Skin treatment acne scars. Effective Treatments for Acne Scars: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover the best treatments to minimize and fade acne scars. From resurfacing techniques to laser therapies, this article covers the most effective options to improve the appearance of acne-related skin marks.
Understanding Acne Scars
Acne scars can be a frustrating and persistent problem for many people who have struggled with acne breakouts. These unsightly marks can lower self-esteem and cause significant distress. The good news is that there are several effective treatments available to help minimize the appearance of acne scars.
Why Do Acne Scars Form?
Acne lesions that penetrate deep into the skin can damage the underlying tissues. As the skin heals, the body tries to repair this damage by producing collagen, a protein that gives the skin its structure. However, if the body produces too much or too little collagen, it can lead to the formation of different types of acne scars.
Types of Acne Scars
There are three main types of acne scars:
Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars, or pitted scars, occur when the body doesn’t produce enough collagen during the healing process. These scars can be categorized into three subtypes: rolling scars, boxcar scars, and ice pick scars.
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars, or raised scars, occur when the body produces too much collagen. These scars are less common than atrophic scars and most often appear on the chest and back. Acne keloid scars, a type of hypertrophic scar, are also a possibility.
Hyperpigmentation
In addition to scarring, acne can also leave behind dark spots or hyperpigmentation as the skin heals. These discolored areas can be just as challenging to treat as actual scars.
Do Acne Scars Go Away on Their Own?
Mild or moderate acne scarring may fade over time, but in general, most acne scars are permanent unless they are treated. Reddish or brownish marks left behind by acne lesions will usually fade eventually, but it can take a year or more. Severe scarring, on the other hand, will not go away without intervention.
Effective Treatments for Acne Scars
There are a variety of treatments available to help reduce the appearance of acne scars. The right approach will depend on the type and severity of the scarring, as well as your skin tone and budget. Insurance typically does not cover treatments for acne scars, so it’s important to understand the options and associated costs.
Resurfacing Treatments
Resurfacing treatments, which remove the top layers of skin, can be effective for addressing widespread acne scarring and helping to smooth the appearance of scars. These procedures include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatments. They work best for shallow or flat scars and are less effective for deeper, more severe scarring.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses an abrasive instrument to gently sand the skin, removing the outer layer and stimulating collagen production to promote the growth of smoother, more even-toned skin.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the skin and stimulate the growth of new, healthier skin cells. They can be effective for improving the appearance of acne scars, particularly when used in a series of treatments.
Laser Treatments
Laser resurfacing procedures, such as fractional CO2 laser or fractionated non-ablative laser treatments, can help minimize the appearance of acne scars by targeting the damaged skin and promoting collagen production.
Subcision and Fillers
For deeper, pitted acne scars, subcision and dermal fillers can be effective options. Subcision involves using a small needle to break up the fibrous bands that hold down the scarred skin, allowing it to rise and appear smoother. Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, can be injected into the scars to plump them up and minimize their appearance.
Other Treatments
In addition to resurfacing and subcision/filler treatments, there are a few other options that can be helpful for addressing acne scars:
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections can be used to flatten out raised, hypertrophic scars and reduce the appearance of acne keloids.
Skin Needling (Microneedling)
Skin needling, or microneedling, involves using a device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin, which can stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of acne scars.
Over-the-Counter Scar Treatments
For mild scarring, over-the-counter scar treatments containing ingredients like silicone, vitamin C, or retinoids may be helpful in fading the appearance of acne marks.
Ultimately, the best approach to treating acne scars will depend on the individual’s skin type, the severity and type of scarring, and their budget. It’s important to work closely with a dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan that can effectively minimize the appearance of acne-related skin marks.
Do acne scars go away?
Acne scars can be devastating for many people who finally achieve clear skin following struggles with acne, only to see unsightly facial marks left behind. Acne marks can lower self-esteem and even cause stress, especially when they’re on the face. The good news is that if acne scars are interfering with your quality of life, there are a number of effective acne scar treatments that can help fade and minimize marks—even if your scars are widespread or pitted. Let’s take a look at the most effective and commonly used treatments for acne scarring.
Why does acne leave scars?
