While some people are lucky to have blemishes that vanish completely, others are left with visible memories of previous outbreaks, which can be very annoying.
As if acne weren’t bad enough, a pimple scar might take weeks or months to dissipate, if it ever does.
Think again if you think stubborn scars have no chance. On the plus side, numerous treatments, such as acne scar treatment, can help you remove or reduce these scars, making them less noticeable and boosting your self-confidence.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Why do some people get acne scars but not others?
Scarring can occur from various causes, but one of them is heredity. If a blood relative develops acne scars, you may as well, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). When the skin loses collagen with age, scarring becomes more likely.
Because collagen is essential in the healing process, your skin develops new collagen as it heals after a breakout. It can, however, produce too little or too much, creating a scar.
Remember that acne is an inflammatory disease. According to AAD, scar development is influenced by the severity and length of skin inflammation. Therefore, delaying acne therapy increases the risk of scarring.
According to the NHS, everyone who has a breakout can have temporary or permanent scars; however, scarring is more prevalent in individuals with inflammatory acne, characterised by multiple pimples and cysts.
What Are the Symptoms of Acne Scarring?
Because an acne scar appears where a pimple formerly existed, distinguishing it from other types of scars isn’t difficult.
Acne Scars of Various Types
Acne scars vary in appearance. They can take many different forms. For instance:
Boxcar Scars and Ice-Pick Scars
Depressed fibrotic scars (also known as boxcar scars) and ice-pick scars are acne scars produced by tissue loss. Ice-pick scars are deeper than boxcar scars, and they appear sunken and like pits in the skin.
Dark Spots
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when healed acne leaves a temporary dark patch on the skin.
Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
Some varieties of acne produce scars in the form of larger, elevated tissue growths. Too much scar tissue causes these acne scars. Keloids and hypertrophic scars have a similar appearance, but the latter is more elevated.
Red Spots
These are flat, red (or brownish) dots that appear where an acne lesion previously existed. They normally fade away without leaving a mark.
Rolling Scars
The most common sort of acne scar is this one. They are shallow and wide, with sloping edges. These scars grow more obvious as you get older.
How to Get Rid of Acne Scars
Optimising acne treatment with a solid skin-care routine, a healthy diet, and adequate acne scar removal is best to prevent acne scars.
Don’t dismiss an acne problem, even if it’s minor, because lowering skin inflammation can help reduce scarring.
Over-the-counter lotions or face washes containing active acne-fighting chemicals like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide should be used to treat acne. The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist if these don’t work.
Acne scars can be prevented and reduced by regularly using a topical retinoid such as tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene.
Prevention also entails treating your skin gently and avoiding behaviours that irritate it and aggravate irritation.
Acne Scar Removal and Improvement Dermatological Procedures
But, while some precautions can help avoid new scarring, what are your alternatives for decreasing the look of existing scars?
Acne scar removal and improvement techniques include:
- Dermabrasion: This efficient acne scar removal procedure resurfaces your skin and removes or reduces the depth of scars using a high-speed brush or another tool. The skin can take up to three weeks to heal.
- Microdermabrasion: A dermatologist or aesthetician uses a handheld instrument to remove superficial skin in this less-intensive type of dermabrasion. According to the AAD, multiple treatments may be required, but there is no downtime.
- Chemical Peel: It eliminates the top layer of your skin, giving you a smoother, more even appearance. You may have redness and peeling for three to seven days, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).
- Laser: A laser resurfacing your dermatologist can use treatment to remove the outer layer of your skin, shape acne scars, or diminish redness around healed acne spots. Healing can take anywhere from 3 to 10 days.
- Fillers: Certain forms of acne scars can be “filled out” with a substance like a collagen, hyaluronic acid, or fat. Because fillers eventually seep into your skin, you’ll need to have them injected every few months again or so, depending on the substance.
- Punch Excisions: Acne scars are excised or taken out separately with this sort of skin surgery. Stitches or a skin transplant can be used to close the hole created by the incision. A skin graft fills up a damaged area with a small piece of normal skin (typically taken from behind the ear). Bruising may last one to two weeks following the treatment.
- Microneedling: This method, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves repeatedly pricking the skin with small needles to encourage the development of new collagen. This can help scars appear less noticeable. Wrinkles, stretch marks, and fine lines can all benefit from microneedling. According to the AAD, skin redness can linger for a few days.
Conclusion
Acne scars might diminish with time. Over-the-counter medications and some acne treatment procedures may aid individuals who don’t.
While dermatological operations can help improve the appearance of your skin, your health insurance may not cover these cosmetic procedures, and treatment may not be enough to repair your skin fully. So, keep your expectations in check.
Cleo Clinic can assist you if you are interested in aesthetic treatments. We are situated in Kuala Lumpur and provide a wide range of therapies, including dermal fillers, acne scar treatment, microneedling, etc. For additional information, please contact us immediately.
