Rather than paying hundreds of dollars to get scar removal treatment in a dermatologist's clinic, using creams is an inexpensive and safe way to treat the scars. Here are the various creams which are available OTC, that you can use.
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, 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 marks, then you can use OTC creams for treatment.
Types
Mentioned below are the various types of ingredients present in creams, which can help to make the scars less noticeable. Regular use can even help in getting rid of these blemishes.
Bleaching Creams
Many face bleaching creams are available OTC. You can use these creams to fade tan to dark brown spots. They contain a chemical called hydroquinone, which is effective in getting rid of these marks. Many of them are available without a prescription, but make sure you buy those products which have 2% of hydroquinone amount. More than this is not allowed by law as it is harmful for the skin. Check the label for 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, works by suppressing the formation of melanin. It takes around 2 – 6 months of use to see the complete results.
SkinBright, is another popular product which helps to reduce the appearance of scars within few usages.
Revitol, when used for 90 days can fade away the blemishes.
Skin Lightening Creams
Many skin lightening creams are available without prescription for acne scar removal. They contain a combination of a few active ingredients, 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, which is available OTC, and helps in fading blemishes within 30 days of regular use. It contains vitamin A, which helps in fading away of scars.
Mederma Cream SPF 30 Sunscreen, is a good product for fading scars, as well as 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 marks.
Homemade Creams
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 it 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 even make the 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.
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 them everyday, and the way the instructions on the product say. Scrub the affected 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 treatments.
These were a few tips for preventing the darkening of the scars. Consult a dermatologist to get the right cream for you, or use an OTC skin lightening cream, and keep scrubbing the affected skin region gently, to make the scars fade away.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
