Acne is a problem that a lot of people face at least once in their lifetime. There are various reasons for an acne flare-up, such as genetics, diet, lifestyle hormonal imbalance, etc. Whatever the core cause, clinical treatment can be an absolute game-changer in controlling acne as well as lightening acne scars.
For a lot of people, the scars and pits left behind after a severe bout of acne can be extremely confidence-shattering. Besides, these scars are very dogged and take a very long time to mitigate. Hence, clinical treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, etc, become crucial. But, the journey does not end with a treatment, the post-treatment journey is also equally important.
Many people struggle with post-treatment care for acne scar procedures and are confused about the trajectory to take. Well, if you are one of them, then fret not, as we have all the answers and disclaimers.
What is Post-Treatment Care for Acne Scar Procedures?
Simply put, post-treatment care for acne scar procedures includes ways that ensure a streamlined landing into normalcy for your skin. Skin procedures for acne scars, such as laser therapy or microneedling, can be a sensitizing experience for your skin. The scabs caused by these clinical treatments last from 3 to 7 days, whereas you can experience redness for as long as 30 days.
But, these minor hurdles should not act as a deterrent for you to opt for the treatment in the first place, as they are temporary and adequate post-treatment care can ease the healing process by leaps and bounds.
Best Post-Treatment Care After Acne Scarring Procedures
Sun Protection
The first and the most important thing you can do as post-treatment care for any acne procedure you might have opted for is sun protection. After chemical peels, microneedling, or laser therapy, your skin becomes sensitive to UV rays. Thus, sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, slow down your healing process, or even worsen the scarring. To avoid such jarring repercussions, you should wear good-quality sunscreen with SPF 50 or above and PA+++. It is crucial to minimize direct exposure to sunlight. When outdoors, consider wearing protective clothing, a hat, or using an umbrella. Additionally, try to stay indoors as much as possible.
Moisturize and Hydrate
The second thing you can and should do after opting for microneedling or laser procedures for acne scars is to moisturize your and hydrate your skin. Your skin gets drier and more sensitive after an anti-scarring treatment, as a lot of exfoliation is involved. Hence, you have to go the extra mile to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized.
The first step is to drink a lot of water. Then, you should use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer, and can take things a step further by using a hydrating toner before it. The key ingredients you look for in a moisturizer would be humectants like hyaluronic acid glycerin and ceramides. Regular moisturizing can reduce redness, irritation, and flaking – the primary after-effects of an acne scarring treatment.
Minimize Touching or Picking the Skin
Thirdly, touching or picking at the treated areas can introduce new bacteria, worsening your scarring or causing another bout of acne infection. So, the best precaution is to avoid picking at your skin and just letting it be. This simple step can do wonders in your healing journey.
Avoid Harsh Products
As we have already discussed, an acne scar treatment like chemical peels or microneedling can sensitize your skin and make it more susceptible to redness, sun damage, irritation, etc. So, you must make extra efforts to be extra gentle to your skin. One way to do this is by avoiding harsh products. From facial cleansers to moisturizers and the toners you use, everything should be hydrating and gentle, and not exfoliating in any form. So, avoid products with ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, AHAs and BHAs etc. On the contrary, look for products with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, etc.
Follow-Up Treatments
Several skin procedures for acne scars, such as laser and microneedling, need multiple sessions for optimal results and long-term improvements. So, you should consult with your specialist and attend all the follow-up appointments. Leaving the treatment in the middle and abruptly can jeopardize your skin’s health even further.
Opt for Acne Scarring Treatments from the Dermatologist in Hyderabad
So, there we have it, the top 5 easy ways to maintain your skin after acne scar procedures. For the gentlest yet most effective acne scar treatments, look no further than Dermiq. We provide personalized solutions to lighten your acne marks and provide holistic, performance-driven, and long-term results. Our professional team is ever-ready to provide you with post-treatment care tips and tricks so that you can have a sorted and streamlined healing journey.
