In the past years, skin resurfacing techniques have become a popular way to treat the signs of aging, sun damage and to rid acne scars. There are several different options you can choose from, but in order to make the right decision you'll need to know what they entail.

Some of the most common resurfacing techniques include: laser therapy, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Each one of these procedures has its own set of pros and cons. Here is a general overview of each of them.

Laser Therapy & Acne Scarring

Recently, acne scars have been treated using laser therapy. This procedure "burns off" certain layers of the skin by using a carbon dioxide laser. There may be some visible damage, but that will depend on which type of therapy is used: ablative or non ablative.

Ablative laser therapy involves the removal of the epidermis, which leaves behind visible signs of treatment and requires a certain amount of down time. Non-ablative treatment deals with the underlying layers, so damage is less visible and recovery time is quite a bit less.

Acne Scarring & Chemical Peels

Chemicals peels has for ages been the most popular way of resurfacing acne scars. This procedure requires the use of different chemicals to help remove dead skin. This process helps promote the growth of new, healthier layers of skin.

Retinoic acid peels are ideal for treating acne scars. This type of peel can also help improve the signs of aging such as wrinkles and age spots. Deeper scarring requires the use of stronger acids.

The amount of time needed to recover from a chemical peel will depend on the depth of the peel. This means that if the peel is light, you won't usually require anesthesia or a recovery period. However, if you undergo medium and deep chemical peels you will require anesthesia, pain medication, and even a few weeks to recover.

Microdermabrasion for Acne Scars & Acne Scarring

If you want a gentler scar treatment option then microdermabrasion is a good option. If you suffer from minor scars, then you can also undergo microdermabrasion in order to treat them. Keep in mind, however, that this type of treatment will also take more time to produce any noticeable effects.

This procedure does not require medical assistance, but it should be done in a sterile environment in order to minimize any risk of infection. In fact, you can undergo a microdermabrasion treatment in a doctor's office, salon, or even a spa.

Lately, microdermabrasion systems have become so popular that they are now available for at home treatment. Most microdermabrasion treatments include a portable machine with sponge or brush attachment. They are generally used with a microdermabrasion cream.

At home treatments can be done more frequently than traditional microdermabrasion. It can also be used all over your body to help remove dry skin patches and age spots as well as body scars.