How can I treat acne scars? What are the best ingredients for acne scar treatment? Get expert-recommended solutions for minimizing the appearance of acne scars and achieving clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Understanding Acne Scars: Differentiating from Hyperpigmentation

Before delving into the treatment options, it’s crucial to understand the difference between acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Acne scars are permanent textural changes, such as bumps and roughness, that occur due to damaged skin tissue during breakouts. In contrast, hyperpigmentation is the discoloration left behind by inflammatory skin issues like acne and eczema, which can fade on its own within 12 months. People with darker skin tones are more prone to experiencing hyperpigmentation, as they naturally have more melanin in their skin, explained Arisa Ortiz, MD, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at UC San Diego.

Preventing Acne Scars: The Importance of Treating Breakouts

The best way to prevent acne scars is to treat and prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place, according to board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD. There are numerous anti-acne products on the market, including acne face washes, spot treatments, and sunscreens. If you need guidance in creating an effective routine, it’s recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist.

Acne-Fighting Ingredients: What Dermatologists Recommend

Certain ingredients have been proven effective in treating acne and preventing acne scars. Here are some of the top recommendations from the dermatologists we consulted:

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a powerful ingredient that dissolves oil, unclogs pores, and prevents buildup, as explained by board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which creates pigment in the skin, and also decreases the production of acne-causing bacteria, according to board-certified dermatologist Eileen Deignan, MD.

Retinol

Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, boosts skin exfoliation and prevents acne. It also promotes skin cell turnover and collagen production, which can help treat post-acne hyperpigmentation and minimize the appearance of current acne scars, as noted by Deignan.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

AHAs, such as glycolic acid, unclog pores and exfoliate the skin, reducing acne, improving uneven skin texture, and preventing some acne scars from forming while also improving the appearance of existing ones, according to Green.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the appearance of redness and pigmentation from acne scars. It also helps prevent some acne scars from forming, as stated by Green.

At-Home Acne Scar Treatments: Experts’ Recommendations

While treating severe acne scars typically requires professional interventions like lasers, injections, and fillers, there are some effective at-home treatments that can help minimize the appearance of acne scars.

Differin Gel Adapalene Gel

Differin Gel, which contains the ingredient adapalene, is a top-rated product that can prevent breakouts, treat acne, and improve acne scarring, according to Garshick. She suggests starting with using it a few times a week and gradually increasing the frequency to daily as needed.

Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel

Deignan recommends over-the-counter retinol serums as an alternative to prescription-strength tretinoin for acne scar treatment. One highly rated option is the Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel, which combines 0.5% retinol with 14% glycolic acid, an AHA known for its skin-brightening benefits.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Hartman praised Drunk Elephant’s retinol serum as a “good” option. The A-Passioni Retinol Cream contains a blend of 1% retinol and anti-aging peptides, as well as vitamin F, which is known for its skin-nourishing properties.

Remember, while these at-home treatments can help improve the appearance of acne scars, more intensive interventions like laser treatments, injections, and fillers are often necessary for more severe or stubborn scarring. It’s always best to consult a board-certified dermatologist to determine the most appropriate course of action for your unique skin concerns.

How to treat acne scars

Treatments for acne scars are typically intensive, the best results coming from lasers, injections and fillers best handled by medical professionals, experts told us. There are, however, some solid home treatments you can consider if you want to improve the appearance of acne scars. To understand how some of these at-home treatments work — and what their limitations are — we consulted dermatologists and found some highly rated options to consider based on their guidance.

Before you choose an at-home treatment, it’s important to understand what acne scars are, what they aren’t and when to differentiate them from hyperpigmentation, dark spots caused by inflammatory skin issues like acne and eczema, according to board-certified dermatologist Corey Hartman, MD. While hyperpigmentation can fade away on its own within 12 months, acne scars are permanent textural changes like bumps and roughness, according to Hartman. Since people with darker skin tones naturally have more melanin in their skin, they are more likely to experience hyperpigmentation due to those aforementioned inflammatory skin issues, explained Arisa Ortiz, MD, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at UC San Diego.

SKIP AHEAD Best acne scar products

Inflammation from blackheads, whiteheads and cystic acne — large and sometimes painful breakouts — can damage skin tissue and result in acne scars, too, noted board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD. She said the “best way” to avert acne scars is to treat and prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place.

There are hundreds of anti-acne products on the market, including acne face washes, acne spot treatments and acne sunscreens. If you need help creating a routine or just want professional guidance, the MDs we consulted recommended consulting your local board-certified dermatologist. To that end, we highlighted a few dermatologist-recommended ingredients that can help treat your current breakouts and prevent new ones and acne scars from forming.

Best skin care ingredients for treating acne, according to doctors

• Salicylic acid dissolves oil, unclogs pores and prevents buildup from occurring, board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, recently told us in our guide to blackhead treatments.
• Azelaic acid inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme that creates pigment in the skin and decreases the production of acne-causing bacteria, according to board-certified dermatologist Eileen Deignan, MD.
• Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that boosts skin exfoliation and prevents acne. It also promotes skin cell turnover and collagen production treating post-acne hyperpigmentation and minimizing the appearance of current acne scars, according to Deignan.
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) unclog pores and exfoliate skin, thus reducing acne, fixing uneven skin texture and preventing some acne scars from forming and improving ones already present on the skin, noted Green.
• Vitamin C is a “powerful antioxidant” that can help reduce the appearance of redness and pigmentation from acne scars. It also helps prevent some acne scars from forming, according to Green.

Related

Best at-home acne scar treatments

Simply put, treating acne scars requires work by medical professionals. Reducing signs of acne, however, can be done at home. If you want to minimize the appearance of acne scars, there are expert-recommended at-home treatments made from beneficial ingredients like adapalene, retinol and AHAs.

Differin Gel Adapalene Gel

Differin Gel is the No. 1 bestselling skin care product among Shopping readers in 2020 and it earned a recommendation from Garshick who noted it contains adapalene, an ingredient that prevents breakouts, treats acne and improves acne scarring. She advised you use it only a few times a week to start and increase the frequency to once daily as necessary. Differin Gel boasts a 4.5-star average rating from more than 31,580 reviews on Amazon.

Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel

Board-certified dermatologist Eileen Deignan, MD, likes tretinoin, a prescription-strength retinoid, but noted that an over-the-counter alternative is a retinol serum since both products can rebuild collagen caused by acne inflammation. As one of the best retinol serums for acne, Alpha-H’s Power Peel combines 0.5 percent retinol with 14 percent glycolic acid, an AHA known for helping the skin glow. Alpha-H’s retinol serum earned the Clean at Sephora seal of approval, meaning it’s free of more than 50 ingredients the retailer considers questionable. Alpha-H’s Power Peel received a 4.8-star average rating from 12 reviews on the brand’s site.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Drunk Elephant is a popular Clean at Sephora-approved skin care brand and Hartman called its retinol serum “good.” Beyond containing a blend of 1 percent retinol and anti-aging peptides, A-Passioni boasts vitamin F, which is known for helping to improve the skin’s texture. It is also made with hydrating ingredients — marula and jojoba oils — to help prevent dryness typically associated with retinol. A-Passioni boasts a 4.2-star average rating from nearly 1,170 reviews on Sephora.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment

If you’re looking for a readily accessible and relatively affordable topical treatment, Hartman recommended La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar gel, which he said “can deliver impressive results. ” It contains adapalene which can help heal acne scars, as previously mentioned by Garshick. This fragrance-free spot treatment has an oil-free and non-comedogenic formula, meaning it won’t cause breakouts. Effaclar earned a 4.6-star average rating from nearly 2,920 reviews on Amazon.

BeautyBio GloPRO Regeneration Tool and Face Attachment

Microneedling is when tiny pins “vibrate” back and forth on the skin and create “micro injuries” that help stimulate collagen production and smooth out the skin’s surface, according to Hartman, who provides medical-grade microneedling treatments at his practice.

Although Hartman said he hasn’t used at-home microneedling kits, brands like Ora and Beauty Bio make top rated microneedling tools. Beauty Bio’s for example, received a 4.5-star average rating from nearly 190 reviews on Amazon and it comes with prep pads, an empty sanitizing bottle and power adapter. At-home microneedling kits like Beauty Bio’s won’t penetrate the skin as deep as professional-grade treatments, which is why the brand recommends utilizing the device up to three times a week. (Professional microneedling takes place over the course of six to eight treatments scheduled every four to six weeks, Hartman noted.)

Types of acne scarring

To help you identify which type of acne scar you might be dealing with, we also put together a quick at-a-glance view of common acne scars. While they all vary in appearance, Hartman highlighted these names are just descriptors for the different shapes of acne scars. “They’re all the same thing and just come about from different severities of acne breakouts and lesions,” he said.

Depressed scars

Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, noted all three of these scars commonly occur on the cheeks and typically result when the body doesn’t produce enough collagen when healing.

• Icepick scars are narrow and deep in the skin, noted board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD. They are typically caused by pustules, which are small, white and pus-filled pimples that are usually surrounded by redness, added Hartman.
• Boxcar scars are broad depressions with sharply defined edges, according to Green, who also serves as a clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
• Rolling scars are broad with sloping edges, added Green.

Raised scars

A raised scar typically occurs if the body produces too much collagen during the healing process, according to King. Keloid scars are raised and hairless scars that are usually pink, red or flesh-toned and common in those with darker complexions. Keloids can “grow larger over time” and may turn darker than your usual skin color when exposed to the sun, according to a report from the University of Michigan Health System.

