Acne is a common skin condition that many of us face at some point in our lives. While battling acne itself can be challenging, the aftermath—acne scarring—can be just as distressing. In this blog, we’ll dive into the causes of acne scarring, its impact on mental health, preventive measures, and effective treatment options.
Acne scars occur when the skin’s underlying tissue is damaged during the healing process of acne. Here’s how it happens:
1. Inflammation: When acne lesions, such as pimples or cysts, become inflamed, the pore swells and this can cause a break in the follicle wall.
2. Healing Process: If the break is deep, the infected material spills out into the surrounding tissue, creating deeper lesions. The skin forms new collagen fibres to repair the damage, but this repair job isn’t always perfect.
3. Scar Types: Inappropriate or insufficient collagen fibre deposition can result in scar tissue formation. Scars can be raised (hypertrophic) scars, where too much collagen is produced, or depressed (atrophic) scars, where there is a loss of tissue.
Acne scarring can take a significant toll on one’s mental health, affecting self-esteem and confidence and so we want to prevent the formation of scarring which requires early intervention of acne. Here are some tips to prevent acne scars:
– Avoid Picking: Resist the urge to pick or squeeze pimples, as this increases inflammation and the risk of scarring.
– Early Treatment: Seek treatment for acne early to reduce the severity and duration of breakouts.
– Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun, as UV exposure can darken scars and slow the healing process.
-Acne specific skincare: Skincare needs to address various causative factors such as: inflammation, infection, oil production and under exfoliation.
If you’re dealing with acne scars, several effective treatment options can help improve skin texture and appearance:
– Retinoids: Help to promote cell turnover and improve skin texture as well as controlling oil production.
-Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells and reduce discolouration.
– Salicylic Acid: Penetrates the pores to clear out acne and reduce swelling.
-SPF-Oil free, non comedogenic SPF is an essential step to minimise inflammation and prevent pigmentation.
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the top layer, encouraging new skin growth. They can be effective for superficial scars and discolouration.
Micro-needling uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production. This can help with the texture of depressed scars. Medical professionals are licenced to use longer needles which is necessary when it comes to treating acne scars. Proper depths and techniques are critical for appropriate treatment of acne scarring and medical professionals can adjust the depths during treatment to ensure they deliver effective and safe treatments. Incorrect needle length or improper technique may lead to inadequate results or even worsen scarring.
Fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, are injected into depressed scars to raise them to the level of surrounding skin, providing immediate results.
This minor surgical procedure involves inserting a needle or cannula under the skin to break up fibrous bands that cause depressed scars, allowing the skin to rise.
These have been revolutionary in the treatment of acne scarring. These injectable treatments stimulate the bodies natural processes to induce wound healing and repair damaged tissue.
Treating acne scars is often a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. It’s essential to consult with a medical specialist to find the most suitable treatment plan for your skin type and scar severity. Very often a combination of treatments is required for best results. Remember, while these scars may seem daunting, they are a testament to your skin’s healing journey. With the right approach, you can improve both your skin’s appearance and your confidence, embracing a future where your skin tells a story of resilience and recovery. Don’t let acne scars define you—take control of your skin’s story and embark on the path to healing
Our aesthetic clinic in London is led by Dr Stephanie Damalis, an aesthetic doctor with 12 years of experience. She offers leading cosmetic treatments including anti-wrinkle treatments, skin procedures and dermal fillers.
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