What are the best treatments for reducing the appearance of boxcar acne scars? Discover effective options like dermarolling, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing.

Understanding Boxcar Acne Scars

Boxcar scars are a type of atrophic acne scar that appear as round or oval-shaped depressions in the skin. They form when the skin does not produce enough collagen during the healing process after an acne breakout or other skin injury. Boxcar scars are not physically harmful but can have a significant impact on one’s self-esteem and confidence.

Causes and Risk Factors of Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars can develop as a result of severe or inflammatory acne, prolonged untreated acne, and popping or squeezing acne blemishes before they have fully healed. Additionally, genetic factors and a family history of acne scars can increase the likelihood of developing boxcar scars. It is important to note that not everyone with these risk factors will necessarily develop acne scars.

Effective Treatments for Boxcar Scars

While boxcar scars do not heal on their own, there are several treatment options available to help minimize their appearance. The choice of treatment may depend on the depth and severity of the scars.

Dermarolling (Microneedling)

Dermarolling, or microneedling, involves rolling or pressing tiny needles over the skin to create small injuries, which stimulates collagen production and can reduce the appearance of depressed scars. Studies have shown that acne scars, including boxcar scars, can improve after three or more microneedling treatments, with minimal reported pain.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve applying acids to the top layer of the skin, which exfoliates and allows new skin cells to grow. Research suggests that superficial chemical peels, particularly those using 70% glycolic acid, can effectively treat atrophic acne scars, including boxcar scars, with relatively few side effects.

Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are facial resurfacing techniques that remove the top layer of the skin to encourage new skin cell growth. While microdermabrasion can be performed by qualified cosmetic skin treatment providers, dermabrasion should only be done by medical professionals, as it is a more intensive procedure. These treatments may be less suitable for deep boxcar scars.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing, both ablative and non-ablative, can help minimize the appearance of mild to moderate boxcar scars. Ablative laser treatments, which remove a small patch of skin around the scar, can produce more dramatic results, but also carry a higher risk of infection compared to non-ablative treatments that stimulate collagen production without removing skin.

Fillers

Dermal fillers, which contain substances like collagen or fat, can be injected into the skin to help plump up and smooth out the appearance of boxcar scars. The effectiveness of fillers may vary depending on the type of filler used and the depth of the scars.

Choosing the Right Treatment

When selecting a treatment for boxcar scars, it’s important to consider the depth and severity of the scars, as well as any potential risks or side effects of the chosen treatment. Consulting with a dermatologist can help determine the most appropriate and effective approach for individual needs.

Maintaining Healthy Skin

In addition to seeking professional treatment, maintaining a healthy skincare routine and protecting the skin from further damage can also help improve the appearance of boxcar scars over time. This may include using gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen to prevent further sun exposure and hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion

Boxcar acne scars can be a challenging skin condition, but there are several effective treatment options available to help minimize their appearance. By understanding the causes and risk factors, and working closely with a dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan, individuals can find ways to improve the look and feel of their skin and boost their self-confidence.

How to get rid of boxcar scars: Treatments for acne scars

Boxcar scars can develop as a result of acne, or sometimes, chickenpox. Numerous treatments are available to reduce their appearance, such as dermarolling, microdermabrasion, and surgery.

Boxcar scars are also known as craters or pockmarks. While they are not physically harmful, they can cause distress and low self-esteem, particularly when they appear on the face.

This article looks at what boxcar scars are, why they form, and how to reduce their appearance.

Boxcar scars are a type of atrophic acne scar. An atrophic scar is a depressed scar that heals below the normal layer of skin tissue.

There are three main types of atrophic acne scars:

• boxcar scars, which look like round or oval craters in the skin
• ice pick scars, which are small, deep, narrow scars
• rolling scars, which form when bands of scar tissue grow under the skin, giving it an uneven appearance

Boxcar scars form when the skin tries to heal after an injury but does not produce enough collagen. Collagen is a substance that helps support the skin, so a lack of collagen causes pitting.

Any type of acne can cause boxcar scars. They sometimes develop following chickenpox, too. Some risk factors make acne scars more likely, such as:

• having severe or inflammatory acne (nodules and cysts)
• having untreated inflammatory acne for a long time
• popping or squeezing acne blemishes before they heal
• having relatives who are prone to acne scars

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), while genetics and other risk factors influence who will or will not develop acne scars, they are not a guarantee. It is not always clear why one person develops scars while another does not.