How to prevent acne scars from forming

• King advised resisting the urge to pick your pimples, otherwise it can cause acne scars, infections, hyperpigmentation and inflammation.
• Even if you’re diligent about not picking your acne, sometimes pimples may leave behind marks and scars. In those instances, King advised that it’s best to “control it as well as possible” by utilizing skin care products rich in anti-acne ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and adapalene.
• When you notice an inflamed acne is forming, she advised going to a dermatologist for an intralesional cortisone injection because it helps decrease inflammation and the potential of scarring.

Related

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Nicole Saunders is the associate commerce editor at NBC News Shopping, covering wellness and lifestyle.

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars – 21 Acne Scar Treatments 2021

Photo: ullstein bild Dtl./Getty Images

com/strategist/_components/clay-paragraph/instances/cjixe0mkd005jsly6dhgrmxfi@published” data-word-count=”72″>Even if battling zits is a distant memory filed away with high-school gym class and algebra tests, acne marks and scars can annoyingly linger long after the pimples are gone. “If someone gets a very large pimple or cyst, the natural healing process of the skin will create a scar,” says dermatologist David Avram of Heights Dermatology and Laser. “The more intense the inflammation, the more likely it will leave a scar.”

True acne scars — as in indentations in the skin like ice-pick scars — can be erased only by professional procedures like microneedling or lasers. Fortunately, what most of us refer to as “scars,” according to Julia Tzu, founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology, are actually marks caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown spots) or post-inflammatory erythema (red spots) that will fade over several months or years. Also fortunately, there are products that can speed up the process.

We spoke with Tzu, Avram, and seven more dermatologists to get their recommendations for treating, preventing, and camouflaging acne marks.

Since UV rays and visible light from the sun can further darken acne marks, all the dermatologists agree that it’s essential to wear sunscreen daily. “Sun protection can make a big difference in whether or not these marks remain permanent,” says Arielle Nagler, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Medical Center. She’ll often recommend that patients wait and see what their scars look like after a year of careful sun protection before opting for an expensive or invasive procedure.

A top pick among dermatologists for facial sunscreens, this EltaMD sun blocker is also recommended for fading acne marks. Dermatologist Natalie Moulton-Levy likes that it “contains lactic acid, an ingredient which causes a reduction in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” while Debra Jaliman, an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine, says it’s rich in niacinamide, another ingredient that works to fade dark spots. Dr. Dendy Engelman of the Shafer Clinic, is a fan of this product because, along with lactic acid, “it has zinc oxide to protect from [UVA/UVB] rays and antioxidants to repair damage.”

Another derm-approved sunscreen is this mineral option from La Roche-Posay, recommended by Dr. Michele Farber of Schweiger Dermatology. “It’s one of my favorites because it goes on smoothly and has broad coverage as well as antioxidants as an extra layer of UV protection,” she says.

Founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, Dr. Corey L. Hartman, recommends this sunscreen from ISDIN, a lightweight mineral option that doesn’t leave a white cast on dark skin tones.

According to several of the derms we spoke with, skin-lightening agent hydroquinone is one of the most effective ingredients for fading acne scars. Naissan Wesley, a dermatologist at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, explains that hydroquinone “can help acne marks fade faster by inhibiting the melanocytes [pigment-producing cells in the skin] from making more pigment. ”

Ambi Fade Cream includes 2 percent hydroquinone, the highest concentration allowed without a prescription. “It also contains soy, which is well known for treating pigmentation issues, and vitamin E, which helps with scarring,” says Tzu. While the FDA considers hydroquinone safe, it is banned in Europe and can potentially cause irritation or further discoloration, so remember to patch test and ask a dermatologist whether it’s right for you.

Although it’s a lot more expensive than the Ambi cream, this serum, recommended by dermatologist Y. Claire Chang of Union Square Laser Dermatology, pairs hydroquinone with vitamin C and glycolic acid, two more proven mark-fighting ingredients. “Glycolic acid helps improve existing brown spots by increasing skin-cell turnover and chemically exfoliating the skin,” she says. “[And] vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten the skin.” Writer Or Gotham is also a fan of the Murad serum and told us he saw “a visible reduction in dark spots” after only three days of using it.

If you’d rather not use hydroquinone, there are other options for treating acne scars. One of these is azelaic acid, which Farber says works by inhibiting the formation of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which in turn stops the mechanism that produces skin-darkening melanin. Moulton-Levy recommends this affordable and effective azelaic acid treatment from the Ordinary.

com/strategist/_components/clay-paragraph/instances/ck0wsm1gp002j3a5znblom1wc@published” data-word-count=”65″>Like the Murad serum, this treatment combines vitamin C with glycolic acid (and lactic acid, another exfoliant) to fade marks but without the hydroquinone. Nagler recommends vitamin C because it’s “an adjunct in preventing free-radical damage, which helps with pigmentation,” and he says the most effective formulas — like this one — are often more expensive because vitamin C is a difficult ingredient to stabilize.

Farber also likes vitamin C, which she says prevents free radical damage while also helping to reduce pigment changes. She, like the Cut’s beauty director Kathleen Hou and styling and grooming editor Barret Wertz (and every other beauty editor we know), is a fan of C E Ferulic, which offers a high, stable concentration of a notoriously unstable ingredient (hence, the price). It also has other ingredients that make it great, like vitamin E and ferulic acid, which increases its potency.

Chang also recommends this serum from Murad that is formulated with vitamin C, centella asiatica (good for inflammation), and salicylic acid, which works to diminish the look of scars.

Aesthetician Candace Marino likes this serum from iS Clinical that uses a blend of natural ingredients like vitamin C, copper-tripeptide growth factor, centella asiatica, and zinc sulfate to help protect skin from UV damage. It also helps to heal skin, with Marino adding that it’s incredibly effective at healing stretch marks.

On the cheaper end, Moulton-Levy says this strong glycolic-acid toner is another nice option for fading acne marks.

In addition to sun protection and targeted treatments, the right cleanser can help minimize acne marks. A favorite of both Moulton-Levy and Chang, this cleanser encourages cell turnover without drying out the skin. Chang says it “contains glycolic acid to wash away dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin, leaving a very clean feel and improving acne blemishing.”

com/strategist/_components/clay-paragraph/instances/ck7gf7b9d001g3h66llywd9wu@published” data-word-count=”51″>Although this AHA/BHA cleanser helps to brighten and even skin tone generally, Tsu says this formula can help with acne scarring, too. The alpha and beta hydroxy acids chemically exfoliate the skin, which helps to remove dead skin cells, while the licorice helps to reduce the hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars.

Tsu also likes this cleanser from Glytone, which she says helps to brighten and even out skin discoloration. The superstar ingredient in this formula is glycolic acid, which helps to speed up cell turnover and resurface the skin (thus, helping fade dark marks faster). It’s also oil-free, ideal for anyone with oily, combination, or even normal skin.

com/strategist/_components/clay-paragraph/instances/ck0wsth3g00203a5zave5j5y5@published” data-word-count=”81″>When it comes to acne scars — the especially difficult-to-treat indented or raised ones — the best offense is a good defense. If you’re still struggling with active acne and want to avoid future scarring, Avram likes this drugstore staple Neutrogena cleanser because it contains salicylic acid, which “exfoliates the skin, softens the appearance of the acne itself, and has some antibacterial properties.” Chang agrees that the cleanser “can help unclog pores, treat comedones [whiteheads] and blackheads, and prevent active acne.”

Hartman likes this cleanser from SkinCeuticals that deeply cleans the pores using capryloyl salicylic acid, a lipohydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and decongests skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which help to prevent new acne from cropping up. “It helps to even the skin tone while cleansing the skin without overdrying,” he says.

If you’re looking to treat both your current pimples and existing scars, these exfoliating pads, recommended by Chang, contain ingredients that help with both. “Salicylic acid increases skin-cell turnover and de-clogs pores to reduce blackheads,” she says. “Glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the skin to even skin tone and decrease blemishing.” Often seen in acne treatments, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that prevents and treats acne, which ultimately means fewer marks and scars.

com/strategist/_components/clay-paragraph/instances/ck0wsyu83003f3a5z26tnlz7k@published” data-word-count=”103″>A prescription-strength retinoid that became available over the counter a few years back, Differin affects cell turnover faster than OTC retinol to prevent the formation of new acne but is still, according to Engelman, “gentler compared to other retinoids.” Avram recommends it for those dealing with a lot of small pimples and only the occasional monster cyst. Because Nagler says retinoids “encourage collagen remodeling,” a well-tolerated formula like Differin can reduce the appearance of deeper scars. Moulton-Levy likes it as well for lightening existing marks. Chang is also a fan: “This is an amazing multifunctional product for acne and acne blemishing,” she says.

Hartman likes this adapalene gel from La Roche-Posay that works similarly to Differin and, in addition to helping with scarring, also helps to prevent new acne from forming.

For a good over-the-counter retinol, Farber recommends SkinBetter AlphaRet, which she says is “wonderful,” because it tends to be well-tolerated by more sensitive skin types. She also likes that it contains AHAs, another pigment-reducing ingredient, for extra exfoliation.

Marino likes this retinol option because it helps with texture and scarring simultaneously. It’s also formulated in a peptide base, which Marino says helps to strengthen the skin while also aiding collagen production.

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Top 3 Ways to Get Rid of Acne Scars – Cleveland Clinic

Acne is every teen’s nightmare, and sometimes it can extend into adulthood, too. Have you suffered through a severe case of acne that left behind unsightly scars? Long after pimples clear up and the redness and irritation are gone, some of us carry such unwanted reminders.

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Whether scars are raised or sunken, there are several good ways to mask or minimize them, says dermatologist Amy Kassouf, MD.

“I’m always amazed at how much healing the skin can do once you get the inflammation under control,” says Dr. Kassouf. “My patients may be discouraged, but I’m not.”

