath the skin’s surface without damaging the skin itself. Usually several treatments are needed to adequately fade the spots. Chemical peels may also be used to remove the upper layers of skin, where age spots occur. Chemical peels use acids to destroy upper layers of skin, and in most cases, multiple peels will be needed to effectively fade the age spots. Dermabrasion is another popular treatment for age spots. Using a wire brush, the upper layers of skin are removed, allowing fresh, clear skin to form in its place.



With so many options to choose from, there’s no reason to suffer with pesky age spots. Talk to your clinician today to determine which treatment option is best for you.