Boxcar scars will not heal on their own. However, they may fade over time.

Treatment for boxcar scars can reduce their appearance. Sometimes, though, very deep boxcar scars remain visible even after treatment.

There are a variety of ways to try to minimize the appearance of boxcar scars. The method a person chooses may depend on the depth and severity of the scars.

Dermarolling

Dermarolling, or microneedling, involves rolling or pressing tiny needles over the skin in order to create small injuries. This stimulates collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of depressed scars.

A 2014 study found that acne scars improved in their appearance after three microneedling treatments when compared to a control group. Participants did not report much pain.

Dermarolling has few risks when performed safely. However, it takes time for collagen to form, so people may require 3-6 treatments.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels involve a dermatologist applying acids to the top layer of skin to exfoliate it. This allows new skin cells to grow. It is a form of resurfacing treatment.

A 2012 study found that superficial chemical peels effectively treat atrophic scars with relatively few side effects or complications. A 2015 review suggests that five sequential sessions of 70% glycolic acid every 2 weeks produces better results than other acid solutions.

Chemical peels can cause side effects, such as pain, redness, or flaking. This is more likely with stronger acid solutions. People may need to follow a special skincare routine while undergoing treatment and wear SPF to prevent sun damage.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are facial resurfacing techniques that involve removing the epidermis, or top layer of skin cells, to encourage new skin cells to grow.

A person can choose from:

• Microdermabrasion: People who are qualified to carry out cosmetic skin treatments can carry out this procedure, which involves removing the very top layer of skin cells.
• Dermabrasion: This is a stronger form of exfoliation and removes the entire top layer of the skin. Because of this, only medical professionals should perform dermabrasion.

Dermabrasion may not be suitable for deep boxcar scars. Like other resurfacing treatments, it can also increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.

Laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is another type of skin resurfacing that can help minimize the appearance of mild to moderate boxcar scars. There are two types:

• Ablative laser treatment: This is a laser treatment that involves removing a small patch of skin around the scar, leaving a new, smooth-looking area of skin in its place.
• Non-ablative laser treatment: In this treatment, lasers stimulate collagen production to help improve the appearance of the scar without removing any skin.

Ablative laser treatment can produce more drastic results, with significant improvements after only one treatment. However, there is also a higher risk for infection than non-ablative treatments.

Fillers

Fillers are skin injections that contain substances to plump up the skin. Depending on the type of filler, it may contain collagen or fat from another part of the individual’s body.

Fillers can reduce pitting and even out the skin. However, most give temporary results, lasting between 6-18 months. Some types of filler are permanent.

Surgery

Medical professionals can also remove acne scars surgically. This option is best for those with a small number of scars. There are two types of procedure:

• Punch excision: This involves removing individual scars, creating a new scar that is less obvious than the original. This is one way to reduce the appearance of deep boxcar scars.
• Subcision: During this procedure, a doctor inserts a needle under the skin and passes it in multiple directions, separating the scar tissue from the skin. The body then produces collagen as the skin heals. Subcision is better for shallower boxcar scars.

Some doctors also provide platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections alongside subcision or microneedling treatment to enhance their effects.

A 2019 study suggests that over 2 years, the combination of subcision and PRP can improve scars by 32%. Subcision alone, by comparison, improved scars by 8.3%.

Some people use dermarollers and dermastamps at home. However, it is important to be aware that home kits may carry some risks.

It can be difficult to sterilize dermaroller needles at home properly. If a person does not sterilize or change the needle head frequently enough, they may be at risk for infection.

The needles that come in home dermarolling kits are also shorter than the ones professionals use and penetrate the skin at an angle. This may mean they do not work as effectively as professional microneedling treatments.

An older article in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery recommends:

• choosing high-quality dermarollers or stamps with needles shorter than 0.15 millimeters in length
• sterilizing the device with hot water or a sterilizing product after use before leaving to dry
• using the roller up to twice per week
• replacing the needle head every 100 uses and disposing of the old one safely

Learn more about selecting and using a dermaroller safely.

Boxcar scars are not something that requires immediate medical attention, but they can have a significant impact on mental health. If that is the case, people should speak to a doctor or dermatologist about their options.