How to get rid of your acne scars

Acne is a common skin condition affecting about 80% of those between the ages of 11 and 30 at some point. It can be on your face, chest, back and shoulders. It may seem like the irritation will never go away, but it does. When it goes away, then you can deal with any remaining scars.

Your first line of defense is to consult a dermatologist. They will first focus on getting your acne under control. The fewer breakouts you have, the fewer scars you’ll get. The good news is that not all acne scars are permanent. 

When your doctor turns attention to the scars your acne has left behind, they will typically explore three main treatment options:

1. Laser treatments

Vascular-specific lasers target blood vessels and can help lighten flat or raised scars that are pink or purple and help flatten raised scars. Doctors often use fractional or carbon dioxide ablative lasers to treat acne scars.     

“Afterward, the skin is swollen and red, and may bleed, for up to five days,” says Dr. Kassouf. “Also, you may need between three and five treatment sessions. ”

Laser treatments aren’t just for acne. Doctors use lasers to treat other types of scarring as well — including those from burns, skin cancer and tattoo removal.

2. Chemical peels

Your dermatologist may apply a chemical solution to the skin. This causes it to blister and eventually peel off, creating new, regenerated skin that’s usually smoother than the old skin.   

Peeling usually causes redness, and sometimes swelling and cold sores, for up to seven days. This treatment also is less expensive because you typically will need only one treatment session.

“Lasers are more precise, so if a chemical peel doesn’t work, people often try laser,” she says.

3. Microneedling

Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling uses either a fine-needle roller or pen device to create tiny holes in the top layer of the skin. The procedure stimulates collagen production, which helps improve fine lines and skin texture.  

Redness occurs afterward and typically lasts a couple of days. Most people will need four to six microneedling treatments for best results.

Your doctor may use more than one type of treatment, depending on your needs. For instance, they may treat some scars with a laser and others with microneedling.

“When you have damaged skin, no treatment will make it look perfect again,” says Dr. Kassouf. “But, depending on its severity, an acne scar can diminish by as much as two-thirds after treatment.”

It’s never too late to treat those scars

Although it’s not possible to get rid of your acne scars quickly, it’s never too late to treat them. Teenage patients may have to wait until their early 20s before undergoing treatment to make sure there’s little risk of future acne flare-ups.

While there’s no real way to get rid of acne scars naturally and at home, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of getting acne scars:

• Quit smoking or don’t start smoking.
• Keep your hands off of your face. Resist the urge to pick or squeeze your pimples.
• Treat your acne as soon as possible to reduce the chance of scars.

Scarring can happen at any age, no matter if you’re a teenager and your hormones are changing or you’re an adult. Sometimes when adults lose weight or lose elasticity in their skin as they age, scarring from years past becomes more evident.

“Occasionally, we will actually remove a pitted scar that we know won’t heal well with standard treatment using a technique called punch excision,” she says. “This is where the whole scar and hair follicle are removed prior to resurfacing.”

Another treatment that may be helpful before any of the lasers or peels is called subcision, a procedure that involves releasing a scar that’s bound to the muscle or deeper tissues so that it can move freely again. Both of these techniques are used with deeper scars to bring them to the surface to enhance their response to the laser, chemical peel or microneedling.

“For other adults, they just find that the time is finally right to take care of themselves,” she says. “I had a 60-year-old who said she has dealt with this scar all her life and wanted to do something about it. I’ve seen beautiful results with adults.”

Causes, Diagnosis, Types & Treatment

Overview

What causes acne?

An acne lesion (pimple) grows when bacteria, oils and dead skin fill up and inflame pores, the tiny openings in your skin through which oil and sweat rise to the surface. Some 40,000 cells fall off your skin every hour but, sometimes, those dead cells clog up a pore. Sometimes clogged pores are small and result in “whiteheads or blackheads.” Sometimes these pores become inflamed and lead to other types of acne.

If you have acne, you’re not alone! Acne is the most common skin condition in the world. About 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will have it. Teenagers get acne thanks to their changing hormones. Adults have stress, the environment, menstrual cycles, oil-based products and birth control pills to blame, although hormones can still play a role.

What are the types of acne and what do they look like?

Acne presents as many different forms. Whiteheads and blackheads are typical and tend to heal smoothly more often than not. Then there are the types that can lead to scarring:

• Papules: Pink to red bumps that hurt when you touch them.
• Pustules: Pus-filled lesions. They’re red at the base and white or yellow at the top.
• Nodules: Solid lesions. They’re larger than papules and pustules and can hurt more because they extend deeper into the skin.
• Cysts: Cysts lie deep within the skin. They’re painful, full of pus and are most likely to scar.

How does acne cause scars?

Your skin is your largest organ. It has three main layers. They are, starting with the outermost, the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The layers protect your 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 — especially the face, back and chest.

Acne scars are 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 heal 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 type of acne scar, in fact, is a sign that your skin is doing its job — but, perhaps, too well. Your skin creates collagen (“repair tissue”) to help heal the wound — the acne — but, if it makes too much collagen, raised scars form.

Keep in mind that just because you have acne, that doesn’t mean you’ll get scars. And if you do (one in five people with acne will also have scarring), the good news is that not all acne scars are permanent! Treatments are available. Some treatments nearly remove the scars 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 have just boxcar scars, or just keloid scars, etc. Each of these can be treated with varying degrees of success.

Atrophic or Depressed Scarring:

• Ice pick: An ice pick tool has a wide shaft that narrows down to the tip. This type of acne scar resembles the tool in that it’s a hole that’s wide at the top and narrows to a point as it goes deeper into the skin. Such an indentation is common and also one of the most challenging scars to heal. You’ll find them on your forehead and upper cheeks, where your skin is thinner.
• Rolling: These scars are typically found on the lower cheeks and jaw, where your skin is thicker. The indents have sloping edges that makes 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 checks and jaw.

Hypertrophic or keloid scars: These lesions of scar tissue rise off the skin. They’re caused when fibrous tissues, the collagen, in the region of the skin overgrow. These scars are usually found on the chest, back and shoulders and jaw line and can be itchy, tender or painful.

How common is acne scarring?

Very common. About 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will have acne, and one out of five of that population will have scarring. Teenagers are the hardest hit. Nearly 90% of them will get acne.

Symptoms and Causes

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.

What causes acne scars?

Scars happen because your body is trying to repair the acne. How your unique body responds to a wound determines if and how much scarring you’ll 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.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is acne diagnosed?

A dermatologist will examine your skin and determine if the lesions are consistent with acne or another dermatologic process

How are acne scars diagnosed?

A dermatologist will examine your skin and determine if you have acne scarring and what type it is.

Are there any tests performed to diagnose the type of acne scar?

A visual examination by a dermatologist is enough to determine a diagnosis. Your dermatologist may also determine how severe your acne scarring is. One measurement system has four grades of acne scarring: macular, mild, moderate and severe. Grade one, macular, is a scar that’s red but flat. Grade two, mild, is a scar that can easily be covered by makeup or facial hair. Grade three, moderate, is “obvious at a social distance.” It is not as easily covered by makeup or facial hair. Finally, grade four, severe, is scarring that is very evident at a social distance greater than 50 centimeters (1.64 feet). It is unlikely that facial hair or makeup will completely cover up these scars.

Management and Treatment

Consult with a dermatologist about treatment options and management techniques. They will determine what type of acne scar(s) you have and recommend the best treatments based on your wants and the location of the scarring.

Get in touch as soon as possible. Delays in treatment increase the severity of acne scarring.

Will my current acne breakouts interfere with the treatment for my acne scars?

Yes! Your skin needs to be blemish-free before you start treatment for your acne scars. Medications and treatments used on acne can interfere with medications and treatments used on scars.

What at-home treatments are most effective for removing acne scars?

Over-the-counter creams are best. Check with your dermatologist regarding which is best for your skin type and your type of scar. There are a variety of effective creams out there. They include the following chemicals, or a combination of:

• Alpha hydroxy acids.
• Lactic acid.
• Retinoids.
• Salicylic acid.

You can also choose to cover-up scars with facial hair or makeup. There are many over-the-counter makeup products available.

What in-office treatments are most effective for improving acne scars?

There are many cosmetic procedures to choose from. You and your dermatologist will discuss the best options for your acne scars. It is not unusual for a patient to have repeat procedures, or need two or more types of procedures to restore their skin.

Resurfacing Procedures:

• Chemical peels: This treatment uses special chemicals 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 special tool that produces friction to remove the top layers of skin, much like a sander removes the top layers from a plank of wood.
• Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion, similar to dermabrasion, uses a special machine to remove the upper layer of skin.
• Laser resurfacing: A laser delivers heat to the scarred collagen under the skin. This relies on the body’s wound-healing response to create new, healthy collagen. This encourages the growth of new skin to replace it. There are two different types of laser resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative. Your dermatologist will determine which type is best for your skin type and nature of your acne scars.

Other Procedures:

• Steroid injections: In this treatment, steroids are injected into a raised scar. Steroids soften the fibrous tissue, causing the scar to flatten.
• Dermal Fillers: With this treatment, a substance is injected under a depressed scar that lifts the skin upward.
• Microneedling: This treatment uses small needles to purposefully injure your skin to stimulate collagen production that can smooth scars. Microneedling can be done alone or with heat (i.e. microneedling radiofrequency). Microneedling radiofrequency has shown to help with textural improvement from acne scarring and can prevent further acne from forming.
• Excision: With this technique, the dermatologist cuts into the skin, removes the acne scar and then uses stitches to close the wound.
• Subcision: This treatment uses a needle to break apart fibrous bands that pull down scar tissue into the lower levels in your skin. The skin is released so that it can return to the surface and can lay smooth naturally.
• Punch grafting: With this treatment, the scar is removed like it is in an excision, and then a skin graft taken from another area of the body, typically behind your ear, fills the area where the scar was removed.
• Cryosurgery: This treatment uses liquid nitrogen to freeze raised scar tissue. The scar tissue dies and then falls off.

