Treatment (Acne Scars)
Acne scars are marks left behind after severe or persistent acne heals. They form when inflamed acne lesions damage the skin’s tissue, leading to irregular healing. While some scars fade over time, others may become permanent without treatment.
Causes of Acne
Causes of Acne Scarring
Acne scars develop due to:
- Severe or deep acne (nodules and cysts) that damage skin tissue.
- Delayed or improper healing of inflamed breakouts.
- Picking or popping pimples, which increases the risk of scarring.
- Genetic predisposition, as some individuals are more prone to scarring.
Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars can vary in appearance, and understanding their type helps determine the best treatment.
Atrophic (Depressed) Scars
These scars form when there is a loss of collagen during healing. They include:
- Ice Pick Scars: Deep, narrow, and pitted scars.
- Boxcar Scars: Wider depressions with sharp edges.
- Rolling Scars: Wave-like indentations caused by tissue damage beneath the skin.
Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars
- Hypertrophic Scars: Raised scars that form when excess collagen is produced during healing.
- Keloid Scars: Larger, thickened scars that extend beyond the original acne site, common in darker skin tones.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH appears as dark spots rather than true scars. It occurs due to excess melanin production after inflammation and usually fades over time with proper care.
Acne Scar Treatment Options
Acne scars can be improved with a combination of treatments based on the type and severity of scarring.
Professional Treatments
- Laser Therapy: Targets scar tissue to stimulate collagen production and even out skin texture.
- Microneedling: Uses tiny needles to promote skin regeneration and smooth depressed scars.
- Chemical Peels: Removes damaged skin layers to improve skin tone and texture.
- Dermal Fillers: Injected to plump depressed scars and create a smoother skin surface.
- Subcision: A procedure where a needle is used to break scar tissue beneath the skin, helping release depressed scars.
- Surgical Scar Revision: For severe scars, procedures like punch excision or grafting may be performed.
Preventing Acne Scars
- Treat acne early to prevent deep, inflamed breakouts.
- Avoid picking or popping pimples to reduce trauma to the skin.
- Use sunscreen daily, as UV exposure can worsen scars and hyperpigmentation.
- Follow a proper skincare routine with gentle exfoliation to promote skin healing.