There are numerous ways to reduce the appearance of boxcar scars. Minor surgery may help reduce a small number of scars, while procedures such as peels, laser treatment, or dermarolling may reduce more widespread scars.

A dermatologist can discuss a person’s options and advise the most appropriate treatment for them.

How to get rid of boxcar scars: Treatments for acne scars

Boxcar scars can develop as a result of acne, or sometimes, chickenpox. Numerous treatments are available to reduce their appearance, such as dermarolling, microdermabrasion, and surgery.

Boxcar scars are also known as craters or pockmarks. While they are not physically harmful, they can cause distress and low self-esteem, particularly when they appear on the face.

This article looks at what boxcar scars are, why they form, and how to reduce their appearance.

Boxcar scars are a type of atrophic acne scar. An atrophic scar is a depressed scar that heals below the normal layer of skin tissue.

There are three main types of atrophic acne scars:

• boxcar scars, which look like round or oval craters in the skin
• ice pick scars, which are small, deep, narrow scars
• rolling scars, which form when bands of scar tissue grow under the skin, giving it an uneven appearance

Boxcar scars form when the skin tries to heal after an injury but does not produce enough collagen. Collagen is a substance that helps support the skin, so a lack of collagen causes pitting.

Any type of acne can cause boxcar scars. They sometimes develop following chickenpox, too. Some risk factors make acne scars more likely, such as:

• having severe or inflammatory acne (nodules and cysts)
• having untreated inflammatory acne for a long time
• popping or squeezing acne blemishes before they heal
• having relatives who are prone to acne scars

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), while genetics and other risk factors influence who will or will not develop acne scars, they are not a guarantee. It is not always clear why one person develops scars while another does not.

Boxcar scars will not heal on their own. However, they may fade over time.

Treatment for boxcar scars can reduce their appearance. Sometimes, though, very deep boxcar scars remain visible even after treatment.

There are a variety of ways to try to minimize the appearance of boxcar scars. The method a person chooses may depend on the depth and severity of the scars.

Dermarolling

Dermarolling, or microneedling, involves rolling or pressing tiny needles over the skin in order to create small injuries. This stimulates collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of depressed scars.

A 2014 study found that acne scars improved in their appearance after three microneedling treatments when compared to a control group. Participants did not report much pain.

Dermarolling has few risks when performed safely. However, it takes time for collagen to form, so people may require 3-6 treatments.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels involve a dermatologist applying acids to the top layer of skin to exfoliate it. This allows new skin cells to grow. It is a form of resurfacing treatment.

A 2012 study found that superficial chemical peels effectively treat atrophic scars with relatively few side effects or complications. A 2015 review suggests that five sequential sessions of 70% glycolic acid every 2 weeks produces better results than other acid solutions.

Chemical peels can cause side effects, such as pain, redness, or flaking. This is more likely with stronger acid solutions. People may need to follow a special skincare routine while undergoing treatment and wear SPF to prevent sun damage.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are facial resurfacing techniques that involve removing the epidermis, or top layer of skin cells, to encourage new skin cells to grow.

A person can choose from:

• Microdermabrasion: People who are qualified to carry out cosmetic skin treatments can carry out this procedure, which involves removing the very top layer of skin cells.
• Dermabrasion: This is a stronger form of exfoliation and removes the entire top layer of the skin. Because of this, only medical professionals should perform dermabrasion.

Dermabrasion may not be suitable for deep boxcar scars. Like other resurfacing treatments, it can also increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.

Laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is another type of skin resurfacing that can help minimize the appearance of mild to moderate boxcar scars. There are two types:

• Ablative laser treatment: This is a laser treatment that involves removing a small patch of skin around the scar, leaving a new, smooth-looking area of skin in its place.
• Non-ablative laser treatment: In this treatment, lasers stimulate collagen production to help improve the appearance of the scar without removing any skin.

Ablative laser treatment can produce more drastic results, with significant improvements after only one treatment. However, there is also a higher risk for infection than non-ablative treatments.

Fillers

Fillers are skin injections that contain substances to plump up the skin. Depending on the type of filler, it may contain collagen or fat from another part of the individual’s body.

Fillers can reduce pitting and even out the skin. However, most give temporary results, lasting between 6-18 months. Some types of filler are permanent.