Ask your dermatologist about other options that might work best for you.

Is surgery performed to remove acne scars?

Sometimes minor surgery is considered to treat certain types of acne scars. These surgeries lift scar tissue closer to the surface of the skin to make indentations less noticeable. They may completely remove the scar or break up scar tissue, allowing new collagen to form and smooth out the scar. Surgery is performed in your dermatologist’s office and you remain awake but the treatment area is numbed so you don’t feel pain. Often surgery is followed by other types of acne scar removal treatments.

What’s the treatment for acne scars that aren’t on the face?

The treatments used on your face won’t necessarily be used on your back or chest. Your dermatologist will decide what’s best for you depending on the type of scar and its location.

Are there any complications or side effects of treatments for acne scars?

Yes, minor discomfort during and after treatment is common. Other complications include changes in skin color, either darker or lighter.

Are treatments for acne scars different for teenagers and adults?

The same treatments that are used on adults can be used on teenagers.

How can I reduce my risk of acne scars?

• Wear sunblock: Sunlight is important because your skin uses light energy to help make vitamin D. However, too much sun can darken scarring. And the darker your skin color, the more obvious your scars will be.
• 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.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking tobacco increases your risk of scarring. Not just acne scars, but scars on your body in general.
• See a dermatologist: Get professional help as soon as possible! Get your acne treated before it scars.

How long will it take for the acne scars to go away?

The answer to this question depends on the type of scar and the type of treatment. Ask your dermatologist about the expected recovery time. Remember that not all scars will go away permanently.

Prevention

How do I prevent acne scars?

Prevent acne scars by getting treatment for your acne as soon as possible!

Outlook / Prognosis

What can I expect if I have acne scars?

Acne is very common. It’s likely that most people you know either have or have had it at some point, probably when they were teenagers. Expect to have to make choices — choices about if you will or will not get treatment and choices about the type of treatment. Expect to have the scars for most if not all of your life if you decide not to get treatment. Even with treatment, acne scars are difficult to heal. There’s no 100% guarantee that the acne scars will be completely gone. But most treatments reduce the size of the acne scars and make them less visible.

How long will I have acne scars?

Without treatment, acne scars are likely to stick around for the rest of your life.

Living With

How do I take care of myself?

Acne scars can cause psychological distress, self-esteem issues and interfere with your social life or relationships. This is why it’s important to eliminate your acne before it has the chance to scar. See your dermatologist for acne treatment advice, follow instructions and return for the treatment of scars—if scarring occurs—in its early stages when you have the best chance of reducing skin damage.

What makes acne scarring worse?

Your own DNA plays a role in your scars! Your genes determine how well your skin heals, the amount of collagen produced and the depth of the acne lesions also controls the severity of the scars. However, you can make the scarring worse by smoking, squeezing the acne and picking at it. Try to keep your hands away from your face.

When should I see my healthcare provider about acne scars?

See your dermatologist as soon as possible. The longer you wait to treat the acne, the more likely there will be scarring.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider about acne scars?

• What’s the best makeup I can use to cover my acne scars?
• Which in-office procedure is best for me?
• Do acne scar removal treatments hurt?
• What will my skin look like right after the procedure?
• How long will it take my skin to recover from the procedure?
• Which over-the-counter medication is best for me?
• How can I prevent scars from returning?
• Are acne treatment procedures covered by insurance?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Acne is common – very normal – and so are acne scars. There are treatments for acne, and there are treatments for acne scars. Some choose to just “live with” their acne scars while others decide that the scars interrupt their daily lives too much. You can decide to get treatment, or decide not to. You have options and you’re in control.

Stay in touch with your dermatologist and any other healthcare providers you see and make sure you ask about treatment options (or the expected results with no treatment), raise any questions and voice any concerns. You and your doctors will work together to make decisions best suited for you.

Acne Scars: How to Remove Them and Regain Your Confidence

But while certain measures can help prevent new scarring, what are your options for minimizing the appearance of existing scars?

Common procedures to remove or improve acne scars include:

Dermabrasion This effective scar removal treatment uses a high-speed brush or other instrument to resurface your skin and remove or reduce the depth of scars. It can take up to three weeks for skin to heal. (1)

Microdermabrasion For this less-intensive type of dermabrasion, a dermatologist or aesthetician uses a handheld device to remove surface skin. More than one treatment may be required, but there’s no downtime, according to the AAD. (8)

Chemical peel During a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to the skin. It removes the outer layer of your skin, resulting in a smoother, more even appearance. You may experience redness and peeling for three to seven days after the procedure, notes the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). (9)

Laser Your dermatologist can use a laser resurfacing treatment to remove the outer layer of your skin, contour areas of acne scars, or lighten redness around healed acne lesions. Healing may take between 3 and 10 days. (1)

Fillers A substance such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, or fat can be used to “fill out” certain types of acne scars. Since fillers are eventually absorbed into your skin, you’ll have to repeat filler injections, usually every few months, depending on the substance used. (8)

Punch excisions This type of skin surgery removes acne scars by individually excising, or cutting out, the scar. The hole left by the incision can be repaired with stitches or a skin graft. A skin graft uses a small piece of normal skin (usually removed from behind the ear) to fill in an area of scarred skin. Bruising can occur for one to two weeks after the procedure. (8)

Microneedling Also called collagen induction therapy, this procedure involves pricking the skin repeatedly with tiny needles to stimulate the growth of new collagen. This can reduce the appearance of scars. Microneedling can improve the appearance of wrinkles, stretch marks, and fine lines. Skin redness may last a few days, according to the AAD. (10)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acne Scars

If acne makes you self-conscious, the scars are no picnic, either. Pits, impressions, lumps, and color spots left over from your battles with blackheads can be both embarrassing and disheartening. If you’re frustrated about your battles with acne scars, just remember you’re far from alone. Up to 95% of acne patients experience scarring of some kind.

We’ve got your back. The first step to dealing with these scars is understanding them. Here’s your personal in-depth guide to the different types of acne scars and how to treat them.

Atrophic scars

Atrophic scars are pitted, rather than raised or flat. They appear as impressions in the skin, and can be difficult to treat. The three types of atrophic acne scars are icepick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars.

• Ice pick scars
  Ice pick scars form after a case of severe acne. Because they penetrate so deep into the skin, these are some of the most noticeable acne scars.Ice pick scars are small and narrow, usually measuring less than 2 mm in length, with a cylindrical shape. They’re also pitted, which means they appear as depressions in the skin. If you have ice pick scars, it may look like someone punctured your skin with a tiny ice pick. These types of scars are most common on the cheeks, chin, and jawline, although they can occur anywhere.While ice pick scars may soften a little over time, they usually require treatment from a dermatologist. In most cases, the depth of ice pick scars makes it impossible for the skin to heal up completely.
• Boxcar scars
  Like ice pick scars, boxcar scars are pitted – though they tend to be shallower and wider. Boxcar scars look like punched out depressions in the skin, oval or rectangular in shape. And they have sharp vertical edges. In diameter, they usually run between 1.5 and 4 mm. They can look a lot like chickenpox scars. Boxcar scars appear most often on the cheeks and temples.Like ice pick scars, these usually need treatment, and won’t go away completely on their own.
• Rolling scars
  These are the most common type of acne scar. Shallow and wide, they have sloped edges, which gives them their “rolling” appearance. They may look like tiny valleys, and can cause your skin to look uneven or wavy.Rolling scars are usually caused by long-term acne. And while they may be hardly noticeable in younger people, they tend to get worse as you age and your skin starts to lose its tightness.If your rolling scars are especially shallow, they may fade with time. Most rolling scars will soften a bit eventually. But you’ll probably need treatment to get your skin back to its original state. The good news is, since rolling scars are so shallow and soft, they’re the easiest to treat. So chin up!

Hypertrophic scars

Unlike atrophic acne scars, hypertrophic scars are raised rather than pitted. They occur when the scar rises above the skin’s surface, and can look like thick red lumps. They may feel rubbery.

Hypertrophic scars usually settle and fade on their own, leaving behind minimal scarring.

• Keloids
  When a hypertrophic scar grows to cover a larger area of the skin, it becomes a keloid scar. Keloids occur when the body produces too much scar tissue over a wound, which means they can be caused by injury as well as by acne. Some people are more prone to keloids, especially those with Asian and African skin types.Keloids can look like small bumps, or they can be more severe – with the skin swelling up and forming a large bubble. They usually appear shiny and smooth, with a rounded shape, and they can be purple, pink, or brown. Keloids often feel rubbery, and they may be itchy or even painful. They’re most common on the shoulders, upper back, chest, ear lobes, arms, and collarbone – though they can show up anywhere.Once a keloid appears, it can continue growing for weeks or even years. Eventually, it will stop growing, but it won’t usually go away on its own. With treatment, you can usually get rid of the sucker. Just be prepared: keloids have a habit of coming back.

Changes in pigmentation

Those dark red patches on your face that remind you of that horrible acne attack you had a few months ago, or those white acne scars that won’t go away – those are pigmentation issues. They’re not exactly scars, but they’re often caused by acne, and they can be permanent.