Acne lesions penetrate the skin deeply and damage the tissues in the deeper layers. When the acne heals, your body tries to repair the tissue damage by producing collagen, a substance that gives your skin support. If your body produces too much collagen—or not enough—a scar will typically form.
More severe forms of acne that cause pus-filled cysts, or nodules, deep under the skin typically result in the most severe scarring, although moderate acne involving inflamed pimples (papules) or red pimples with white centers (pustules), as well as mild acne with whiteheads and blackheads, may also cause scarring. Acne scars may be worse in people who squeeze or pick at acne lesions.
Types of acne scars
Three main types of acne scars may appear as acne heals. If your body doesn’t produce enough collagen, depressions will be evident as the skin heals. If your body produces too much collagen, a raised scar will develop.
Acne atrophic scars
Depressed acne scars are known as atrophic scars, or pitted acne scars. These occur when the body doesn’t produce enough collagen. Atrophic acne scars most often occur on the face and are categorized into three types:
- Rolling acne scars. These scars are shallow and have soft, sloping edges, creating a wavy appearance on the skin.
- Boxcar acne scars. These scars are typically broad, squarish depressions with edges that are sharply defined. They’re caused by widespread acne and usually form on thicker skin, like the skin on the lower cheeks and jaw.
- Ice pick acne scars. These small, narrow scars are indentations that point downward into the surface of the skin. They’re most common on the cheeks, and they may be difficult to remove without aggressive treatment.
Acne hypertrophic scars
Raised scars are less common than pitted acne scars. Also known as hypertrophic scars, raised scars occur when the body produces too much collagen. Acne hypertrophic scars most commonly occur on the chest and back, and they’re more common in people with darker skin tones.
Acne keloid scars are a type of hypertrophic scar that also occur most often in people with darker skin. Acne keloid scars form when the skin has very high amounts of collagen and growth factor—a substance made by the body to regulate cell division and survival. Acne keloid scars appear as firm, rubbery nodules that extend beyond the area of the healed acne lesion. Keloid scars may cause pain, burning or itching.
Hyperpigmentation from acne
In addition to scars, acne may leave behind hyperpigmentation or dark spots after breakouts heal. Hyperpigmentation can be as tough to treat as scars. But some of the acne scar treatments available can also be used to lighten these dark spots. Other types of acne spots, like small red or brown spots, usually fade over a relatively short period of time.
Do acne scars go away on their own?
Reddish or brownish acne marks left behind by acne lesions usually fade eventually, but it can take a year or longer. Mild or moderate scarring may also fade over time, but in general, unless acne scars are treated—especially severe scarring—they’re permanent.
How to get rid of acne scars
There’s no sure way to get rid of all acne scars. Different types of acne scars require different treatments or combinations of treatment. There are a number of treatments that can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars or even eliminate them completely. The right treatment depends on a number of factors, including the types and severity of scars, how dark your skin is, and what types of treatments you can afford. Insurance typically doesn’t cover treatments for acne scars.
Resurfacing treatments
Acne scar treatments involving procedures that remove the top layers of skin are known as resurfacing treatments. These are commonly used to treat widespread acne scarring and help contour the edges of scars to make them less noticeable.
Resurfacing treatments work best for acne scars that are very shallow or flat. They don’t work as well for deeper acne scars. A range of procedures are used for skin resurfacing:
- Microdermabrasion involves an abrasive instrument that gently sands your skin to remove the outer layer, which increases collagen production so that new skin grows back smoother. Microdermabrasion is also helpful for treating hyperpigmentation from acne.
- Dermabrasion is similar to microdermabrasion, but it’s more intense and invasive, since it removes deeper skin layers. Also known as “dermaplaning,” dermabrasion uses a special wire brush to scrape away scarred skin. New skin appears within a week or two, starting out pink and fading to a normal skin tone after 6 to 12 weeks. Dermabrasion isn’t recommended for darker skin, since it can cause discoloration.
- Laser treatment is a safe and effective resurfacing treatment for raised acne scars, including acne keloid scars. A pulsed dye laser, or PDL, helps flatten raised scars and diminish their color, itching and pain in people of all skin colors. For those with lighter skin, an intense pulsed light (IPL) can also effectively treat raised scars.