Surgery

Medical professionals can also remove acne scars surgically. This option is best for those with a small number of scars. There are two types of procedure:

• Punch excision: This involves removing individual scars, creating a new scar that is less obvious than the original. This is one way to reduce the appearance of deep boxcar scars.
• Subcision: During this procedure, a doctor inserts a needle under the skin and passes it in multiple directions, separating the scar tissue from the skin. The body then produces collagen as the skin heals. Subcision is better for shallower boxcar scars.

Some doctors also provide platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections alongside subcision or microneedling treatment to enhance their effects.

A 2019 study suggests that over 2 years, the combination of subcision and PRP can improve scars by 32%. Subcision alone, by comparison, improved scars by 8.3%.

Some people use dermarollers and dermastamps at home. However, it is important to be aware that home kits may carry some risks.

It can be difficult to sterilize dermaroller needles at home properly. If a person does not sterilize or change the needle head frequently enough, they may be at risk for infection.

The needles that come in home dermarolling kits are also shorter than the ones professionals use and penetrate the skin at an angle. This may mean they do not work as effectively as professional microneedling treatments.

An older article in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery recommends:

• choosing high-quality dermarollers or stamps with needles shorter than 0. 15 millimeters in length
• sterilizing the device with hot water or a sterilizing product after use before leaving to dry
• using the roller up to twice per week
• replacing the needle head every 100 uses and disposing of the old one safely

Learn more about selecting and using a dermaroller safely.

Boxcar scars are not something that requires immediate medical attention, but they can have a significant impact on mental health. If that is the case, people should speak to a doctor or dermatologist about their options.

There are numerous ways to reduce the appearance of boxcar scars. Minor surgery may help reduce a small number of scars, while procedures such as peels, laser treatment, or dermarolling may reduce more widespread scars.

A dermatologist can discuss a person’s options and advise the most appropriate treatment for them.

How to get rid of post-acne: procedures and tips

Contents

• What is post-acne
• Can post-acne go away on its own
• How to remove post-acne at home
• Procedures against post-acne at a cosmetologist
  • Peelings
  • Mesotherapy
  • Biorevitalization
  • Phototherapy
  • Laser resurfacing
  • Laser peel
  • RF lifting
  • Microcurrent therapy
  • Professional care
• How to prevent post-acne

In case of acne, the skin condition worsens – inflammation, pimples (acne), enlarged pores appear. Even when all this passes, there may be noticeable defects – post-acne. These are scars, age spots, small scars that occur in places where the skin has been especially injured. Getting rid of post-acne is as difficult as getting rid of acne itself.

What is post-acne

Post-acne is pigmented spots, scars or other defects. They form where the inflammation was especially strong, as well as in places where the skin was damaged, for example, when squeezing acne. Post-acne is mainly formed on the face, but they can also appear on other parts of the body – wherever there was an acne lesion. Most often it is the back, shoulders, neck, upper chest.

Post-acne develops in several stages:

1. Due to severe inflammation or mechanical trauma, the tissue structure changes, and edema occurs.
2. Post-acne is formed on the damaged areas.
3. During the recovery phase, defects gradually disappear, but this can happen very slowly, over several months.

There are several types of post-acne:

• hyperpigmentation;
• red or blue congestive spots;
• scars.

Hyperpigmentation occurs due to damage to the surface layer of the skin, if it provokes the production of too much melanin pigment. A dark, brown or reddish spot forms in this area.

The formation of stagnant spots is associated with vascular changes. If the vessels are injured when trying to squeeze out a pimple or black dot, a defect of red or bluish color is formed in this place. Most often occurs with a tendency to rosacea.

Scars can be atrophic (looks like depressions), normotrophic (at skin level), hypertrophic (protruding), keloid (similar to pink, red, bluish tumors).

Varieties of post-acne scars. Source vestnikdv.ru

What and how best to treat post-acne is determined taking into account the type of defects, their stage, and the presence of complications.

Can post-acne go away on its own

Defects can disappear on their own, but it takes a long time, and this is not always the case. If the skin is seriously damaged, you will have to decide what to do with post-acne – it will not go away on its own. Even if the defects are not too serious, it will take at least several months for them to completely disappear.

How to remove post-acne at home

There are several recommendations and methods for correcting post-acne that you can apply yourself. It will not be possible to remove serious defects at home, but it will be possible to help the skin recover and cope with some of the consequences of acne.