• Hyperpigmentation
  Hyperpigmentation is a change in skin color left over from acne – in other words, those dark marks you get on your skin in the places where your acne used to be. Pigmentation is just the natural coloring of your skin. So hyperpigmentation means the body has produced too much pigment, causing your skin to break out in dark spots.These spots can be red, brown, or black. They might look like small marks spread out over a large area of skin. Or they might be more like patches of darker skin. Either way, there’s no doubt they can be embarrassing.Hyperpigmentation from acne will usually lighten with time – though it may take anywhere from three months to two years. It all depends on how dark those spots are. In some cases, you may still be left with slightly darker marks on your skin, even after years have passed. If you’re in this boat, you can always ask your dermatologist for advice or use make-up to cover the blemish.
• Hypopigmentation
  Hypopigmentation is just the opposite of hyperpigmentation. While “hyper” means “more,” “hypo” means “less.” So hypopigmentation means that, instead of darkening, the area where your acne was will lighten. This happens when the body loses pigment because of tissue damage.Hypopigmentation appears as white or light spots on the skin. The marks may start out brown or pink but fade to white over time.After your acne goes down, hypopigmentation can fade within a few weeks or months. If you still have white spots left over after a few months have passed, it usually means the pigment has been destroyed, and you’ll need to get treatment in order to fill in those spots for good.

How to Treat Acne Scars

• FAST treatment
  Focal Acne Scar Treatment (FAST) uses a CO2 laser to poke tiny holes in the skin and fill them in with new collagen (your skin’s connective tissue). This treatment method is especially effective for atrophic acne scars, like ice pick and boxcar scars.
• PRP
  Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a minimally-invasive treatment that uses your blood’s natural growth factors to heal the skin. A dermatologist will draw your blood, convert it to PRFM (Platelet-rich Fibrin Matrix), and inject it into the site of your acne scar. PRFM promotes healing and grows new collagen, which fills in and smooths out the scars.
• Microneedling
  Microneedling uses fine needles to puncture the top layer of your skin, which stimulates your body’s natural healing processes and creates new collagen. Microneedling works best for treating atrophic scars, though it can also be used to fix pigmentation issues.
• Chemical peels
  Chemical peels treat hyperpigmentation using a chemical solution that causes the skin to exfoliate. This is a great way to regenerate the skin and get rid of any dark marks.The enemy you know is always better than the enemy you don’t know. Now that you understand a little more about your acne scars, you’re better equipped to deal with them. Remember that most people have to live with acne at some point, and many have to deal with scars afterward. You’re not alone!

This Is How You Really Get Rid Of Acne Scars

Dr. Caren Campbell, MD, in her San Francisco office

Source: Ashley Batx

Acne scarring plagues the pores of so many who have long-since recovered from active acne. With the recent advent of laser technology and dermatological research, much progress has been made in understanding how to best care for patients while undergoing treatment and in improving treatment efficacy itself.

I recently discussed the subject with leading San Francisco dermatologist Dr. Caren Campbell, M.D., a physician who has treated many Millennial professionals in the area struggling to remove acne scars. Below, she shares the recent, notable progress that has been made in acne-scarring treatment options, how to know if scars will fade on their own, when to seek medical intervention and the questions to ask your physician.

First, what causes acne scars?

Campbell: Acne scars result from cystic, inflamed acne lesions. When the clogged, inflamed pore ruptures, the skin’s attempt to repair the broken skin isn’t as flawless as the original skin. Depending on the depth of the ruptured pore, varying types of acne scars can be produced—atrophic, icepick, boxcar, rolling. When the body overshoots the wound healing response keloids or hypertrophic scars can form, which represent excess scar tissue formation.

Will they ever fade on their own?

When discoloration is the issue and the “scar” is flush with the skin and there is no surface irregularity, these do resolve on their own with time and sun avoidance. For acne scars not flush with the skin, they typically do not fade on their own. Collagen in the skin needs to be remodeled or stimulated to correct for these structural deformities in the skin. 

Discoloration from acne is called post-inflammatory erythema if red and post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation if darker than normal skin tone.  This discoloration of the skin that is flush with the skin is caused by the inflammatory cells that attack the overgrowth of bacteria, oil and dead skin clogging the pore. Even after the acne has resolved, this pigment change remains though will fade with time. Sun avoidance and protection are important is helping this pigment change fade more quickly. If the areas of post-inflammatory erythema or hyper-pigmentation are exposed to sun they persist longer. Sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum and ideally mineral is recommended.  Newer formulations like EltaMD and CCMD sunscreens (my branded sunscreen) contain nanoparticle zinc and titanium that rub in clear rather than leaving a white film.  

Additional topical treatments can be used to expedite improvement of these areas of discoloration. This includes the mainstay topical treatment for acne—retinoids. Creams like Tretinoin and Tazorac speed up skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen. There retinoid creams also have a role in remodeling scars and not only pigment.  A recent split-faced study (treating one side with at-home microneedling and one side with Tazorac) showed improvement with Tazorac alone in acne scars.  

Can acne scars be removed permanently?

In short, yes. Depending on the type of acne scar, different modalities may be utilized, but overall, I have found that laser treatments are the most effective option for the majority of acne scars. The two best laser devices on the market for acne scars are Fraxel 1550 and PicoWay Resolve. PicoWay Resolve is safe in all skin types as it does not heat or break the surface level of the skin. Fraxel 1550 delivers heat to the top layers of the skin which can be beneficial in stimulating collagen, but increases the risk of hyperpigmentation (dark areas of skin) in darker skin types. This risk can be mitigated with pre- and post-treatment Tretinoin and hydroquinone, but which laser is most appropriate for your skin type should be assessed prior to treatment by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.  

Why are laser treatments the most effective treatment for acne scars? They produce the most amount of neocollagensis (stimulation of new collagen and elastin, which is required to remodel acne scars). One of the only ways to stimulate collagen is to damage the skin to elicit a wound-healing response. Lasers use light energy to create these small wounds. That said, not all lasers are creating equal or powerful enough to wound the skin appropriately. 

Deciding between the Fraxel 1550 and PicoWay Resolve if both are appropriate for your skin type can come down to lifestyle. PicoWay has minimal to no downtime, but does require more sessions. For patients without five days to be red and scaly (which is the result of Fraxel), PicoWay may be the more appropriate choice. For patients with a special event coming up or those wanting results as soon as possible, Fraxel 1550 would be a better option.

When Fraxel 1550 is combined with PRP (platelet rich plasma), downtime can be lessened by one-two days and more collagen can be stimulated.  PRP uses the patient’s own blood to stimulate collagen and remodel acne scars. My favorite PRP system is the Eclipse system. It is important to use a blood draw tube that contains the appropriate components needed to activate the platelets in the blood so they release growth factors—signals that tell your body to heal and produce more collagen .

Other modalities that can be used in combination with laser treatments include surgical removal of acne scars, subciscion (breaking up the scar tissue with a needle below the scar), microneedling, and TCA cross (a strong chemical peel solution is placed inside the depressed scar to elicit it to fill in with new tissue). Fillers can also be injected into acne scars, but these are oftentimes temporary and require repeat treatment. 

In your experience, what is the best way to remove them? How long does it take?

Depending on the type of scar, different modalities are most appropriate. For the vast majority of scars, I start with a series of laser treatments.  Usually a series of four-six Fraxel 1550 or six-twelve PicoWay Resolve, depending on the patient’s skin type and lifestyle. If a few subset of the scars remain after a few laser treatments, TCA cross, punch excision or subciscion can be used in combination with the remaining laser treatments on a case-by-case basis. 

Fraxel 1550 requires numbing with topical anesthesia for one-two hours prior to treatment. The numbing cream is removed and the Fraxel 1550 treatment takes 10-15 minutes for a full face. Afterward, your face feels warm and a cooling mask is applied for 15 minutes. One hour after treatment the skin temperature feels back to normal, but remains red in appearance. The next three-five days the skin remains red and begins to scale on day three-four and is starting to get back to normal by day five and can easily be covered with make-up. 

For PicoWay Resolve, no numbing is required and the treatment for a full face takes 15 minutes. After the treatment tiny broken capillaries can result, which resolve in one-two days and can easily be covered with make-up.  Some patient experience mild itching on day one-two post treatment. The redness after treatment is subtle and looks like a mild allergic reaction in some patients. 

What else should people know about these treatments?

Not all lasers are created equal. You need to right temperature, the right speed of firing and the right depth and spacing of the laser beams of energy. Not all providers of treatments are created equal. An expert knows what settings will get you the most bang for your buck without increasing your risk of hyper-pigmentation, scarring, or infection. While medspas may have the same device or claim their device is of similar efficacy, this is not the case. Many years go into understanding and training on laser devices. You will get more for your money with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who uses a tried and true laser device with appropriate settings. 

Microneedling has been very popular recently for acne scars. In my opinion, the result are proving to be temporary as a lot of the improvement is from soft tissue swelling that masks the appearance of the scar for only a short time.  Lasers have a longer track record for treating acne scars, particularly the Fraxel, which has proven to historically be the gold standard. PicoWay Resolve is an exciting new technology that is showing excellent results with minimal to no downtime, which in our fast paced, high demand world is really amazing for us busy working professionals. 

How can you prevent future acne scarring?

Prior to treating any patient for acne scars, I ensure my patients are investing in a good skin care routine that treats and prevents future acne. Often this includes one of the two best ingredient to treat and prevent new acne from forming: retinoids and benzoyl peroxide. Retinoids combat all components of acne formation – they remove the top layer of dead skin cells which clog the pore. They also reduce oil production, which creates a good environment for the acne-causing bacteria to overgrow. Retinoids also help kill acne-causing bacteria and serve as an anti-inflammatory agent.  

Similarly, Benzoyl peroxide works to fight acne by killing the acne-causing bacteria and removing dead skin cells from the pore (keratolytic). In more severe cases of acne where scarring is a significant issues, Isotretinoin is the first line treatment. Isotretinoin permanently shrinks the oil gland taking away the oil production that provides a good environment for the acne causing bacteria to overgrow. Historically, caution was taken not to treat acne scars while patients were on Isotretinoin, given the concern for impaired wound healing, but this has been debunked recently by newer studies. Back then, patients had to wait to treat acne scars for six months after completing their course of Isotretinoin. Much progress has been made.

