While it may sound elementary, the first place to start treating acne scars is prevention. Most people can not predict when they will have an acne outbreak or the severity of that outbreak will be. If you suffer from acne outbreaks, having a good preventive treatment regiment is a proactive way to keep acne minimized, reducing the risk of scarring in the first place. It's like washing your hands to help prevent the spread of germs. Of all the factors that can contribute to acne outbreaks, heredity is part of the mix. In addition, heredity plays a factor in the amount of damage you get acne, or in other words, their ability to heal. Almost all acne sufferers will develop some form of scarring, from mild to severe. The earlier in life you start treating acne, scars most likely be minimal. Acne scars is the final result of the healing process of the body. The decrease of elastic fibers in the skin with thickened collagen groups that contribute to excessive growth of scar tissue. There are two types of scars: Hypertrophic scars are thick and discolored scars that show above the normal skin surface. Keloid scars are discolored scars at the skin level or below and grow outward from the initial injury similar to a stretch. There are several treatment options available to help reduce or eliminate the visible signs of acne scars. topical solutions – Several topical solutions are available. These ointments are applied to the damaged area and are designed to moisturize the skin and remove dead skin cells, allowing the skin rejuvenation and replenishment of cells, reduce or eliminate scarring. Silicone Sheets – Modern research has shown that silicone is an effective treatment in scar removal. While the science of how it works is not completely understood, several companies manufacture silicone sheets and silicone based treatments that are designed to minimize or eliminate the appearance of acne scars. Microdermabrasion – The microdermabrasion, a dermatologist uses a hand grinding wheel and a special abrasive cream to remove the top layer of skin. When the new skin grows, it is healthier and has more elasticity to the old skin, reducing or eliminating the visible signs of scarring. Chemical Peels – A chemical peel uses a chemical solution of Phenol, trichloroacetic acid, alpha hydroxy acids to eliminate The outer layers of damaged skin. Similar to microdermabraision and laser skin cells replace damaged cells removed, reducing or eliminating the visible signs of scarring. Laser Resurfacing – made by a qualified plastic surgeon, a concentrated laser beam focus on the treatment area. As the laser energy penetrates the skin, water evaporates and the surface layer of the skin, leaving intact the deeper layers. Laser resurfacing also helps to restore elasticity of the skin by shortening the collagen fibers found in the layers of the skin, reducing or eliminating the visible signs of scarring. Always be sure to consult a dermatologist before undergoing and treatment of scars. However, all these treatments have proven effective, so once you find the right one is only a matter of time before the scarring is reduced or eliminated! BIO: Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on the treatment of acne, blackheads and pimples, through a website for information on skin care, http://www.acne-treatments-guide . com