General advice:

• Cleanse skin regularly with facial cleansers.
• Use a balancing treatment to regulate sebum production.
• In case of exacerbation of acne, contact a beautician to exclude the appearance of new defects.
• Control nutrition, eat less sweet, spicy, fatty. Drink enough pure water.

To remove scars or other post-acne marks on the face as quickly as possible, you can use the following care products:

• lotions, washing gels, tonics with sebum-regulating properties, purifying pores;
• whitening creams or serums, such as those containing vitamin C;
• masks for cleansing, narrowing pores.

Homemade acid peels can be used for treatment. They accelerate renewal, regeneration, help to quickly get rid of scars, enlarged pores or other problems. Peelings may contain the following components:

• AHA-acids cleanse pores, protect against clogging, smooth scars, remove dead cells.
• Lactic acid – evens out the texture, removes scars, brightens age spots.
• Retinoids – eliminate scars, scars, accelerate regeneration, but require very careful use, as well as mandatory sun protection during the period of application.
• Salicylic acid – reduces inflammation, cleanses pores, exfoliates dead cells. With caution, it can be used even for very sensitive skin.

Any peeling should be used strictly according to the instructions, after consultation with a cosmetologist or dermatologist.

Do not try to use traditional methods. Many of them act aggressively on the skin and can worsen its condition. It is better to plan the treatment together with a cosmetologist – he will tell you how to get rid of spots or post-acne scars on the face effectively, with a good result.

Anti-acne treatments at a beautician

There are many effective cosmetic treatments for post-acne. They are aimed at accelerating the recovery of the skin, improving its condition. Both hardware and injection techniques are suitable for this.

Peelings

Peelings damage skin cells in a controlled manner and start the process of its renewal. They remove hyperpigmentation, scars, enlarged pores, even out tone, relief, texture. Mechanical and acid peels are used for treatment:

• Mechanical peels exfoliate the surface layer, removing dead cells, cleansing and renewing.
• Chemical peels penetrate to a shallow depth, damaging cells in a controlled manner to stimulate their regeneration.

The advantage of peels is that they help well with post-acne, but their use has limitations. They can be used provided that there is no inflammation on the skin. These are seasonal procedures that are best not carried out during the period of active sun. It is better to plan a course for the period from late autumn to early spring.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is an injectable post-acne procedure that effectively removes scars, scars or enlarged pores, as well as stagnant or age spots.

During mesotherapy, meso-cocktails are injected into the skin – preparations based on hyaluronic acid, supplemented with therapeutic components. The composition of the meso-cocktail is selected by the cosmetologist, taking into account the condition of the skin and the objectives of the treatment. It usually includes anti-inflammatory, regenerating components.

Mesotherapy can be used not only as a way to cure post-acne. It heals the skin, improves its general condition. Procedures are carried out in courses with a short interval between sessions.

Biorevitalization

Biorevitalization restores the skin with injections of hyaluronic acid. This is an important moisturizing component that stimulates microcirculation, the production of collagen, elastin, renewal, rejuvenation. Biorevitalization fights age spots, narrows pores, accelerates the healing of scars, scars. The technique is safe, almost has no restrictions. Procedures are carried out in courses. They can be combined with other treatments.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy is a device procedure in which intense pulsed light is applied to the skin. This gives a complex effect:

• anti-inflammatory, bactericidal action;
• improved microcirculation for rapid cell renewal;
• breaks down accumulated melanin to combat hyperpigmentation.

Phototherapy can be used both as a way to treat post-acne and to combat acne itself. It is easily tolerated, quickly gives noticeable results, improves the overall condition of the skin.

Laser resurfacing

In laser resurfacing, the skin is treated with a fractional laser. Laser beams penetrate into the middle or deep layers of the skin, where they are converted into heat, heating the target cells and destroying them. This allows you to eliminate accumulations of melanin, removing age spots, as well as stimulate regeneration, due to which scars and scars quickly disappear.

Laser resurfacing is safe. It does not damage healthy tissues. The penetration depth of the rays and the heating temperature are strictly controlled. The technique provides correction of post-acne scars, removes age spots, evens out the texture and tone of the skin, renews and heals it.

Laser resurfacing is carried out in courses. It is sometimes combined with other procedures to improve treatment outcomes.

