In the last issue we talked about Cystic Acne and it’s treatment. In this issue we are going to go over some effective solutions for getting rid of ugly acne scars.
And as we well know, acne is a common skin condition that takes its toll on over 80% of the planet’s population in one way or another. Not only does it wreak havoc on our skin during breakouts it often haunts us long after it has healed, by leaving behind ugly, hard to cover, acne scars. Without treatment these scars can become permanent and be not only be physically but emotionally damaging.
Acne scars, in many shapes and sizes. For instance; Macules our flat red spots left behind by breakouts that often persist for several weeks before fading away on their own.
Tissue scars on the other hand appear as raised growths often referred to as keloids or hypertrophic scars. they are caused by an excess production of collagen in your skin.
Skin discoloration scars appear on your skin as dark or red spots left behind where acne has previously healed. These cars are also called post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. While they may eventually fade on their own they often remain visible for several months.
Lost tissue scars, often referred to as ice-pick scars, depressed fibrotic scars, soft scars or folicule macular atrophy appear as sunken pits in the skin and are caused by a loss of tissue after an acne blemish has healed.
While some scars are permanent others will go away with time and proper treatment. The earlier you begin treating your acne scars with topical medications the better chance you have of them fading away completely.
Permanent scars often require some type of medical intervention as well as topical skin care medications designed to resurface the skin. let’s take a quick look at some of the different treatment options available to help remove acne scars once and for all.
Dermabrasion
Uses a high-speed brush or diamond wheel with rough edges to remove the upper layers of your skin. This treatment is designed to resurface your skin and remove or reduce the depth of acne scars. This procedure actually causes your skin to bleed, then as it heals new skin grows your damaged skin is replaced.
Micro-Dermabrasion
This is a less invasive type of dermabrasion where a dermatologist or aesthetician uses a spray of very small crystals instead of a high-speed brush to remove surface skin. While there is no bleeding or downtime with this procedure it will take multiple treatments to see results
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can be used to reduce the appearance of shallow acne scars. This procedure involves applying a chemical to your skin to remove its outer layer, giving it a smoother, more even appearance. It must be administered by a dermatologist or an aesthetician. Depending on the strength of the acid used, you may experience redness and peeling for several days after your treatment.
Retinoic Acid
Retinoic acid cream is applied directly to the scar to help reduce its appearance, especially in the case of keloid scars.
Lasers
These are used to remove the outer layer of your skin, contour areas around acne scars, or lighten redness around healed lesions. Various types of lasers are used, depending on whether the acne scar is raised or flat. This treatment should be administered by a dermatologist or an aesthetician. It often takes several days to heal after treatment and more than one treatment may be required before you see results.
Dermal Fillers
Are usually substances such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, or fat that is used to “fill out” certain types of acne scars, especially those that have resulted in a depressed appearance of the skin. These fillers eventually absorb into the skin. So while there is no downtime and you will see instant results this procedure will need to be repeated over time.
Punch Excisions and Skin Grafting
These are both surgical procedures that are used in extreme cases to help alleviate the appearance of deep pitted acne scars. The basic procedure requires cutting the scar then stitching or replacing the area with a skin graft that is most often taken from behind the ear.
Acne scars are a constant reminder of painful and embarrassing outbreaks. With the wide variety of medications and treatments available to help alleviate the appearance of acne scars there’s no reason that you should have to suffer with them anymore.
To find the right treatment or procedure for your acne scars be sure to Make an appointment with your dermatologist, so that they can help you explore your options.
In the next issue, will be talking about some tips for healing and concealing even stubborn acne blemishes.