How to Remove Scars from Cystic Acne

Almost everyone has experienced acne at some point in their life. Unfortunately, some types of acne can develop into severe abscesses on the skin. Cystic acne is most common during the teenage years, often triggered by hormonal changes that increase oil production, leading to bacterial buildup in pores. Cystic acne can be painful, inflamed, and penetrate deep into the skin, potentially leaving scars. Fortunately, there are home remedies you can try to fade scars before considering medical treatments.

Be cautious and well-informed when using home remedies. Many home remedies can help improve the appearance of cystic acne scars. However, just because a product is labeled as 'natural' doesn’t always mean it is safe. Always read the product labels to avoid ingredients that you may be allergic to or sensitive to.

• If considering over-the-counter acne treatment products, it's a good idea to research the product before purchasing it.

Apply lemon juice to scars. The Vitamin C in lemon juice can help lighten dark scars. Use a cotton ball or a cotton swab to apply fresh lemon juice directly onto the scars. If you have sensitive skin, you should dilute the lemon juice with water or a non-comedogenic oil, such as argan oil. Allow the lemon juice to dry before washing your face with warm water. Apply once a day.

Apply aloe vera to scars. Cystic scars may be tough or uneven. Aloe vera can help soften scar tissue when applied to the skin. You can use fresh gel from an aloe vera plant or purchase gel that contains no additives.

• Aloe vera can improve the appearance and texture of scars. It has anti-inflammatory properties that promote the elasticity of new skin tissue.

Massage vitamins into scars. Choose one 400 IU liquid vitamin E gel capsule and one 1000 - 2000 IU liquid vitamin D gel capsule. Cut open the capsules and squeeze the gel into a small bowl. Mix in 8-10 drops of castor oil and massage the mixture onto the scar. Leave the vitamins on the skin to improve scar condition.

• You can also try mixing 2-3 drops of lavender oil or St. John’s wort oil with 2 tablespoons of castor oil to create a therapeutic massage oil. St. John's wort oil is commonly used to treat surgical scars.

Apply green tea compress. Soak an organic green tea bag in hot water until soft. Place the tea bag directly onto the scar for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this treatment 3 times a week, gradually increasing the frequency to daily. You can also dip a cloth into green tea, wring out the excess, and apply it to the scar.

• Green tea can help fade scars due to its antioxidant properties that promote skin healing.

Use Radix arnebiae (purple root). This herb has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat scars. You can buy Radix arnebiae from herbalists or in the form of soap, powder, or concentrated herbs. To use the powder form, mix ½ teaspoon of powder or ¼ teaspoon of concentrated herbs with 1-2 tablespoons of castor oil. Massage the mixture into the scar 3-4 times a week, gradually increasing the usage to daily.

• Radix arnebiae, also known as Lithospermum erythrorhizon, is considered a cooling and detoxifying remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Studies have shown it may help reduce the number and activity of scar-forming cells.

Try using a glycolic acid peel product at home. You can use glycolic acid peels to help fade scars. Look for a glycolic acid peel that is suitable for at-home use and follow the instructions carefully.

Use silicone gel sheets. Silicone sheets can also help improve the appearance of scars. This product needs to be applied consistently, so consider whether you can wear it on your face for an extended period, possibly for months. You can purchase silicone gel sheets over-the-counter.

See a doctor. While you can try home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, if the scarring doesn't improve after 6-8 weeks, you should consult a dermatologist. Acne can be painful, and acne scars are unlikely to heal on their own, so seeking medical treatment is crucial.

• Your primary care physician may refer you to a dermatologist to ensure insurance coverage for the consultation or simply recommend a dermatologist specializing in cystic acne treatment.

Consider trying dermabrasion or microdermabrasion. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion will remove the outer layers of skin and are commonly used to treat small scars. These are among the most popular acne scar treatments. A dermatologist can apply a numbing agent and use a tool to abrade the top layer of skin. If acne scars cover a large area and require more complex treatment, the doctor may administer sedatives or general anesthesia.

• Your skin will appear red and swollen after the treatment. The swelling should subside within 2-3 weeks.

Chemical peel. If you have severe acne scars, a dermatologist may need to remove the outermost layer of skin. In the case of a deep chemical peel, you will likely be sedated and asleep during the procedure. The doctor will apply the chemical peel to a small area of skin, then peel off the top layer to remove the scars.