90,000 Acne Scar Treatment Program

We are all born with delicate baby skin. However, throughout its life, the skin has to go through many trials: sun, aging, acne, which is reflected both on the face and in the soul.

“Scars adorn” – this statement today does not fit either women or men. We do not deliberately strive for scars, but if they are, we hide them under makeup. However, this is not an option. Especially when you want naturalness, which is always in fashion.

In our clinic, a program is drawn up for the treatment of acne scars.You will be able to choose a reliable combination of the latest generation of laser treatments and other options to help reduce or completely remove acne scars and other surgical and burn scars.

A short-term (6 months) and long-term (more than 1 year) skin care program designed to smooth out acne scars in order to avoid new ones.

On a case-by-case basis, other remedies or treatments suitable for a particular skin type are discussed.

Classification of acne scars:

1. “Ice pick”, atrophic scar ¹

Most common scars: narrow, sharp, deep scars, about 2 mm in diameter, reaching the deep dermis. The scar is broader at the surface and tapers at the base, creating a V-shape. Most often, these scars are localized in the cheek area, placed in groups, creating small, deep, dotted holes. They look like holes in ice, which is why they got this name.Since this type of acne scars are deep, it is very difficult to even them out using normal superficial treatments. The procedures are applied that act on the deep layers of the skin.

2. Boxcar, atrophic scar ¹

Also common acne scars, especially around the cheeks and temples. Angular, sharp-edged, wide U-shaped, often round or linear. They are called small if they reach a depth of 0.1-0.5 mm and are successfully treated with surface laser procedures.Also, scars of this type can reach the middle layers of the skin or form deep, to the reticular layer of the skin. In these two cases, a combination of laser procedures for superficial, deep or all layers of the skin is required.

3. Rolling, atrophic scars ¹

In the presence of damage to the deeper layers of the skin, acne scars are formed in the form of waves – wide, shallow, with a diameter of 4-5 mm. Under them are localized fibers of fibrous tissue, which over time “pull” down the upper layers, forming waves on the surface of the skin.Wanting to correct them, separation is often used during treatment.

4. Hypertrophic (convex) scars

Pineal, uneven, raised scars are often referred to as keloid scars. They are mainly formed in the areas of the chest, back, neck, cheeks, and lower jaw. Created after cystic or nodular acne, with hyper collagen formation – when the scar rises above the surface of the skin. They may decrease over time. Medicinal injections of combined treatment methods are used, with the help of which amazing results are achieved.

5. Post-inflammatory pigmentation, red or early acne scars

They are difficult to hide, and the redness and scars left after them make them more visible, even after the rash has healed. They are not scars. After inflammation, hyperpigmentation occurs – pink spots that tend to form after deep skin lesions, most often with nodular, cystic acne. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs during the healing of the acne rash over a period of 6-12 months and is part of the inflammatory process.If left untreated, it remains for a long time, whitens and scars form.

¹ Atrophic scars – formed after inflammation when tissue defects appear.

This classification allows you to determine the most appropriate treatment method for each type of scar, and the combination of methods contributes to achieving the best results. Treatment is selected individually depending on the severity of the damage to the skin. Starting with exfoliation of the upper and middle layers of the skin, as well as products that stimulate the remodeling of the deep layers of the skin; renewal of all skin layers with Fraxel Dual fractional laser, instant filling with stabilizing preparations, finishing with skin resurfacing or surgical interventions.

How are scars formed?

Acne may cause scars on the skin resulting from skin inflammation. In the fatty sac of the hair, due to colonization (propionebacterium acnes), inflammation occurs. The body responds with more rapid production of white blood cells and inflammatory molecules. Sometimes, after the rash has healed, the damaged tissue does not return to its original position. Depending on the nature of the rash and the localization of the damaged area, post-inflammatory pigmentation is formed, scars of various forms, which can be long-term.In more complex forms, in a larger area of ​​inflammation, the infection spreads to the deep layers of the skin. With an individual tendency, a lack of skin appears, dented scars form. Due to the impaired reaction of the body, convex, hypertrophic scars can form.

Prevention of acne scars

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects about 85% of young people and 5% of adults. Acne is accompanied in the most beautiful period of life. It’s hard to come to terms with scars that never seem to go away.However, now medical, aesthetic and laser dermatology offer modern methods of treatment, thanks to which you can say goodbye to acne. The main thing is to diagnose, determine its appearance, development, accompanying factors and start appropriate treatment. It is necessary to pay attention to skin care, to take measures to prevent the appearance of various scars. It should be remembered that to avoid scarring, it is important not to squeeze or injure the pimples. Injury to the skin entails: prolonged healing of the rash, the formation of deep skin lesions, more pronounced post-inflammatory pigmentation is possible, an increase in the likelihood of scar formation.It is not uncommon for a secondary infection to develop and worsen the skin condition.

How long does it take to heal acne scars?

From several months to a year. This is due to the shape of the scars, their severity and the time of formation.

Do I need special skin care after treatment?

It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight for at least 3 weeks before and after laser treatment, follow the doctor’s instructions on skin care after procedures.

After the scars are smoothed, the skin is restored and remains so.After that, you should use your daily skin care products prescribed by your doctor.

When is the best time to start treating long-formed or recent scars?

Period up to 6 months

The earlier the scar removal treatment is started, the better the result.

Scars that appear before 6 months are considered newly formed. During this period, natural remedies are most suitable: injecting biologically active substances, hyaluron and plant extracts into the skin and under the skin, mesotherapy, biorevitalization, alpha and beta hydroxy combination, TCA peeling procedures and other organic acids, stimulating collagen synthesis procedures.As well as Omnilux revive 633 nm red light treatments, accelerating the healing of inflammatory acne, stimulating the production of new collagen. As well as laser procedures. By combining the effect on the skin of lasers, fruit and hyaluronic acids, as well as active substances, damaged collagen in scar areas is restored. Additionally, the skin is nourished with cocktails of biologically active substances and vitamins. A daily skin care program is drawn up individually for each patient, active prophylactic agents are selected to prevent the appearance of a new rash.

Period after 6 months

Depending on the shape of the scars, the following treatment is applied:

• strong exfoliants (exfoliators) – acids;
• local microsurgical interventions;

90,093 injections of stabilized fillers;

• Laser therapy is one of the most modern and effective methods of treatment. Under the influence of the laser, collagen synthesis is stimulated in the skin, so the surface of the scar is leveled.

Ablative and non-ablative lasers are used in laser procedures. Ablative lasers – the surface layer of the skin is removed. Non-ablative lasers – the surface of the skin remains, while the laser affects only the deep layers of the skin. The advantage of non-ablative lasers is that the skin heals without scabs.

Another category of lasers is fractional lasers. During the procedure with this laser, the beam does not affect the entire surface of the skin, but only the microfractions – perpendicularly focused columns of laser light hitting the skin remove old cells, while leaving healthy areas of the skin around.In this way, effective results are achieved with the high level of safety typical of non-ablative lasers.

In our clinic, various lasers are used for the treatment of scars, depending on the shape of the acne and the scars remaining after them.

With an active form of acne, remission of the disease is achieved first. In this case, the most effective application of the Omnilux Medical system is a combination of blue and red light therapy for 12 weeks. The rash is reduced by up to 89%.

Omnilux Medical blue and revive for active acne

Beams of specific waves Omnilux blue (blue, 415 nm) and red (red, 633 nm) cause long-term remission of the acne rash. Omnilux blue destroys the bacteria involved in acne formation. After this, the inflammatory process decreases.

After the destruction of bacteria, the red light Omnilux revive is used, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and stimulates skin healing, soothes irritated skin.In this way, the acne rash heals, new acne does not form, inflammation disappears, and cellular processes normalize. The light emitted by Omnilux LEDs reduces the secretion of sebum and the production of inflammatory factors, as a result of which the amount of fat secreted by the sebaceous glands is reduced to normal levels and inflammation disappears. In addition, fibroblasts responsible for the production of collagen are stimulated, therefore, after the procedures, the color and tone of the skin improves.

Omnilux Medical’s combined blue and red light system has been scientifically proven to be the only system to induce long-term remission of acne rashes.

VBeam Perfecta against acne and redness

VBeam Perfecta pulsed blood vessel dye laser reduces inflammation caused by bacteria in the case of acne. The laser acts on small blood vessels formed at the site of acne inflammation, coagulates them, they are gradually absorbed, effectively removing redness of acne scars. This stimulates the synthesis of new collagen, the skin relief is evened out. As a result, redness and pink spots are gradually removed, the rash disappears, and scars are smoothed.

CO2RE laser for scar resurfacing

CO2RE laser to carry out fractional skin rejuvenation and stimulates the regeneration of new cells. The laser is used for skin resurfacing, stimulates the formation of new collagen fibers, and is also intended for skin rejuvenation, correction of wrinkles, scars, stretch marks.

Fraxel re: Store Dual 1550/1927 Fractional skin renewal for new and old scars

Fraxel Laser, the fractional laser that revolutionized skin renewal, quickly became a popular technology and the most effective method for smoothing acne scars.

The newest version of the Fraxel laser is the Fraxel Dual with a technology that combines two wavelengths: 1550 nm and 1927 nm. Fraxel Dual is a double-action and double-effect laser that rejuvenates the skin and removes all its imperfections. During one procedure, the effect of two lasers is used. All layers of the skin are restructured: the 1550 nm wave renews the deep layers of the skin, the 1927 nm wave conditions the renewal of the upper skin layer, removes pigmentation.

