Your appearance affects your confidence, from your hair’s look to your skin’s softness. If you look good, you feel good about yourself. Unfortunately, skin conditions like acne scars can develop and influence the way you perceive your self-image. When this happens, these scars can become part of your insecurities. The good news is that treating them and preventing them is possible.
Acne Marks vs. Acne Scars: How Are They Different?
Acne marks and acne scars are commonly confused and misused, but these skin conditions are different. To treat them properly, it’s important to know the distinction between the two/
You likely have acne marks if they are smooth to the touch, which means they are not indented or raised. Having such marks signifies that your skin has no permanent collagen damage. Although the discoloration looks unsightly, this is only temporary and part of the natural healing process.
This post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) will fade on its own over several weeks or months. It can be treated with topical medications with Retin-A or acne spot treatment.
Meanwhile, acne scars are depressed or raised marks that develop after a breakout. They can be hypertrophic, which is caused when your body produces too much collagen, or atrophic, which occurs when there is a loss of tissue.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars typically develop when you frequently touch and squeeze your pimples. Scarring is formed due to damaged tissues, glands, and veins surrounding the spots.
Keep in mind that having acne does not automatically mean you will get scars. However, if you experience scarring, the good news is that not all scars are permanent. Some acne treatments are effective in helping the skin heal itself.
What Is the Best Way to Get Rid Of Acne Scars?
As they say, prevention is better than cure, and this popular saying is applicable when it comes to skincare. It’s important to avoid getting acne scars in the first place. If you have blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes, resist the temptation to squeeze them.
Another method to get rid of acne scars and pigmentation is to use natural remedies. For instance, you can buy over-the-counter scar-fading creams or gentle chemical exfoliants if your hyperpigmented scars are not too deep. These products can stimulate your body’s natural collagen production and reduce the visibility of scars as new skin emerges.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that some DIY methods may aggravate your skin condition even more. For this reason, it’s advisable to seek professional help. Here are some professional acne scar removal treatments to consider:
- Microneedling: Microneedling is an effective and safe method that involves using a derma roller to make micro-wounds in the skin to trigger collagen growth underneath the scar. Collagen and elastin are produced when the fine needles in the derma roller pierce the skin, sending a signal to repair damaged skin.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a deep exfoliation procedure that removes the top layer of the skin to reveal a fresher, younger appearance. Regular sessions are required to get expected, lasting results.
- Laser: Laser therapy starts from the top and reaches into the deeper layers of the skin to eliminate the scarred parts and old collagen. It also activates your skin’s natural self-healing ability to give you a renewed, smoother complexion.
Conclusion
Acne scarring is common and can happen to anyone. Thankfully, you can keep your skin looking healthy by preventing acne scars in the first place. Meanwhile, if you do get them, make sure to choose the right procedure for you. Since there is no one-size-fits-all treatment, seek advice from an aesthetics clinic.
Take a step closer to getting smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin with acne scar treatment by CLÉO Clinic. Some of our procedures specifically for acne scars are laser, chemical peel, microneedling, microdermabrasion, and more. Contact us to determine which one is best for your needs!
