ANYTHING FOR ACNE SCARS?
Hi Nisha. Scars are the worst! Many folks who have lots of money
look into various peeling services. The plastic surgeons and/or
dermatologists would be the specialties I’d consult, and would consult both
to see. A face peel would be out of your own pocket, however, as insurance
companies won’t deem scar removal as medically necessary. In the
alternative, the doc might suggest a milder peeling you could do at home
(there are many methods), but always heed his cautions. The at-home variety
would be more gradual and affordable. Again, either of those two doctors are
your best advisory, so I’d start there, even with any of our suggestions.
Speaking of suggestions or recommendations, no … but I do have some
ideas, merely thoughts to throw out there, so here goes …
If you do any type of peeling, skin care and protection would be
vital, as would maximum sun protection. You’d be not only exfoliating the
deadest top layers, you’d be going a little deeper. You’d probably have to
avoid scrubs totally, as any additional skin removal could be dangerous. In
fact, your whole skin-care regime would have to be modified until you’ve
finished treatment and skin is totally "restored."
Whether peeling or using any similar treatment, it’s vital to consult
the doc. Your skin is a very protective organ. Disrupting that protection
is part of the peeling, and you don’t want to disrupt so much that you risk
major skin and systemic infections.
You’d have to seek the best method for cleansing. Above all, it must
be gentle! Many people simply use "massive" amounts of warm water like my
grandmother did. Her complexion was very clean and clear.
Best "toner" might be the Wal-Mart aloe juice (some say it’s also very
cleansing … I’ll have to try it and see). It comes in a gallon size and
must be kept in the refrigerator, but it is "all that" and then some - great
toning and moisturizing substance. For convenience, pour some into a spray
bottle and also keep in the refrigerator and refill as needed.
As for the needed "moisturizing" and emolliency end, you may be
interested in spending the money to get some specialty oils to incorporate
into your skin-protection regime. First, understand the terminology.
Moisture is assisted by oils, not provided by them, as oils supplement your
own natural oils in slowing water evaporation. Your skin’s oils are what
provides that protective acid mantle … good way to remember that is to
think of them like any other oil or fat in that they have "fatty acids" in
them. Emolliency refers to a softening of the skin. You’ll want to learn
more about that than what I know, but the "softer" the skin the better it
performs its proper functions.
Oils usually cost more per ounce in smaller quantities, but could be
well worth it. This is where I’d come up with a blend that I like and that
will benefit my skin’s needs, squirt a drop into my palm to mix with the aloe
juice, and use that … but that’s me 
Even if you opt not to do any
peeling, these oils may be of interest …
Many claim that emu oil has enzymes (or whatever) that assist your
skin to regenerate. I do know it feels heavenly, like no other.
These others I’ve gleaned from an article I found on the web, Natural
Oils in Cosmetics and Toiletries, by Elizabeth Connock BSc (Hons), Cosmetic
Science & Business 2000, pp. 52-53. These are not quotes, just paraphrased
excerpts:
Carrot oil is loaded with provitamin A and beta-carotene, beneficial
for protection or after-sun (or after-peel) care. Rice bran oil is rich in
gamma-oryzanol which is protective and replenishing. Rose hips oil benefits
skin that is blemished, especially with scar tissue and hyperpigmentation.
It has been extensively examined in numerous clinical trials in South America
and has shown in many instances to restore elasticity and function to damaged
tissue. Wheatgerm oil is emollient and has high content of vitamin E.
Babassu is a rich emollient, as is watermelon seed oil (also known as ootanga
oil). Artemisia oil is beneficial to keeping skin clear of infection and
improving wound healing.*
*The above "healing" claim specifically says "improve wound healing"
… note that a barrier with no medicinal qualities can improve healing, as
it places itself between skin that is healing itself and irritation. Beware
of any marketer who makes claims that their products heal or treat or cure or
change anything … they’d better have all the approved paperwork to back up
such claims.
Check the comedogenic listings on any of these oils, as well as shelf
life and storage (some oils need refrigeration). What I don’t know is what
your skin type is and which oils in this list are best suited for your skin
type. Just know that there are oils suited to even oily skin, like jojoba.
I’ve heard that hazelnut is, too, but have not tried it. This is just some
information for you to sort through. It is in no way a "recommendation" but,
perhaps, a starting point for your own research homework Share back what you learn as you find your answers.
- Katie