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Acne Scarring Treatment: Effective Methods and Tips

Acne Scarring Treatment: Effective Methods and Tips

Dealing with acne breakouts and scars can be distressful and all too often, people rely on using off-the-shelf products, which yield poor results. However, there are effective and safe dermatological methods available that offer the best acne scar treatments to reduce and remove the damage caused by acne.

What is Acne and Acne Scars?

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition caused by excess oil production, hair follicles getting clogged with dead skin cells and oil, and/or bacteria that form pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It most commonly occurs on the face, neck, chest, back, and upper arms. While it is prevalent during puberty, acne can affect people of any age, both male and female, and it can be triggered by diet, stress, hormones, and medications.

Acne is not a serious health condition, but it does cause discomfort, emotional distress, and it can leave scars. Acne scars are permanent textural changes and depressions in the skin. But it is possible to get rid of acne scars and the earlier treatment starts with acne breakouts, the lower the risk of visible scarring.

Causes of Acne Scars

Once the acne clears up, it can leave scars, which is more likely in the following cases:

  • The acne was severe with cysts that penetrate deeply into the skin.
  • The acne is inflamed and not treated.
  • Picking or squeezing the acne will aggravate the inflammation and the acne.
  • Acne and scarring runs in the family.

Acne destroys the underlying skin tissue, which isn’t restored during the healing process when the body produces collagen. If there is too little collagen, the scars tend to be shallow indentations that could affect the surrounding tissue. Elevated acne scars can occur when too much collagen is produced, which can also appear as red lumps if the acne was chronic.

face with acne and acne scars

Acne and scarring have emotional side-effects as it causes people to feel embarrassed and self-conscious about their appearance and other people’s reactions. This is also intensified due to the myths around acne being caused by a lack of personal hygiene.

Having effective treatment at a dermatologist can be a life-changing experience that will restore not only the appearance of the skin but also self-confidence.

Acne Scar Treatment

If DIY home treatments really worked then acne scars could be easily cured. But not all scars are equal. Store bought products contain a range of ingredients that affect skin types differently and can cause different side-effects.

Acne scars vary in severity and can only be effectively treated by a professional who is trained to diagnose and apply the right treatment on an individual basis.

A dermatologist will discuss how to remove acne scars using the most popular and effective treatment methods that are best-suited to the patient’s skin condition.

FRAXEL Laser Treatment

Laser treatment for acne scars is a skin resurfacing technique that uses a non-invasive laser to penetrate the skin layers to stimulate new elastin growth and collagen production. The laser treatment can be applied on an area of the body by concentrating on a small area to smooth out the skin’s texture and reduce acne scarring.

Acne Skin Peel

Acne scar treatment in the UK can be applied using light, medium, and deep acne skin peels. Chemical peels work by removing the skin’s top layer to smooth out the texture and tone of the skin, unclogs pores, removes dead skin cells, and promotes the growth of healthy skin. Acne skin peels promote the production of collagen to aid in filling out acne scars.

Punch Technique

The punch graft technique is another method in how to treat acne scars. It works to improve depressed acne scars using a punch tool that cuts out the scar. A small skin graft is taken from an area such as behind the ear which is then put in place of the scar. The newly placed skin is held with sutures or surgical skin glue. Alternatively, the scar can be removed without replacing the skin and the small, punched opening is closed with sutures.

Subcision

Subcision, also referred to subcutaneous incisional surgery, is a minor procedure to treat depressed cutaneous acne scars. A hypodermic needle is inserted into a puncture in the surface of the skin to disrupt the fiber strands that are holding the scar to the tissue. The release of the fiber strands coupled with a collagen deposit and the healing process leads to considerable improvement of the scar.

pop a deep pimple and acne treatment

Dermabrasion

Microdermabrasion skincare for acne scars is an effective procedure that uses a small handheld device to softly remove the skin’s outer layer to reveal a smoother and better toned skin. It is highly effective in treating depressed acne scars that are flat against the skin’s surface and is also helpful in treating mild and moderate acne breakouts.

Takeaway

Every person’s skin is unique. Discuss how to get rid of acne scars on your face with a specialist who will provide you with the best insight into what is the most suitable approach to treat the acne scars with your skin type.  

Home treatments cannot compare with professional procedures, so before wasting money on several products that won’t achieve the best results, speak to a dermatologist to get sound, expert advice.

What to expect from professional treatment

Side-effects such as swelling, pain, or redness will be temporary and usually subside after a few hours or days. To maintain results and avoid adverse reactions, be informed about the procedure, and always follow the dermatologist’s instructions before and after treatment:  

  • Depending on the severity of the acne scars, several sessions may be needed to treat the skin.
  • Be realistic and allow for at least 4 weeks to see noticeable changes.
  • Avoid exfoliating a few weeks after treatment and stick to a gentle skincare routine.
  • It is important to use sunscreen afterwards and refrain from tanning or harsh sun exposure as the skin will be sensitive and needs to heal.
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