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Do you feel self-conscious about your appearance because of acne scars? While some people’s acne goes away without scarring, others are left with unsightly marks that constantly remind them of their ordeal.
The acne scars left behind by a pimple can be unsightly for a long time and may not dissipate for weeks or months. Acne is embarrassing enough when active; scarring makes it even more. Acne scars, albeit unfortunate, are treatable.
Why Acne Scarring Occurs?
This begs the question: what causes some people to suffer from acne scars while others do not?
Acne scarring can occur for various reasons; nonetheless, heredity is always a potential contributor. Acne scarring is more likely to run in families, so if a close family has dealt with it, your chances of dealing with it yourself are higher, according to the American Academy of Derma (AAD). Moreover, age-related loss of collagen in the skin makes scarring more likely.
New collagen is produced while your skin heals from a breakout, and this aids in the healing process. However, there are instances where either too little or too much is produced, leading to a scar.
Acne, as you may know, is an inflammatory skin disorder. Delaying acne therapy increases the risk of scarring, as scar development is strongly correlated with the severity and length of skin inflammation.
Acne scars form due to an aberrant inflammatory response that is complicated and prolonged, leading to subpar wound healing. Acne can leave behind either temporary or permanent scars, and everybody who has ever had an outbreak is at risk.
Types Of Acne Scarring
Scar treatment is more effective if you know what kind of scar you’re dealing with. The treatment effectiveness varies from type to type, and some treatments are more effective than others.
Your skin color may also play a role. For instance, deeper skin laser treatments are not recommended for people with darker skin types because of the greater risk of scarring and pigmentation.
Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars tend to appear on the face. An indented scar is below the surface of the skin. As a result of insufficient collagen production during the healing process, these scars develop. Atrophic scars can be one of three different varieties:
- Rolling: These are large, uneven depressions with rounded corners and a rolling appearance.
- Boxcar: These scars are deep and U-shaped, with pointed ends. They may be relatively superficial or profound. They respond better to skin resurfacing procedures if they are shallower.
- Ice Pick: V-shaped scars, or ice pick scars, can penetrate the skin deeply. In other cases, they may have an oval or round shape, like a chickenpox scar. Because they can go so deep into the skin, these scars are the most challenging to cure.
Hypertrophic Scars
Acne scars of this type frequently appear on the chest and back. Due to an excess of collagen produced during the healing process, these bumps rise above the surface of the surrounding skin. A pimple’s residual discoloration is not a scar. Scars of any color, whether purple, red, or brown, will gradually disappear after a few months.
Acne Scarring Treatment Options
You should see a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment for acne scars. You can get advice on minimizing the look of your scars from a professional and if you have any doubts about whether or not the marks on your skin are scars.
Some potential solutions to the problem of acne scars are listed below.
Laser Treatments
Acne scars can be treated effectively with a laser by directing a light beam with the right energy to the scar tissue. This concentrated energy triggers tissue restoration by stimulating the area. After many treatments, the scar’s color will blend with the rest of the skin. Acne scars can be eliminated by laser therapy. This method of treatment has the potential to lessen their visibility drastically.
Microneedling
A device with several needles is rolled across the skin precisely to puncture the scar tissue beneath. The idea underlying microneedling is the same as that of laser treatment. In other words, the purpose of the needles is to encourage the skin in that area to make more collagen, which will eventually fade or eliminate the scar.
Although microneedling can help diminish the appearance of acne scars, it seldom eliminates them. You may need several sessions to get the ideal outcomes.
RF Microneedling
When radio frequency (RF) energy is added to conventional microneedling, the result is RF microneedling. Radio waves, just like light waves, can have a tangible reaction. Combined with microneedling further stimulates the skin to begin the repair process. The pigmentation of acne scars can be lightened by using this relatively new approach to treating them, and it has shown promising results thus far.
Dermabrasion
In dermabrasion, the epidermis and a superficial layer of the dermis are removed by scraping the skin with a rough substance. In addition to scarring, this method is utilized to treat various problems related to uneven skin tone. Since dermabrasion can cause discoloration in people with darker skin tones, this acne scar therapy is mainly indicated for those with fair skin and severe, fully healed scarring.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injectable proteins and acids used for aesthetic purposes to fill out or plump up a specific area of skin. Direct injection of the filler into the scar tissue produces instant but short-lived results. Fillers for acne scars can be beneficial but won’t remain forever. Injections may need to be repeated once a year to prevent acne scars from reappearing.
Chemical Peels
Additional chemical therapies for acne scars include phenol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. However, there are potential side effects associated with chemical peels for treating acne scars, including skin color changes and scarring. Because of this, before deciding to get a chemical peel, you should discuss it with your dermatologist and learn about your skin type.
Takeaway
Acne scarring can be distressing, but several options for reducing its visibility exist. While most scars are permanent, with the help of a medical practitioner, you can find a therapy that can minimize their appearance. Contact us at B Medical Spa & Wellness Center immediately if you’re considering scheduling an appointment for any of these services.