• After a deep chemical peel, the doctor will guide you on how to change the surgical dressings post-treatment. For a medium-depth peel, you may need to apply cool compresses and lotion.

Filling acne cyst scars. For pitted scars (sunken scars), you can eliminate them with dermal fillers. During the procedure, collagen (a protein approved by the FDA) will be injected under the skin to fill the small holes left by acne.

• The doctor may also inject steroids into scars with pigmentation or those darker than the surrounding skin.

Using laser or light therapies. Pulsed dye laser or intense pulsed light can be used to treat raised acne scars. These high-intensity light rays burn away the damaged skin and scar tissue. Once the scar is burned away, the skin has a higher chance of healing properly without leaving a scar.

• Lower-intensity laser and light can be used to stimulate collagen under the skin without affecting the skin's surface.

Autologous skin grafting. Small skin grafts are commonly used to treat deep cystic acne scars, particularly in cases that don't respond well to other treatments. During the grafting procedure, the dermatologist will create a hole to remove the scar. The scar will then be replaced with the patient's own skin (usually taken from behind the ear).

• Note that many insurance companies do not cover scar removal procedures, as they are considered cosmetic surgery unless the scar is a physical deformity. You should check with your insurance company about their coverage policies.

Inquire about collagen induction therapy. In this treatment, a dermatologist uses a roller with tiny needles that is rolled over the scarred area. Each needle tip punctures the skin, and as the wounds heal, they stimulate the skin to produce collagen, filling the gaps within and around the scars. This treatment typically requires multiple sessions for the best results. You will also experience swelling after the procedure, but this is only temporary.

Choose a product to conceal the scar. Pay attention to the scar's color and select a concealer or foundation that contrasts with the scar on the color wheel. This will help effectively camouflage the scar. You can use:

• Green concealer to cover red scars.
• Yellow concealer to even out dark areas caused by scars.
• Pink concealer to balance areas with purple or dark spots.

Apply the concealer to the scar. Use a small, soft-bristled brush to blend the concealer. Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto the back of your hand. Use the brush to apply a thin layer of concealer to cover the scar.

• You can also use your finger to apply the concealer, but be careful not to use too much, as it might make the scar more noticeable.

Apply foundation. You’ll need foundation to cover the concealer, especially if your skin tone is slightly different from the makeup shade or if you used green concealer, which can be quite visible. Apply your usual foundation to even out your skin tone and conceal the scar.

• Be careful when applying foundation over the concealer to prevent it from smudging off.

Set the foundation with powder. Wait about a minute for the foundation to dry slightly. Use a large brush to apply the powder, sweeping it in an upward motion. You can dip the brush into loose powder or swipe it across pressed powder, tapping off any excess before applying it to the skin.

• Remember to remove your makeup before bed. This habit will keep your skin healthy and prevent breakouts.

Treat acne early. The longer you struggle with acne, the higher the chance of scars forming. Improve your skin cleansing routine, try home remedies, and consider using over-the-counter acne treatments. If these treatments don’t clear your acne or if you have inflammatory acne (like cystic or nodular acne), visit a dermatologist.

• The dermatologist may prescribe acne medication or administer cortisone injections. Studies show that treating acne during the inflammatory phase can help prevent scarring.

Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping pimples. While it might be tempting to pop a pimple to make it go away, doing so increases the risk of scarring. Squeezing a pimple pushes bacteria deeper into the skin, worsening swelling and redness.

• Popping cystic pimples can also spread bacteria to nearby pimples and pores, potentially leading to more breakouts.

Use topical retinoids. Studies show that retinoids are one of the best ways to prevent acne scars. Choose a skincare product that contains retinoic acid and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the product for at least 12 weeks to help prevent scarring.

• If possible, opt for a product containing glycolic acid. Research shows that combining retinoic acid and glycolic acid is more effective than using retinoic acid alone.

Quit smoking to improve your skin. If you smoke, consider quitting or at least reducing your smoking. Smoking damages the skin and can impair wound healing.

• Smoking also accelerates skin aging and causes wrinkles.
• To prevent dehydration and skin damage, consider reducing alcohol consumption as well.