Laser peeling

Laser peeling affects both the surface of the skin and its deep layers:

• The laser beam focuses on target cells, transforms into heat, damages them pointwise, without affecting the surrounding tissues.
• Laser treatment evaporates the upper stratum corneum from the surface of the skin, stimulating rapid renewal.

Laser peeling can be used as a way to lighten age spots, remove deep scars and other post-acne manifestations on the face, as well as on the back and other areas of the body.

RF-lifting

RF-lifting stimulates the renewal and healing of the skin due to the impact on its deep layers with pulses with the same frequency as radio waves. They are converted into heat, warm tissues, improve microcirculation and blood circulation. RF lifting stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, thus improving the overall condition of the skin. It is used if it is necessary to ensure not only the correction of post-acne scars, but also rejuvenation, as well as a tightening.

Microcurrent Therapy

During microcurrent therapy, low-frequency electrical impulses are applied to skin cells. They restore the functional activity of cells, stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin, accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues, stimulate microcirculation and blood circulation. It improves the overall condition of the skin, has a balancing effect, reduces inflammation. Damaged areas are quickly restored, and scars, scars and age spots disappear.

The procedure is recommended for healing problematic skin. Microcurrent therapy is carried out in courses with intervals of 1 day between sessions. It does not damage or injure the skin, after it there is no need for recovery: you can lead a normal life and at the same time undergo post-acne treatment.

Professional care

Professional care products accelerate the healing of post-acne, improve skin condition and protect against the recurrence of acne. The cosmetologist will create an individual care program taking into account the condition of the skin.

It is better to decide which procedure to use to remove post-acne together with a cosmetologist – he will determine how to treat it based on the condition of the skin. While treatment is underway, it is important to follow all the recommendations of the beautician, including self-care. This will help to quickly get rid of the effects of acne.

Peelings from 3500 ₽

Facial mesotherapy from 320 ₽

Biorevitalization from 9270 ₽

Phototreatment of acne and post-acne

Laser resurfacing of the face from 70 00 ₽

CO2 laser peeling from 7000 ₽

RF-lifting from 2250 ₽

Microcurrent therapy from 2000 ₽

How to prevent post-acne did not appear, the following recommendations must be observed:

• Use cleansers and cleansers suitable for your skin.
• If blackheads, pimples, abscesses, inflammation appear, do not try to squeeze them out or remove them mechanically.
• For their healing, you can use anti-inflammatory or antibacterial agents selected by a cosmetologist.
• To prevent acne, it is important to touch your face as little as possible with your hands. During the day, you need to cleanse your face.
• Change towels more often or use disposable paper napkins.

If acne or post-acne still continues to appear on the skin, you need to contact a beautician for advice.

How to get rid of post-acne – Lifehacker

Likbez

Health

June 10

Dermatology and cosmetology will help.

What is post-acne

Post-acne are acne complications that remain after acne for several months, years or even for life. These may be brown or bluish spots, rounded raised scars, or scars that resemble craters. Someone does not pay attention to them, and someone suffers, looking in the mirror. Fortunately, post-acne is treated, but quite hard.

Who is more likely to develop post-acne

Most people experience acne, but not everyone has acne. The risk increases if:

• There are nodular rashes. The manifestations of acne include black dots, pustules, and inflamed subcutaneous nodes. If the first two types damage the skin on the surface, then the nodes are deep below it. Therefore, they lead to the formation of scars.
• Do not treat acne. The longer and more actively the inflammation proceeds, the more likely it is to leave traces behind.
• Pick and pop pimples. This is a classic: I wanted to remove the abscess and opened up half my face. This increases inflammation and increases the chance that acne will remain.
• Has a close relative with post-acne. Genes affect the skin’s ability to repair, collagen production, and the tendency to hyperpigmentation.

It is impossible to predict who will be unlucky: it happens that all factors coincide, but there are no traces, and vice versa – post-acne remains without prerequisites.

Vitalia Muzyka

Cosmetologist, dermatovenereologist, trichologist, clinical trainer of hardware techniques

Various conditions of the body can affect whether post-acne develops: it is a lack of vitamins and microelements, and a violation of the liver and gallbladder. For example, with Gilbert’s syndrome, a congenital disorder of bilirubin metabolism in the liver, one of the signs will be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Therefore, for competent treatment of acne and its complications, a comprehensive examination of the body is necessary.

