Acne Marks
How I Solved My Dilemma

It’s not that I had investigated some kind of sand-blasting for the face to remove acne marks.  I didn’t know anything about laser treatment to blend deeply seated acne marks with healthy skin.  And the only TV ads were those for a bottled solution (I think it was for Proactiv) that looked a little too magical.  It was some time in the late eighties, and while I was not all that focused on skin (but rather on getting top grades in grad school); and I was ignorant about skin care innovations.  But looking in the rear-view mirror and seeing the leftover results of a picking and digging adventure that went on through most of my teens, I found the acne marks needed some attention.  I said to my boyfriend how cool it would be to be able to sand-paper my face so I could get rid of those acne marks.

I forgot about the face, the acne marks, and the possible solutions to them until recently, when I came across an online ad for sanding away the marks!  Well, they don’t use sand paper, literally, but they do use tools and techniques that make for a similar procedure, one that will remedy acne scarring:

First, there are products that claim to diminish acne marks.  According to Dr. Audrey Kunin at DermaDoctor, Mederma takes away the redness of new acne marks (not pock marks, but fresh blemishes).  Dr. Kunin also suggests Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel.  My best friend used Neutragena products and her face is exceptionally clear.

Next, there are laser treatments.  Two types are most commonly used—ablative and non-ablative lasers.  Ablative laser treatments are the more invasive or more thorough, treatments that remove by burning away upper layers of skin.  Non-ablative treatments stimulate new skin growth without removal, and are, compared to ablative treatments, quicker and less invasive.

So the laser is the sand-paper treatment I was thinking of or envisioning for acne marks.  But, as I have been urged by the all-knowing mother, I have continued to take care of my skin with hot water and soap, an immediate cold-water dip, and an astringent.  Many of my teen acne marks are closing as I go into my forties!  May you have the same luck now, and may you also pay attention to and heed the advice of Mom or Grandmom: Don’t pick! (The oils and dirt from fingers are more of a problem than a solution!)

About the Author: Ava Follet, writer and acne survivor, relating a personal experience