- Chemical peels are generally used on fair-skinned people with acne scarring, since they can cause discoloration in darker skin tones. Chemical peels involve chemicals that peel away the outer layer of skin. New skin grows back smoother and less scarred. Different chemicals are used to remove skin at different depths. People who undergo chemical peels must use sunscreen or avoid the sun for several months after treatment.
- Light peels use a mild acid such as a mild alpha hydroxy acid to penetrate only the outer layer of skin for optimal exfoliation. This improves the appearance of light scarring and mild hyperpigmentation associated with mild acne. Light chemical peels can be repeated every one to four weeks.
- Medium peels use stronger acids, such as glycolic or trichloroacetic acid, which penetrate the middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells and reduce shallow acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Medium chemical peels can be repeated every 6 to 12 months.
- Deep peels use trichloroacetic acid or phenol and penetrate the skin deeply to remove damaged cells and improve the appearance of—or in some cases, completely eliminate— shallow scars, freckles and small red or brown acne spots. Deep chemical peels may only be used once, but they offer a dramatic improvement in skin appearance.
Topical retinol therapy for acne scars
Topical acne scar treatments are applied directly to the skin. The most commonly used topical treatment for acne scars is retinol therapy, which is also used to treat active cases of acne. Retinoids promote skin cell turnover and help increase collagen production to improve scars and overall appearance of the skin. Topical retinol therapy with adapalene may improve scars by two grades after six months, while retinol therapy with tazarotene can significantly decrease acne hyperpigmentation after about four months.
Injections for acne scarring
A dermatologist can inject medication directly into thick, raised acne scars, including keloid acne scars, in order to soften and flatten them. Medications commonly used for injections include corticosteroids and a chemotherapy medication known as fluorouracil (5-FU.) Another cancer medication, known as interferon, is naturally produced by the body and may also be injected into a scar. Sometimes, a combination of these medications are used. The best results occur when the injections are repeated every few weeks. If results aren’t noticeable after four treatments, your dermatologist may recommend surgery.
Surgery and procedures for treating acne scars
Surgery for acne scars involves minor procedures that help reduce the appearance of hypertrophic or pitted acne scars, which generally fade over time after treatment. Acne scar surgery for these scars may involve lifting the scar to bring it closer to the surface of the skin, which makes it less noticeable. This surgery takes place in your dermatologist’s office with topical numbing medication.
Surgery for raised acne scars typically involves breaking up the scar tissues. In most cases, surgery for raised scars is followed by injections for a few months in order to achieve best results.
- Cryosurgery is an acne scar treatment for raised acne scars, including keloid acne scars. Cryosurgery involves freezing the scar tissue, which causes it to die and eventually fall off. Generally, cryotherapy is used along with corticosteroid injections for best results. Since cryotherapy may cause permanent light spots on the skin, it’s not recommended for people of color.
- Electrodesiccation may be used as part of a treatment plan to reduce the appearance of acne boxcar scars. This procedure involves using electric probes to heat up the scar tissue, causing it to die.
- Microneedling, also known as “needling” or “collagen induction therapy,” is a procedure that helps treat widespread, pitted acne scars, and it’s safe and effective for all skin colors. Microneedling is performed in-office by a dermatologist, who uses a sterile roller spiked with small needles to create tiny punctures in your skin. As the skin heals, it produces collagen and reduces the appearance of the pitted scars. Some people need three to six treatments, which are spaced two to six weeks apart. Each microneedling treatment may cause minimal swelling or bruising, which typically clears up in a few days.
- Dermal fillers for hypertrophic acne scars (but not icepick scars) plump up the scars to reduce their appearance. This procedure is safe and effective and involves filling scars with a substance like collagen, fat from your body or another substance. Some dermal fillers are temporary and last 6 to 18 months before the procedure needs to be repeated. Other types of dermal fillers are permanent.
- Radiofrequency treatment, or radiotherapy, is a procedure for pitted acne scars, including deep icepick and boxcar scars. This therapy tightens the skin using radio frequencies, and it makes pitted scars less noticeable. Radiofrequency treatment needs to be repeated every one to four months for best results. Afterward, your skin may have a pinkish color for a few days, and you’ll need to apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for at least a week afterward.