During treatment with Fraxel Dual laser, not the entire skin surface is heated, but only individual microfractions.Microscopic laser columns renew the skin with MTZ (microthermal zones) without damaging the surrounding tissue. Therefore, faster healing and recovery of the skin is stimulated, while the procedural period is minimal. During the treatment, old tissues are replaced with new skin – new healthy cells are formed, the skin is rejuvenated and smoothed again. Using the technology of the newest Fraxel Dual 1550/1927 nm laser, results are achieved that were previously only possible with very aggressive treatments.

Fraxel Dual Laser with two levels of waves is effective for both young and old scars of all types: acne scars, surgical, burn, atrophic, hypertrophic and other scars, as well as post-pregnancy scars and other skin defects.

Read more about Fraxel Dual laser treatment here Fraxel Dual Laser Fractional Skin Renewal.

The doctors of the clinic will advise you on an individual method of treatment, taking into account the condition of your skin, as well as draw up a program for the treatment of acne scars.

The Era Esthetic Laser Dermatology Clinic uses the latest Fraxel Dual 1550 nm / 1927 nm and VBeam Perfecta.

Article is the intellectual property of Era Esthetic Laser Dermatology Clinic; copying and / or distribution is prohibited.

At the Era Esthetic Laser Dermatology Clinic, all laser procedures are performed only by highly qualified doctors

90,000 Acne treatment, elimination of scars, scars

This is an extremely effective technique, but even she cannot carry out laser removal of scars and scars in one procedure.For laser removal of facial scars, 3-5 sessions may be required, depending on the severity of the scar itself, the scar, the type and condition of the patient’s skin. The price of laser scar removal may differ from clinic to clinic, but it is not worth making a choice based only on the cost of the service. The effectiveness of laser treatment of scars depends not only on the skill of the doctor, but also on the level of equipment, and often the lower price for scar elimination indicates that the procedure is performed on an old model apparatus.Be vigilant, trust your beauty and health to professionals!

Laser removal of scars and scars at GMTClinic is performed on devices of the latest models, which have been certified abroad and in Russia, which makes the treatment truly safe. Laser scar removal is a modern procedure that does not take much time, with a minimum rehabilitation period. High professionalism of the clinic’s doctors, extensive work experience, as well as regular professional development allow us to flawlessly carry out the treatment and resurfacing of scars.That is why the development of a scar after laser removal of skin defects or burns is completely excluded.

Laser scar removal on the face using the Sciton Halo fractional hybrid laser (a mix of diode and erbium lasers) allows both to correct scar deformities, and to rejuvenate the skin, improve its color and increase turgor. There is even such a concept of “Halo radiance”, when the procedure provides laser scar removal, while making the skin youthful and glowing. All this became possible thanks to the Sciton Halo technology, which combines non-ablative and ablative effects on different layers of the skin with maximum effect.Fine-tuning the device allows you to individually solve the problems of each patient, performing laser scar removal in just a few procedures.

Fractional devices MultiPulse CO2 and Fraxel Re: Store Dual are equally effective for laser removal of facial scars that occur at 3-4 stages of acne. In the skilled hands of a specialist, a smart machine acts only on certain microscopic areas, fractions of the skin, without damaging the surrounding cells, which shortens the rehabilitation process with high efficiency.As a rule, after the procedure, erythema occurs – reddening of the skin, but it disappears in 1-2 days, and you can evaluate the result. A scar, a scar on the face gradually brightens, and after a course of procedures it completely disappears without a trace!

It perfectly copes with the task of laser removal of scars and scars on the face and Dermablate MCL-31 is an erbium assistant to cosmetologists GMTClinic. As a result of ablation – the evaporation of fluids from cells – new collagen and elastin are produced in the skin, while old fibers are destroyed.We get laser removal of scars and scars with simultaneous rejuvenation! Dermablate MCL-31 procedures are more comfortable and require a shorter rehabilitation period than with CO2 laser, which patients really like.

Acne scar treatment | Cochrane

Review Question

What treatments are effective for acne scars?

Relevance

Acne scars can adversely affect a person’s physical, mental and social well-being.Despite the many treatments used to treat acne scars, there is no reliable evidence which is the most effective.

The purpose of this review was to better inform patients and healthcare professionals about the safest and most effective methods to help manage this problem. We studied treatments for atrophic scars (depressions on the surface of the skin) and hypertrophic scars (bumpy scars that protrude above the surface of the skin) after acne, but focused on atrophic scars on the face.Among the main outcomes of interest were participants’ reported improvement and any adverse effects severe enough to cause the participants to drop out of the study.

Research characteristics

We included 24 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of 789 people with acne scarring (as of November 2015 search). 21 RCTs (706 people) included both men and women. 3 RCTs (75 people) included only women, and 1 RCT (8 people) included only men.Most of the participants in the included studies (21 RCTs with 744 participants) had atrophic scars after acne. One RCT involved 20 people with mixed atrophic and hypertrophic scars after acne.

Main results

There is insufficient evidence from clinical trials to support the use of fractional laser for the treatment of acne. However, this method is sometimes used in clinical practice to treat acne scars.

For our outcome, “participant-reported scar improvement”, the fractional laser was more effective than the non-fractional non-ablative laser.The fractional radiofrequency system showed scar improvement similar to the fractional laser. Chemical peels were found to be similar in scar improvement with fractional laser and skin needling. Combined chemical peeling with skin needling showed improvement in scarring similar to fractional laser and deep chemical peeling. Injectable fillers showed greater improvement in scarring compared to placebo.

An outcome “Serious Adverse Effects” was reported in one study showing intolerance to chemical peels in 16% of study participants.Other outcomes – “participant-reported” and “investigator-rated” adverse events in the short-term (in the first 24 weeks) – were more or less acceptable when evaluated by participants and investigators, and did not show large differences between the interventions studied.

4 out of 6 comparisons were completely inconclusive, with very low quality of evidence. There is a paucity of studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments with placebo or sham interventions.It is possible that the lack of evidence of differences between the two active treatments may mean that neither is particularly beneficial.

We were unable to find studies on the treatment of back acne scars.

The results of this review do not support the use as first-line therapy of any of the treatments for acne scarring. None of the studies have provided evidence to support that short-term benefits translate into long-term effects.

Quality of evidence

The quality of the evidence for several outcomes ranged from very low to moderate. The lower quality of evidence for treatment effects was mainly due to the small number of participants in the studies (which resulted in less accurate results) and the lack of blinding (study participants knew what treatment they were receiving).

In future studies, self-reported outcomes should be considered as a primary measure.A group of major outcomes, reported in all RCTs for acne scar treatment, and outcomes that need to be assessed several months after treatment should be distinguished. One of the gaps in the studies included in this review was the lack of evidence of serious side effects.

Removal of acne scars in Moscow. How to get rid of acne scars?

Sign up for the procedure

Duration of the procedure: from 60 min

Recommended number of procedures: 2

Cost from 9 350 rubles

Removal of the scars remaining after acne treatment requires an integrated professional approach.After all, it is important to even out not only the skin tone, but also its relief. In other words, turn the scar tissue into normal, healthy tissue. And since these are two completely different structures, only experienced dermatocosmetologists can do such “magic”.

What is the difficulty in removing acne scars?

Scar tissue differs from normal tissue by structural features. Collagen proteins in it line up, as a rule, in one direction, while in healthy skin they overlap each other chaotically.Because of this, scar tissue is less elastic, has insufficient blood supply, and is devoid of sweat glands and hair. Therefore, its transformation requires a thorough and comprehensive approach.

How to get rid of acne scars?

Basic techniques:

Fraxelre: storeDual. Therapy using this device is carried out according to the principle of fractional photothermolysis. A thin erbium laser beam creates a multitude of microscopic healing zones on the treated area, in which damaged collagen fibers are destroyed.These “voids” are soon filled with new, healthy cells, that is, the skin is rejuvenated from the inside out. The second laser, thulium, acts directly on the epidermis, removing pigment and smoothing the tissue.

Hardware therapy at Fraxelre: storeDual should be carried out in a course. The result will be noticeable after 2-3 procedures, and you can talk about the complete removal of acne scars after 4-5 sessions.

PRP therapy. This method of removing acne scars on the nose, cheeks, neck and other problem areas is safe for teenagers as well.It consists of administering to the client his own purified and platelet-rich plasma. The autologous biomaterial delivered to a specific layer of the skin triggers the production of new collagen and elastin, which displace the “old” collagen of the rumen.

Complementary therapy:

To accelerate the synthesis of new, healthy cells and improve metabolic processes in tissues, we recommend combining basic techniques with mesotherapy and biorevitalization. “Beauty cocktails” enrich the skin with useful substances, and hyaluronic acid helps to even out the relief of “retracted” scars.

Advantages of contacting VERSUA Clinic

Our techniques are considered the gold standard for skin treatment in Europe.

We select an individual rejuvenation program, compiling it taking into account the characteristics of your skin.

You can take a course of therapy at a convenient time for yourself, having previously agreed with your doctor.

Prices for face and body skin rejuvenation. FRAXELReStore DUAL

device

Mechanism of fractional photothermolysis on Fraxel re: store Dual

90,000 prices for the resurfacing of facial scars in the Mirramed clinic

Scars on the face and body can be a real problem, and many people do not want to put up with them.Fortunately, the achievements of modern hardware cosmetology allow you to get rid of noticeable scars: post-traumatic, postoperative, burns and others. The MirraMed clinic in St. Petersburg offers its services for removing scars using a modern high-tech laser. The procedures are carried out under the supervision of highly qualified cosmetologists and help to completely eliminate or reduce scars on any part of the skin.

