Creams for Acne Scars

Acne is something that nobody escapes. Even after the pimples and blackheads have left, the nasty scars are left behind. If you have depressed or raised acne scars ('scars' not pimples), then you need to consult a dermatologist, as these scars can only be treated by a dermatologist. However, if you have the common dark brown or dark skin colored acne scars, then you can use OTC creams for treatment.

Types of Creams for Scars

You can use over-the-counter creams for treatment of acne scars. Mentioned below are the various types of ingredients present in creams, which can help to make the scars less noticeable. Regular use of these creams can even help in getting rid of the scars.

Bleaching Creams
Many face bleaching creams are available OTC. You can use these creams to fade tan to dark brown spots. Bleaching creams contain a chemical called hydroquinone, which is effective in getting rid of these marks. Many bleaching creams are available without a prescription, but make sure you buy bleaching over-the-counter creams which have 2% of hydroquinone amount. More than this is not allowed by law as it is harmful for the skin. Check the label of the cream or bottle of a bleaching cream to check the percentage. However, if you visit a dermatologist, a 4% bleaching cream can be prescribed. Use the 4% cream only if prescribed by a dermatologist. Here are some of the most effective bleaching creams.

• Mederma Skin Bleaching cream, works by suppressing the formation of melanin. It takes around 2-6 months of use to see the full results of this cream.
• SkinBright Skin Brightener, is another popular product which helps to reduce the appearance of scars within few usages.
• Revitol Skin Brightener Cream, when used for 90 days can fade away acne scars and other pigmentation scars.

Skin Lightening Creams
Many skin lightening creams are available without prescription for acne scar removal. These creams contain few active ingredients combination, which may contain hydroquinone, a corticosteroid, and tretinoin. The combination of these ingredients help to lighten dark spots without causing any irritation.

• You can use Revitol, it is one of the best fade creams which is available OTC, and it will help you fade acne scars within 30 days of regular use. Revitol contain vitamin A, which helps in fading away of scars.
• Mederma Cream SPF 30 Sunscreen, is a good product for acne scar fade and protection of skin against sun exposure. This cream contains octocrylene, which helps fight the damage of free radicals.
• BIOSKINFORTE is another product which contains natural ingredients, that help to lighten the scars.

Homemade Acne Scar Cream
If you are looking for a homemade solution, then add few drops of rosehip oil with a regular cream that you use. Rosehip oil benefits in getting rid of scars, as it contains huge amounts of retinol or vitamin A. For 20 grams of cream, add 5 drops of this oil. If any irritation occurs, then reduce the amount of oil by 2 drops. Apply this cream regularly to the affected area, twice a day for a month to see the results.

Preventing Darkening of the Scars

Exposing the acne scarred skin to the sun can make it more noticeable. Sun exposure can make the acne scar spots darker, due to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Use these tips to avoid darkening of acne scars.

• Apply sunscreen to the skin exposed to the sun, like your face and neck.
• Wear protective gear like hats, or full light cotton clothes, or use an umbrella when out in the sun.
• Use sunscreen every day.
• Make sure you apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out, so that the sunscreen can take effect.

Best Way to Treat the Scars

The best way to treat dark acne scars, without having to spend a bomb, is to use skin lightening creams for a month. Make sure you use the creams everyday, and the way the instructions on the product say. Scrub the affected acne scar skin mildly, so that the upper layer of the skin gets cleaned and thus helps to remove dead cells. Then finally have one or few session of chemicals peels, which is scrubbing of the upper layers of the skin, but done in a dermatologist clinic. This will help to fade away the scars effectively and quickly, without having to spend on expensive acne scar treatments.

These were the creams and tips on preventing the darkening of the scars. Consult a dermatologist to get the right cream for you, or use a OTC skin lightening cream and keep mildly scrubbing the affected skin region, to make the scars fade away.