If you have acne, getting treatment as soon as it appears will help prevent it from worsening, and it can help prevent scarring. Avoid popping or picking at acne lesions, which can worsen scarring. If you have acne scarring, visit your dermatologist to determine which treatment or combination of treatments is best for you based on your skin type, skin color, scar types and personal preferences. Always seek out acne scar treatments from a licensed dermatologist, since the success of most treatments depends on the knowledge and skill of the person performing them.
Published January 2022.
Sources:
1. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/treatment
2. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/microdermabrasion
3. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/dermabrasion/dermabrasion-for-scars
4. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/chemical-peels/chemical-peels-for-acne-scars
5. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/chemical-peels
6. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/laser-resurfacing\
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/
8. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/treatment
9. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/soft-tissue-fillers-for-acne-scars
10 https://www.aocd.org/page/KeloidsAndHypertroph
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507899/
Cosmetic Treatments for Acne Scarring
Whether you suffered from acne as a teen or in adulthood, it can sometimes lead to unfortunate acne scarring. Not everyone will experience acne scars, but it is more common in individuals who have inflammatory acne (which penetrates deeper in the skin), pop or pick pimples, or have a family history of acne scars.
According to the American Academy for Dermatology, as we age acne scars often become more apparent because our skin begins to lose collagen. Safe and effective treatments are available for acne scars, but a consultation is first needed. During the consultation, a board-certified dermatologist will examine your skin to determine the best treatment plan for your type of acne scars.
According to Dr. Victoria Negrete, board-certified dermatologist for Forefront Dermatology, “there are three types of cosmetic procedures that are the most effective in reducing acne scars – microneedling, chemical peels and fractional resurfacing lasers.”
Microneedling
Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy and is commonly used to improve tone and texture, surface scarring (such as acne scars) and treat fine wrinkles. This treatment uses fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of the skin. It may sound painful, but the treatment is virtually painless and incredibly effective. “Microneedling stimulates your skin’s natural ability to heal itself. In the process, it produces more collagen and elastin resulting in a thicker skin and softened acne scars,” stated Dr. Negrete, “the healing process begins right away and the downtime is minimal.” For best results, it is recommended that microneedling be performed in a series of treatments over time.
Chemical Peels
Think of your skin in layers. Underneath the surface of your skin is a flawless complexion just waiting to be revealed – a chemical peel is the fastest way to it. A chemical peel helps remove dull surface cells, improve fine lines, acne scars and discoloration. According to Dr. Negrete, “After the solution is applied to your skin, the acid starts to help shed the top layer of your skin causing the living skin cells below it to multiply and move to the surface. The result is an increase in collagen production and smoother, more radiant skin.” After a consultation with your local dermatologist, the right peel can be determined to help soften the scars from acne. For example, a glycolic acid peel dives deep into the skin to help unclog pores and fade your acne scars.
Fractional Resurfacing Laser
There are several types of fractional resurfacing lasers including Fraxel, Halo and Pixel. These lasers work best for patients under 50 with mild to moderate acne scarring. During this type of treatment, the laser creates tiny “pixels” deep into the skin which, during the natural skin repair process, causes the skin to push out the old, damaged skin cells. Each treatment replaces about 15 to 20 percent of the scarred skin with healthy new cells and collagen. Although fractional resurfacing laser treatments are not painful during the procedure they do cause slight discomfort after the numbing cream wears off. Redness can also occur over a 24 to 72 hour period. Dr. Negrete mentions, “It is important understand that fractionated laser treatments should be performed in a series of treatments. It is typical for a patient to need anywhere from 2 to 4 treatments for optimal results.”
Struggling with Acne Scars?
If you struggle with your acne scars and would like to find relief, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are here to help. Find your nearest provider and schedule your acne scar consultation today.
