There are some people who have acne scarring on their faces that is embarrassing to them and they want to get rid of it.  However, many of the methods that are available nowadays are very painful and entail down time from work, which is not an alternative for many people.  The therapy is also not often covered by the insurance that the person might have, so in addition to losing work time, the entire cost of the procedure must be covered out of pocket.  Although there are often payment methods that people can use to cover the expense, this is still a big decision and commitment to smooth out the skin of the face.  For those with mild scarring, there are a few methods that may work to resolve their problem.  One of these is called the acne scar laser treatment.  For those who have deeper, pitted scarring, there are other methods, such as the acne scar removal treatment.

How Laser Treatment Works

Ablative laser acne scar laser treatments use lasers that remove the top layers of the skin. At the same time, it heats the underlying skin (the dermis) and stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers.  The skin that forms as the wound heals is smoother and tighter.  In this way, the scars are removed with the top layers of skin and the collagen stimulation helps with the healing process and to make the skin fuller and healthier looking once the healing has occurred.  The recovery with ablative laser therapy is painful, since the top layers have been taken off of the skin, and require the patient to recover at home rather than being able to go about day-to-day activities.

Laser resurfacing is a popular option. It removes damaged skin and allows younger-looking skin to take its place. It is effective for minor facial flaws. It has the drawback that the effects aren't permanent and have to be repeated. Nonablative lasers avoid injury to the surface skin and treat the underlying layer, This stimulates the production of collagen but requires less recovery time because the upper layer of skin isn't damaged by the treatment. They are less powerful, however, and usually require multiple sessions.

What to Expect from Laser Acne Scar Treatment

The procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery center or in a surgical suite in the doctor's office. No overnight hospital stay is required. Because the procedure can be painful, the skin is usually numbed with a topical anesthetic and you may be provided with a sedative to help you relax. You may be given general anesthesia if the planned laser treatment is extensive.

Ablative laser resurfacing procedures take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area being treated. After the procedure, you'll look kind of like a boiled lobster! You'll feel like you have a severe sunburn, your skin may be raw, oozing and have blisters. You may have pain. The surgeon or the surgery center staff will advise you on postoperative care and followup.

Nonablative procedures are known as "lunch time" procedures because they don't damage the epidermis (the upper layer of skin) and patients don't have the boiled lobster look.

You may notice an immediate difference in skin quality and will likely continue to see improvement over the 6 to 12 months following your procedure. Although the effects of laser resurfacing can last for years, repeat procedures may be necessary.

Which laser acne removal is best for you?

This is something you'll need to discuss with your dermatologist and/or the surgeon you are consulting with about the procedure. Each has it's pros and cons and it really depends on how severe your acne scars are, what procedure will be most effective, and what you can tolerate in terms of recovery.

Witch hazel has marvelous properties and a long history of use as a medicinal home remedy. It isn't used only for acne, however - although it does work really well in treating it. If you're looking for a home remedy for acne, then witch hazel should be on the top of your list.

What is it?

Witch hazel is a shrub that grows naturally through most of the United States and many parts of Canada. Its medicinal uses were well known to native Americans. It was mainly used on sores, bruises and swelling. Because it has many useful properties, witch hazel can be found in many products, including shaving cream and hemorrhoid creams. It is possible to grow your own witch hazel shrub and prepare distillations and tisanes; however, there are many excellent and natural preparations available.

The essential oil of witch hazel is not sold as a consumer product, so don't look for it. What is sold under the label of "witch hazel" in your local drug store is most likely a distillate, and is often combined with alcohol, which acts as a preservative. Make sure you read the label if you are looking for an all-natural, gentle product. Do not purchase witch hazel that is for first aid use if you plan on using it for skin care. Many of the skin care products available over-the-counter do contain witch hazel. You'll find in many instances that witch hazel water is much cheaper and just as effective.

Treating acne with witch hazel

The astringent properties of witch hazel are what make it ideal as a home remedy for acne. It soothes and cools irritations, while tightening pores and soft tissues.

If you suddenly find yourself with a big pimple right before a big event, soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply every couple of hours. It will quickly calm the inflammation and reduce the size of the blemish.

You can also apply witch hazel daily, as you would any other over-the-counter toner product. Consistent use is intended to reduce the number of outbreaks; it will also shrink pores and tighten skin.

General use of witch hazel

If you're going to keep witch hazel water in the house, don't let yourself be limited to using it for acne! Witch hazel's properties are beneficial for a variety of home remedies.

• Use it on insect bites to reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Treat infant diaper rash by applying a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel water.
• Treat varicose veins by soaking wash cloths in witch hazel water, then apply to legs.
• Treat poison oak and poison ivy exposure.
• Heal bruises faster by dabbing on witch hazel three times a day.
• Many after-shave products contain witch hazel - skip the expensive product and just apply witch hazel directly.
• Heal and soothe cuts and bruises.

Once you discover all the wonderful things you can do with a bottle of relatively inexpensive witch hazel water, you'll wonder why it took you so long to discover this versatile beneficial herb!

This article is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Stop using this and any other home remedy if there are negative side effects. Consult a physician if the symptoms are not alleviated. Pregnant or nursing women should consult with a physician regarding the use of any herbal or other home remedy solution.

In very mild forms of acne, little diagnosis is required. Most people who reach their teens will readily recognize the small blackheads or white pimples surrounded by a reddened area that constitute mild acne.

But more severe forms, where nodules or cysts form, where papules or pustules have spread around the face, shoulders and chest often call for a visit to the dermatologist. These skin professionals will obtain a complete history and carefully examine the affected areas. They'll note the color, number and size of outbreaks.

The acne may consist of a field of small, white bumps called whiteheads. These will often disappear on their own. Blackheads form when the material reaches the surface, where it combines with air to form the characteristic dark color. These two are called, respectively, closed or open comedones. A good antibacterial cleanser and time may be all that's needed.

In the more severe cases, where nodules or cysts form, the patient may have other symptoms we don't commonly associate with acne, such as fever and aching joints, or even headaches and GI (gastrointestinal) distress. These indicate more serious types of acne, calling for more specialized treatments, such as prescription drugs or lasers.

When symptoms appeared, and in what order, is important. Typically, only the patient can provide that information. It's useful to keep track by keeping a log. Note what type of lesion occurred before the appearance of any pustules and when.

Along the way the dermatologist will, naturally, attempt to rule out any alternative explanations.

Certain insect bites, such as mosquito or spider bites, can temporarily resemble acne. Mosquito bite lesions, left alone, will disappear in a day or two for all but those who are allergic. Spider bites are often harmless, but some may be poisonous and lesions can spread. That calls for entirely different treatment from acne.

Rosacea is a common skin disorder that differs from acne in several respects, but still forms papules and red pustules. Keratosis pilaris produces small bumps that may resemble whiteheads. Miliaria rubra, or heat rash, produces small red bumps. All of these would call for very different treatment from acne.

Similarly, many allergies can produce skin lesions, redness and many other symptoms similar to acne. Sexually transmitted diseases are a common ailment. Sometimes they actually produce acne, but they can cause other skin problems, too. Herpes, for example, may show up as red, painful bumps on the buttocks.

Certain drugs can actually cause acne. Anabolic steroids, lithium and prednisone, are common today. Phenobarbital and tetracycline can cause acne. Dermatologists will require a complete and honest history of drug use in order to make a proper diagnosis.

Sometimes, even excess use of Vitamin B complex can cause acne. The doctor will need to know about diet, supplements and whether any over the counter medications or remedies have already been tried.

Knowing as much as possible about your own skin and the history of any outbreaks will aid proper diagnosis. That, it should go without saying, is key to any proper treatment.