What happens after acne

Acne usually leaves red and bluish spots, dark areas on the skin or scars in the form of craters or bumps.

Congestion spots

Photo: IrinaSol/Shutterstock

Acne damages the skin and tissues underneath and causes inflammation. In these places, blood flow increases, and the vessels themselves are damaged, especially if they are additionally injured by trying to squeeze a pimple. As a result, reddish and bluish spots and spider veins remain on the skin.

Hyperpigmentation

Photo: Kirin Phanithi / Shutterstock

Inflammation also causes the body to release biologically active substances that stimulate skin cells that produce pigment – melanocytes. They begin to work more actively and stain the skin more strongly. At the same time, when the cells of the surface layer of the epidermis are destroyed, and the pigment from them captures the cells lying below, the color is uneven. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Scars

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Atrophic scars. Photo: Inessa Grevcova / Shutterstock

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Hypertrophic scars. Photo: Sebastian Furmanek / Shutterstock

When acne disappears, the body tries to repair the damage. Healing requires the building protein collagen, which provides the framework for the skin, like springs in a mattress. If a healthy process is disrupted, scars form. The type of scar depends on how much collagen your body produces: little – there will be areas of atrophy where there is not enough tissue; many – bumpy scars raised above the skin.

How to get rid of post-acne

First of all, it is important to achieve remission of acne: as long as the skin is inflamed, the treatment will not be effective. Moreover, new inflammatory elements can lead to the appearance of regular spots and scars.

For post-acne treatment, it is better to contact a dermatovenereologist or a cosmetologist. The specialist will suggest an effective method that will not aggravate the defects.

Post-acne treatment is not included in insurance medicine and is quite expensive. Therefore, it is better not to lead to serious problems and treat acne immediately.

Home care

Home care products are added with acids – azelaic, salicylic, mandelic and others. They gently exfoliate the top layers of the skin and brighten it.

Your esthetician may also recommend topical products with brightening agents such as hydroquinone or kojic acid.

And you should definitely use sunscreens that will protect vulnerable skin from ultraviolet radiation.

Vitalia Muzyka

One of the most important links in treatment is home care. Without proper care, neither pharmaceutical preparations nor cosmetic procedures will have the desired effect.

Chemical peeling

Chemical peeling – these are the same acids, but in higher concentrations. They act deeper and stronger and can destroy the entire superficial layer of the skin that has scars. After this procedure, rehabilitation is needed – for some time the skin will recover. Therefore, such manipulations cannot be carried out independently.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a mechanical resurfacing of the face with a special device with a rotating round nozzle. The procedure is quite traumatic and painful.

Laser resurfacing

The surface layer of the skin is also destroyed, but with the help of pulsed radiation. This method is very effective, but expensive and associated with complications – for example, in people with a tendency to hyperpigmentation and hypertrophic scarring.

Phototherapy

These are other laser methods that are aimed at destroying blood vessels and pigment under the skin. A beam with a certain wavelength selectively acts on colored areas without injuring others.

Fillers and collagen stimulators

These are methods by which the scar is filled with hyaluronic acid or collagen. Therefore, the skin is leveled, and its ability to recover increases. Often injections are combined with polishing or peeling.

Mesotherapy and microneedling

Our skin reacts to any damage by launching regeneration mechanisms. Mesotherapy and microneedling are methods in which it is pierced with a thin needle, and special formulations with vitamins and supplements are injected inside to help relieve inflammation and start recovery.

This is an expensive method, and the result will not be visible immediately, but it improves the quality of the skin.

Excision of large scars

Some particularly large bumpy scars can be excised by a plastic surgeon. Scars will also remain in their place, but much less noticeable. Usually this is resorted to when other possibilities have already been exhausted.

Is it possible to get rid of post-acne with the help of folk remedies

No. There are recipes on the Internet for homemade peels and masks that should solve the problem of post-acne once and for all. But you should not rely on them: the cause of scars is a violation of collagen production, no apple cider vinegar or coconut oil will help from this.

And hyperpigmentation can even be increased this way, because lemon juice, parsley and other products damage the skin like uncontrolled peeling and sometimes contain substances that increase sensitivity to the sun. As a result, the spots only get bigger and darker.

Vitalia Muzyka

Acne treatment is one of the longest in the doctor’s practice.