How to get rid of acne scars, how to remove acne scars – Medicalaser
CONTENTS:
- Causes of acne and post-acne
- How an acne scar is formed
- Varieties of post-acne
- Is it possible to get rid of acne scars on my own
- How to deal with acne scars: salon treatments
- When is the best time to start treatment
- Post-Acne Prevention
Not everyone has been generously endowed with perfect facial skin. Many – both women and men – suffer from rashes on the face. This unpleasant cosmetic problem often turns into an even more unpleasant one – the so-called post-acne. These are ugly marks on the skin that appear on the skin after acne disappears. They may look like spots and scars.
Trying to mask the unsightly marks of recent acne, people suffering from this problem spend a lot of time and cosmetics, and still feel insecure. At the same time, the pores become even more clogged, as a result of which new acne appears. In addition, naturalness is in fashion today, and a layer of foundation and powder does not look too natural.
Therefore, many salon visitors want an answer to the question of whether it is possible to get rid of acne scars. Fortunately, it is possible, and there are various ways to get rid of acne scars, which will be discussed below.
Causes of acne and post-acne
For some reason, it is commonly believed that only those with oily skin are prone to acne, but this is not true. In fact, those with combination or even dry skin are also prone to the formation of rashes on the face. The nature of the rashes can be different. In general, acne is a local inflammatory process in a specific area of the skin. It can be caused by hormonal failure, impaired functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, due to malnutrition), as well as incorrect skin care.
When inflammation increases and spreads to the deeper layers of the dermis, post-acne appears in place of acne – ugly marks in the form of spots or scars.
Why do post-acne appear?
- Due to long-term problems with the skin of the face.
- With the wrong selection of cosmetics and care products.
- In the presence of deep inflammatory elements.
- When ignoring acne, the lack of appropriate treatment.
- Due to the treatment of rashes by an unskilled specialist.
- When self-squeezing pimples.
- When traumatizing small capillaries.
- When an infection is introduced.
How an acne scar is formed
As we have already said, scars appear when the skin becomes inflamed. In the fat sac, due to colonization, an inflammatory process occurs. The human body responds to inflammation with a faster-than-normal production of white blood cells as well as inflammatory molecules. As a result, post-acne is formed in the form of pigmentation, scars of various types. If there is an individual tendency, then “dented” scars appear. If the reaction of the body is disturbed, bulging scars appear. Before you remove acne scars, you need to understand what type of post-acne we are dealing with.
Varieties of post-acne
Stubborn traces that remain on the skin after rashes are of different types:
- Spots.
- Normotrophic scars.
- Atrophic scars.
- Hypertrophic scars.
- Keloid scars.
The first type of post-acne – spots – is pigmentation, which appears as a result of increased synthesis of melanin pigment. This is the most harmless type of post-acne, which passes relatively quickly (up to a year).
Normotrophic scars are pale scars located flush with the dermis.
Atrophic scars may be pitted or indented, oval, round or generally irregular in shape. These scars are unpigmented.
Hypertrophic scars are bulging formations. They may have a pinkish or bluish tint. They rise above the skin, which is caused by increased growth of collagen fibers.
Keloid scars are rough formations that rarely appear on the face. They cause pain in a person, often itchy.
At the moment, the most common type of acne scarring is atrophic. Such scars are formed due to a lack of collagen, which is responsible for the uniform healing of the skin.
Raised scars often appear after acne. In this case, on the contrary, in the process of wound healing, too much collagen is formed, so the tissue as a result rises above the rest of the skin in the form of a scar. If you do not take the treatment of acne scars on the face, such scars remain forever.
Is it possible to get rid of acne scars by yourself
In search of answers to the question of how to quickly get rid of acne scars, women, as a rule, first look for “home” solutions to the problem. But is it possible to get rid of acne scars on your own at home?
The fact is that traces of the so-called post-acne affect the deep layers of the dermis and provoke serious skin changes. Therefore, it is impossible to completely remove acne marks on your own without resorting to the help of professionals. But with the help of “home” methods, you can improve the appearance of post-acne, however, this will take a lot of time. The skin needs a comprehensive approach that includes reducing inflammation of the skin, improving its blood circulation, deep hydration, and ensuring the synthesis of new cells.
Here are two ways to treat acne scars at home:
- Using special cosmetics. From cosmetics against post-acne, you can use soft peels with fruit acids, which provide deep cleansing. Also suitable are special serums and essences for recovery, whitening creams and masks, and products to stimulate the production of natural collagen.