Briefly about the service

After injury, the skin is scarred: the damaged areas are overgrown with connective tissue, which is seriously different in appearance from healthy skin.A similar process occurs with the formation of stretch marks. Excessive pigmentation is also possible: for example, acne spots are also scars. All these imperfections can be inconvenient in everyday life, make it difficult to look the way you want. Laser resurfacing helps to get rid of scars, smoothen scarred skin and remove visible pigmentation. This is due to the fact that the laser beam penetrates into the deep layers of the skin, sticks together damaged collagen and elastin fibers and stimulates the production of new ones.Also, the laser improves blood circulation in the affected area, helps to smooth and improve the skin, normalize its color. The intervention allows you to achieve noticeable results without surgery and long-term recovery.

Advantages and disadvantages

Benefits. There are many advantages of laser scar removal:

• Fast result, which becomes noticeable after the first session, and further strengthens and consolidates;
• non-invasiveness, lack of surgical interventions and, as a result, a short recovery period;

90 093 a wide range of results from removing pigmentation to smoothing the scars themselves;

• few side effects, high safety.The laser does not damage the upper layers of the skin due to sophisticated technology and high quality equipment;
• the ability to use the device to correct various types of imperfections. These are scars and postoperative scars, burns, post-acne, stretch marks, as well as hyperpigmentation;
• the opportunity to combine the procedure with others that additionally improve the condition of the skin;
• the presence of surface anesthesia, relieving discomfort;
• long-lasting and long-lasting result.It is only necessary to undergo strengthening procedures once a year.

Disadvantages . The disadvantages of the procedure are smoothed out due to the use of modern devices that are created by leading companies and meet increased security requirements. Also, to minimize risks, a specialist consultation is required before the session: he will help determine if you have contraindications, and will prepare the most effective program in your case. The disadvantages of laser resurfacing include:

• The need to undergo several procedures to obtain and consolidate the effect;
• slight swelling or redness after the intervention.However, these manifestations quickly disappear – in just 2-3 days;
• Requirements for compliance with restrictions within 2-3 weeks after procedures. You can not visit the bathhouse and sauna, sunbathe, areas of exposure to the laser must be covered with sunscreen or not exposed to ultraviolet radiation;
• the presence of contraindications. This can be an exacerbation of infectious diseases, the presence of inflammation in the affected area and other painful conditions. Consult your doctor for more accurate information.

How the procedure is carried out

• Before starting the procedures, the patient consults with a doctor, who collects an anamnesis and draws conclusions: which device to use, how many sessions will be required. The program is tailored to the individual characteristics of the patient.
• One session takes 10 to 30 minutes. Before it begins, the skin at the site of exposure is cleansed, an application of anesthesia in the form of a cream is applied and they wait for some time for it to act.
• After the procedure, the beautician applies regenerating and sunscreen compounds to the skin.Then the patient can return to daily life, observing only a few restrictions, which the doctor will describe in detail.

Apparatus Used

The MirraMed clinic uses only modern devices that meet all safety standards:

• Fraxel Re: store DUAL,
• AcuPulse,
• Lumenis M22.

The devices do not harm the stratum corneum of the skin, provide a quick and noticeable effect, equipped with a cooling system that does not allow the skin to overheat.

Sign up for the MirraMed clinic in St. Petersburg. for removal of scars and other procedures, you can use the website or by phone. We will be happy to accept your application and advise on all issues of interest.

90,000 What you need to know about removing scars and stretch marks

Causes of scars and stretch marks

Stretch marks, or striae, are strip-like changes in the skin of various colors (from bluish to almost white).In fact, these are atrophic scars that form as a result of prolonged stretching of the skin. “Stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, chest, back or even calves can appear not only after pregnancy, but also much earlier – in adolescence. At their core, stretch marks are scars depressed into the skin made of abnormal connective tissue. Their surface can be smooth or rough, and the degree of expression varies from narrow, barely distinguishable lines to wide. It is believed that the main reason for the appearance of stretch marks in all cases is hormonal imbalance.However, the overstretching of the skin is of no less importance, as a result of which the vessels, collagen and elastic fibers are torn, and a ” Provo ” appears in the skin, ”explains Anastasia Popova, cosmetologist, laser expert at the Delete clinic.

Scars and scars most often appear after acne and are white depressions in the skin, swollen light pink or bright red lesions, bluish-looking spots or purple-bloody nodules. “Often scars and scars on the skin after chickenpox, acne and acne appear if the disease is severe.But in some cases, even the most common pimple leaves a mark after itself. After such diseases, accompanied by a rash on the skin, scars can form mainly in those places where the skin has been most severely damaged. With such injuries, the process of normal restoration of the skin is disrupted, which leads to the appearance of a connective scar at the site of the pimple, ”says Natalya Kon Fan San, dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist of the Central Institute of Dermatocosmetology clinic network.

“Which scar will form during wound healing depends on several factors: genetic characteristics (the ability of the skin to regenerate), own skin diseases, the level of immunity, the depth of the wound and its origin.For example, post-acne scars are usually normotrophic or atrophic, and only in severe cases, with advanced acne, can they be hypertrophic. Scars after abdominal surgery, cesarean section, piercing are often hypertrophic. Scars left after the healing of severe burns or long chronic inflammatory processes are often keloid, ”says Lydia Galichenko, a dermatologist of the highest category at the Institute of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology.

Scar peels

The program for the treatment of acne scars is developed and selected for each specific case individually, taking into account the duration and form of acne, the type of scar tissue, the severity, features and type of skin, as well as its ability to regenerate.It is almost impossible to eliminate acne scars on your own; you can make them a little less noticeable from the use of whitening masks. Chemical peels are most effective. “The acids burn the epidermis and activate the skin’s own collagen production. For chemical peels, alpha hydroxy acids, trichloroacetic and phenolic acids are used. Phenolic acids have the most active and effective action, but their use can entail the risk of serious adverse reactions, says Natalia Kon Fan San.- Due to the extreme painfulness of the procedure, phenol peeling is carried out under anesthesia and has contraindications due to the high toxicity of the active substance (for example, diseases of the heart and blood vessels). The action of trichloroacetic and alpha hydroxy acids is less profound and milder, but it also requires taking all precautions. The achievement of a positive result is greatly influenced by adequate pre-peeling skin therapy and the professionalism of the specialist performing the procedure. Chemical peeling is a medical procedure and requires appropriate qualifications and practical experience. “

Phototherapy and lasers for scars and stretch marks

If the color of the scar is red, pink or purple, laser treatment is required, after which the scar becomes uniform and practically does not differ from the color of healthy skin. “The essence of the method is to gently remove the upper stratum corneum. The laser activates all biochemical processes, including collagen production. It is he who provides the necessary elasticity of the skin. The number of sessions depends on the condition of the skin and the presence of spots.As a rule, it takes from four to eight manipulations with an interval of four to six weeks, ”says Natalia Kon Fan San.

“With the help of laser fractional exposure (simplified -“ resurfacing ”,“ fraxel ”), you can completely restart the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers, eliminate damaged fibers, pigmentation, tighten the skin and improve its tone,” says Anastasia Popova.

Injections for scars and stretch marks

Injections of Botox, hyaluronic acid and collagen stimulants work well for stretch marks and scars.“In hypertrophic scars, hormonal preparations and preparations with enzymatic activity are used for thickening, in atrophic and normotrophic scars – volumetric correction preparations (based on hyaluronic acid), as well as preparations – collagen stimulants, mesotherapy. Most often, this is a course of administration of drugs intrafocal or periofocally. The use of these products gives a pronounced effect and long-term cosmetic correction. But the most optimal is an integrated approach: a combination of injection and laser techniques, ”says Lia Rakhmangulova, dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist of the Central Institute of Dermatocosmetology network of clinics.

Surgical intervention

Sometimes scars limit movement and cause physical discomfort. In such cases, the help of a plastic surgeon becomes necessary. “Hypertrophied postoperative scars are usually excised and then a cosmetic suture is applied. Depending on the degree of its severity, laser resurfacing is recommended – it should be started one to two months after the operation, followed by care with gels based on liquid silicone or silicone patches.In the presence of a keloid scar, it is necessary first to stop its growth by injecting glucocorticoids (hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs) and enzymes, then to cause its degeneration and perform surgical correction, “explains Dmitry Skvortsov, plastic surgeon at the Correct clinic, author of the cheek correction method” French cheeks “, founder of the project for body correction after childbirth” Idealmom “.

“The final appearance of the scar after surgery is 60% dependent on the surgeon – on how delicately he handled the skin during the intervention, and on the suture technique.In 30% of cases, this is correct care and only 10% is hereditary gross scarring, “says Mikhail Ovchinnikov, plastic surgeon at the Correct clinic, full member of the Russian-American Medical Academy, the German Medical Association, the Association of Saxony Physicians and the Russian Society of Clinical oncology.

“Excision of scar tissue can be performed both under local and general anesthesia, depending on the volume of the intervention. The altered scar tissue within the healthy tissue is excised and cosmetic sutures are applied.This is followed by a period of rehabilitation. It is important to understand that it is impossible to completely remove scar tissue and achieve perfectly smooth skin; it is possible to reduce the severity of scars, smooth them out with the surrounding tissue and achieve a pronounced cosmetically acceptable effect, ”says Liya Rakhmangulova.

Ways to prevent stretch marks

“During pregnancy, it is recommended to wear special underwear to provide support and massage the chest, buttocks and thighs.The massage accelerates the blood, preventing it from stagnating, helps to maintain the elasticity and firmness of the skin. The key to success in combating the appearance of stretch marks is also a proper, healthy diet, which allows you to avoid rapid weight gain or weight loss, both during pregnancy or during puberty, and during hormonal therapy, ”advises Natalia Kon Fan San.

Much also depends on how long ago you have had stretch marks or scars. The earlier treatment is started, the more chances of successful getting rid of them.In the case of stretch marks, the process can be completely reversible only in the early stages of their development.

Post-acne treatment at affordable prices in Chelyabinsk