What does the word pockmarks remind you of? Chickenpox, maybe? Well, if that is what is on your mind, then you’re not too far off. Today we will tell you all about pockmarks and what you can do to get rid of them!
What are pockmarks?
These are residual deep marks that appear on your facial skin after the healing of a wound. Whenever severe damage is inflicted, the skin immediately creates a cover over the wound to protect it from bacteria and germs. This results in pockmarks.
[Photo source: Reddit]
What are the reasons why pockmarks appear?
Pockmarks are caused by various reasons like certain illnesses and infections. Your marks may be a result of the aftermath of one of the following –
1. Chickenpox and smallpox
Diseases like smallpox or chickenpox cause severe damage to the skin leaving behind a pockmarked face. Smallpox has been chiefly eradicated, but chickenpox remains a significant threat to the skin’s wellbeing. This disease causes the formation of small blisters that are notoriously known for being perpetually itchy. Scars and pockmarks form only when people give in to the urge to itch and scratch at these blisters.
2. Acne
Acne that occurs during puberty can be pretty arduous. They can leave behind acne scars and pockmarks even after the acne has healed. Popping pimples and scratching zits also leaves behind marks and scars.
3. Severe skin infections
Skin infections like bacteria staphylococcus and streptococcus leave behind scars and pockmarks. Other boils, cuts and infected pimples can also be a cause for scarring.
What can a dermatologist do to help with your pockmarks?
If the damage is deep, you might want to contact a dermatologist for the best results. They can offer you cosmetic therapies and surgeries as solutions that prove successful. You should only do this under the guidance of dermatologists and qualified professionals.
The well-known cosmetic procedures commonly sought after for removing pockmarks are the following:
Chemical peeling
You can opt for this to even out and rejuvenate your skin tone. Chemical peels come in light, medium, and deep levels, all of which refer to the intensity of the chemicals used and the depth of action on the skin.
Laser resurfacing
This procedure eliminates old damaged skin to reveal younger and brighter skin underneath. Unlike a chemical peel, this procedure uses a laser instead of chemicals. It comes in two forms which are either ablative (wounding) or non-ablative (non-wounding). They produce faster results, which is the reason for their growing popularity.
According to experts, although the healing process is lengthy, the results can be immediately witnessed and can last for years.
Dermabrasion
This is a mild form of sanding the outermost layer of the skin using rotating devices. Still, it is more effective in reducing ageing effects rather than improving an uneven skin tone.
It removes both parts of the epidermis as well as the dermis.
This procedure needs general anaesthesia and the expertise of a dermatologist or a physician as it is intensive and includes using a sanding machine on the affected region.
Your skin condition and type will determine if the procedure is proper for you.
Microdermabrasion
This procedure is similar to dermabrasion but on a smaller scale and is used to treat less severe forms of pockmarks.
While it uses abrasive materials to remove the skin cells, it only removes the epidermis layers on the skin and does not go deeper. So, if your pockmarks are severe, there is not much that this procedure can do to renew your skin’s healthy look.
Home remedies to remove pockmarks
The removal of pockmarks depends on the degree of damage done to the skin.
- Natural solutions include home remedies like facial massages that stimulate skin cells to regenerate and produce more collagen.
- Pockmarks can also be supplemented with moisturizing oils and creams that help build the skin’s health to make it easier to regenerate.
- If the pockmarks are more shallow and visible because of pigmentation, it is possible to lighten/remove them using natural ingredients with bleaching properties, for example, lemon and honey. They are preferred more than other proclaimed home remedies since they tend to have the least side effects on the skin and are naturally nourishing.
- A lesser-known solution is the use of cocoa butter. Regular application of cocoa butter on pockmarks can help smoothen the skin out and reduce the prominence of pockmarks.
However, home remedies are not known to be effective and sometimes can lead to more adverse issues such as further scarring, irritation or infection.
The silver lining
These are the most secure ways to treat pockmarks and achieve healthy-looking skin despite suffering from such skin conditions.
Disclaimer
The natural remedies mentioned in the blog are the widely popular ones. It is in no way a substitute for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Avoid using these if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies.
Before trying any natural remedy, always test a small quantity on your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergies to any particular ingredient. In case of emergency or any reaction, immediately connect with a doctor who can offer the proper treatment.
FAQ’s about pockmarks
They are a result of intense damage done to the deeper layers of your skin during infections. Once such damage occurs, our system creates collagen to heal the marks. In its haste, it leaves behind pockmarks.
Pockmarks are noticeable scars and irregularities on the surface of your skin. They look like blemishes and form dents and concave shapes on the skin.
The biggest issue with pockmarks is their damage to someone’s self-confidence when they have to deal with very evident scarring on their face. Under the pressure of maintaining neat and clean appearances, people tend to find acne scars like pockmarks incredibly frustrating.
