Acne Scars Treatment: Your Complete Guide to Glowing Clear Skin

The other consequence of acne that is easily noticeable is the scar that can significantly hamper ones interpersonal abilities affecting self esteem. Thankfully, development of dermatology means that there is several medications which can considerably minimize visibility of such scars. In this article, we will look at different possibilities to eradicate acne scar, possible results and how to select the best solution for your skin.

What Causes Acne Scars?

It is imperative to have a glimpse of how acne scars develop before proceeding to the treatments. Acne results from blocking of hair follicles by oil secreted in the skin as well as dead skin cells. When the body seeks to repair these inflamed areas it may overproduce or under produce collagen which causes either the hypertrophic or atrophic scar. Scar treatment will depend on the kind of scar apart from the location and size of the particular scar.

Types of Acne Scars

Atrophic Scars:

• Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow indentations.
• Boxcar scars: They are large in expanse and flat with straight edges that are also often described as blanch.
• Rolling scars: Large semicircular indentations with recessed sides.

Hypertrophic Scars:

• They are small, irregular elevations of the skin that result from healing processes that trigger the production of collagen. It is found more common on the back and chest but can also be seen on the face.

Best Treatment for Acne Scars

Laser Treatment

• Fractional Laser Resurfacing: This to some extent is a skin resurfacing treatment which works on the dermal layer of skin to encourage collagen formation and even out the skin surface. Laser systems that work on fractional basis including the CO2 and erbium are most useful in management of acne scar.
• Pulsed-Dye Laser (PDL): PDL treatment is preferred for red or raised scarred lesions that have risen beyond the skin surface because it aims focused light to lessen the redness of skin as well as decrease the bumpy surface of hypertrophic scars.

Microneedling

• Microneedling involves stabbing the skin with fine needles in order to cause microscopic wounds on skin surface. These procedures caused increased formation of collagen and better aesthetic outcome of the atrophic scars. This is an outpatient procedure with relatively little discomfort during or after the procedure.

Chemical Peels

• Chemical peeling involves the application of acid on the skin in a form of glycolic acid, salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid better known as TCA. When the old skin begins to shed, this is replaced by new and smoother skin meaning that any scar formations are also minimized.

Dermal Fillers

• Lasers go into the skin and eliminate the tissues that cause the scarred areas to be lower than the rest of the face, fillers such as hyaluronic acid temporarily fill the indentations left by acne as a result of depressed skin. The effects usually persist for a few months after which the therapy can be redone.

Subcision

• Subcision is a minor surgery performed in order to address the rolling scars. In this process, the surgeon pierces the skin under the scar to cut the string like connective tissues that pull the skin down and enables the skin to float and have a smoother surface.

CSA Cross (Trichloroacetic Acid)

• TCA Cross is a procedure in which high concentrations of TCA are injected right into the ice pick scars. This leads to what they call controlled chemical damage, which helps stimulate collagen growth the heals deep set scarring.

Excision

• This treatment may be necessary for deep, ice-pick scars . This involves making an incision then removing the scar then closing the wound that will produce a less evident linear scar that may even disappear later.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Skin Type

Every acne scar treatment is not good for every person and their skin type. For example:

• Dark Skin: Laser might not be as effective as chemical peels or microneedling, because the later can cause complexion problems in some cases.
• Light Skin: They are also more effective, especially since hyperpigmentation is unlikely to occur as it is with other light based treatment options.
• Sensitive Skin: Microneedling or even fillers must be more appropriate approaches that don’t cause much irritation.

It is always advisable to consult a board certified dermatologist to get information on the right treatment plan for a specific scar type and skin color.

What About the Duration to Expect the Outcome?

The time it takes to see results depends on the treatment you choose:

• Laser Treatments: Usually 3 to 4 sessions are needed and usually there is a subjective improvement after 2 to 3 treatments.
• Microneedling: Most of the time, improvements are seen to become obvious after 4 to 6 sessions of the treatment.
• Chemical Peels: In moderate peeling effects can be observed within several procedures, however, deeper peeling is more effective.

Prevention Tips That Can Help One Avoid Developing Acne Scars

It will also be noted that prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of developing acne scars:

• Avoid picking or popping pimples: This causes inflammation and tends to aggravate the formation of scar tissues besides causing them to thicken.
• Treat acne early: The best thing you could do is deal with your acne as early as possible, it won’t scar if you do this.
• Use sun protection: Sunlight is known to cause change of color of the skin and hence can cause the infamous darkening of the scar. Always use sunscreen of broad-spectrum and of SP30 or higher.

Final Thoughts

Acne scarring can be embarrassing, though with so many different option for treatment offered today, there is always expect for clear skin. Talk to a dermatologist regarding the therapy that will work best for your scarring and skin since the process requires a great deal of time. A good dermatologist will tell you that, most of the acne scars can be eliminated if the right procedure is administered on the skin in the right manner.