Our skin has three main layers. Starting with the outermost, the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The layers protect our fragile insides from the elements, from UV rays and bacteria, and they also help produce vitamin D thanks to sunlight. Any area with sebaceous glands is prone to acne — but it mainly occurs on the face, back and chest. Unfortunately, if we have experienced acne, we may also experience scarring. This is the result of inflammation of acne blemishes. The acne pore swells and a breakdown occurs in the wall of the pore. Some acne blemishes are small and the scars created are shallow and will heal very quickly. Sometimes the contents of blemishes spill into the surrounding tissue and cause deeper scars. The skin’s response is to repair the scar by forming new collagen fibers.
Acne scars take on two main forms – either a scar develops when there is a loss of tissue, resulting in an indentation in the surface of the skin, or a scar develops that is raised on the surface of the skin. This raised type of acne scar is a sign that our skin is doing its job but just a little too well. Our skin creates collagen, which is the repairing tissue. This helps heal the wound and the acne but if it makes too much collagen, raised scars can form.
Just because we might have acne, doesn’t mean that we will be certain to get scarring. If we do, the good news is that not all acne scars are permanent! Treatments are available. Some treatments nearly remove the scars completely while others help the skin heal itself with its own collagen.
What are the types of acne scars and what do they look like?
If you have acne scarring, you’re likely to have more than one of the following types. Rarely does someone just have one type. Each of these can be treated with differing degrees of success.
Atrophic or Depressed Scarring:
- Ice pick: This type of acne scar resembles an ice pick tool. It is a hole that’s wide at the top and narrows to a point as it goes quite deep into the skin. As these can be deep, they are one of the most challenging scars to heal. They are typically found on our forehead and upper cheeks, where our skin is thinner.
- Rolling: These scars are usually found on the lower cheeks and jaw, where our skin is thicker. The indents have sloping edges that make the skin look uneven and wavy.
- Boxcar: Boxcar scars are indents that have sharper edges. Those edges go down deep into the skin. These scars are common on the lower cheeks and jaw.
Hypertrophic or keloid scarring:
These lesions of scar tissue rise off the skin and can be often darker in colour or can appear shiny. They’re caused when the collagen in the region of the scar overgrow. These scars are usually found on the chest, back and shoulders and jaw line and can be itchy, tender or painful. Keloid scars are also more common in certain ethnicities, such as those with darker skin.
How common is acne scarring?
About 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will have acne, and one out of five will experience scarring. Teenagers are the most likely to suffer. Nearly 90% of teens will get some form of acne.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF ACNE SCARRING
What causes acne?
Clogged pores. Dead skin, oils and bacteria build up in your pores and inflame them. You might also have a genetic predisposition to acne. Hormones and gut health also play an integral part too.
What causes acne scarring?
Scars happen because our body is trying to repair the acne. How our unique body responds to a wound determines if and how much scarring we may have. The process of repair includes the creation of collagen. If there’s too much collagen then the raised scars appear. Other scarring is caused by the loss of tissue, which creates pits or indentations in the skin.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
There are good treatment options and skin care options available for scarring. If you were to visit a clinic such as ours, we would determine what type of acne scars you have and recommend the best treatments based on the type and the location of the scarring. It is important to act on your scarring quickly. Delayed treatments can make scarring harder to treat.
Will my current acne breakouts interfere with the treatment for my acne scars?
Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. Your skin needs to be blemish-free before you start treatment for your acne scars for treatments such as SkinPen (micro needling) as we do not want to transfer bacteria – although our therapists should be able to work around this. Some treatments, such as lactic peels, are good for current acne as well as scarring.
At Home treatments that are most effective for removing acne scars?
We stock some wonderfully effective products for scarring. Sometimes we may recommend products that include the following plant-based chemicals, or a combination of:
- Alpha hydroxy acids
- Lactic acid
- Retinoids
- Salicylic acid
These include skin care products such as:
- Aspect Dr Problem Skin Serum
- Aspect Dr BHA Purifying Gel
- Societe AHA Cleanser
- Medik8 Blemish Control Pads
For those with sensitive skins and active acne, we may recommend products that will heal and add moisture as well as lightly resurface and stimulate collagen, such as:
- Initial epidermal repair with Osmosis MD Rescue
- Vitamin C DNA repair using Osmosis MD Catalyst AC-11
- Vitamin A using Osmosis MD Calm
In-Clinic Treatments for Scarring:
We have a few different options that are tried and tested in our clinic. We don’t use lasers in our clinic, but rather treatments that will nourish and allow your skin to heal without having to go through a huge inflammatory response. These treatments are:
Resurfacing Procedures:
- Lactic peels: This treatment uses plant acids to remove the top layer of old skin. Typically whenever the top layer is removed, the new skin that grows in is smoother and has fewer scars.
- Dermabrasion: This treatment uses a tool to remove the top layers of skin. We also offer an infusion as an additional treatment too, which can assist in the healing of scarring, especially when adding in a hydrating serum.
- Microneedling: This treatment uses small needles to purposely injure your skin to stimulate collagen production that can smooth scars. This is our number one scar removing treatment and we use the SkinPen.
- Dermal Fillers: With this treatment, hyaluronic acid is injected under a depressed scar that lifts the skin upward. This is administered by our doctor.
Reducing the risk of acne scars?
- Wear sunblock: Sunlight can cause scars to darken as well as break down elastin and collagen faster – the proteins we need to repair!
- Don’t pick, scratch, or squeeze: Causing extra damage to your skin promotes inflammation which will make scars worse.
- Treat your acne immediately: The longer you wait, the greater the likelihood of scars.
- Quit smoking: Smoking increases your risk of scarring. Not just acne scars, but scars on your body in general.
- Visit us online or in-clinic: Get advice on acne or scarring as soon as possible!
How long will it take for the acne scars to go away?
This is completely dependent on the type of scar, how long you have had it and the treatment used. If you are using skin care alone, it may take longer than if you were to use both skin care and in-clinic treatments. But do not despair! We can guide you through your best options and help you on your way to scar free skin!
Best Skincare for Acne Scarring – Sensitive Skin
If you need any help in choosing your skin care, you can email us at info@theskincareclinic.com.au.
Best Skincare additions for Acne Scarring – Normal Skin
If you need any help in choosing your skin care, you can email us at info@theskincareclinic.com.au.
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Aspect Dr Problem Skin Serum
$139.00 -
Medik8 Blemish Control Pads
$64.00 -
Societe AHA Exfoliating Cleanser
$79.00
Still not sure?
Do you need more help or would like personalised advice? Book now for your consultation with a skin care advisor. Offering information on what skin care products are best for you. Check out our range of in-clinic services today.
Otherwise fill in the Online Skin Consultation. Our skin care advisor will happily help you. Choosing the right treatments and products for your skin type or concern.
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