- Application of pharmaceutical preparations to problem areas. Of the therapeutic agents, products that have a resolving or regenerating effect, created specifically against scars, are suitable. It can be ointments, various creams and so on. As a rule, such preparations contain substances such as sodium heparin, allantoin, silicon, cepalin, etc., which have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, moisturizing, stimulating, antibacterial properties.
How to deal with acne scars: salon procedures
How to restore the face after acne, tell professionals – beautician or dermatologist. Specialists prescribe individual treatment for each patient, select suitable procedures. Post-acne manifests differently for everyone, so the doctor prescribes a procedure that allows you to solve the problem of a particular patient.
There are several salon techniques that are recommended for those who do not know what to do with acne scars:
- Peeling . This procedure, due to the removal of the upper layer of the dermis, can significantly reduce post-acne. Peeling in the salon can be different. They offer several options for the depth of impact – there is a superficial, there is a deep one. The procedure is performed using acids (usually retinolic, glycolic or phenolic acids). There is also a hardware peeling, it can be mechanical and ultrasonic.
- Mesotherapy . This procedure allows you to reduce the appearance of post-acne by stimulating the production of collagen. When carrying out mesotherapy, hyaluronic acid preparations, vitamins A and C are used. After the procedure, the skin acquires firmness and elasticity, which becomes a pleasant bonus for getting rid of post-acne. Mesotherapy can be performed both by injection and non-injection methods. But this technique is suitable only for patients with minor injuries, it does not work on large areas of the skin.
- Cryotherapy . This method involves point exposure to cold on problem areas of the skin. Due to extreme cold, the skin is quickly renewed, as the body uses reserve forces to restore it.
- Laser resurfacing . It is considered the most effective technique for those who want to remove acne scars on the face. Thanks to the laser installation, it becomes possible to remove the top layer of dead cells and ensure the growth of new ones, thereby nullifying the manifestations of post-acne. Scars are smoothed out, and at the same time wrinkles.
How to remove acne scars in order to say goodbye to them forever and in the shortest possible time? The best way is with a laser. The most commonly used erbium laser apparatus and fractional CO2 laser. The result will be noticeable after the first sessions.
When is the best time to start treatment
When it comes to dealing with acne scars, how soon you start treatment is important. The sooner the patient seeks help from a cosmetologist, the better the result will be. It is optimal to treat scars that have formed in the period up to six months.
“Fresh” scars that are less than six months old can really be removed by the following methods:
- Introduction of hyaluron and various plant extracts under the skin.
- Mesotherapy.
- Peels.
- Biorevitalization.
Well, the laser remains the most effective method. It can be combined with the action of acids and various active substances that restore collagen in areas where there are scars. Also, cosmetologists often additionally provide skin nutrition by introducing vitamins. For each salon visitor who decides to remove acne scars, an individual daily care program is drawn up. Also, the doctor selects a prophylactic that will not give a chance to new acne.
If the scar is more than six months old, the following methods are used:
- Peels with strong exfoliants (acids with a strong exfoliating effect).
- Local surgical interventions.
- Laser therapy.
Old post-acne, again, the best way to cope with the laser. The beam of the laser apparatus stimulates the synthesis of collagen, and the surface of the scar is leveled.
Post-acne prevention
In order not to be tormented by the search for an answer to the question of how to remove dimples on the face from acne, it is better to prevent their occurrence. So, it is necessary to start acne treatment in time, which is suitable for a particular patient. The following measures also help to prevent scarring:
- Do not pop pimples.
- Do not injure pimples.
- Take proper care of your skin according to its type.
Injury to the skin in the area of acne has unpleasant and even dangerous consequences in the form of prolonged healing of acne, the formation of deep skin lesions, severe post-inflammatory pigmentation, and the appearance of scars. Moreover, in this case, a secondary infection often appears, which significantly worsens the condition of the skin.
We hope we have answered the question of how to effectively get rid of acne scars. It is important not to forget that in the future the skin will remain prone to the appearance of post-acne, and in order to prevent this, it is necessary to adhere to special care.
Acne scars: causes, treatments and prevention
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- Acne Scars: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
Even after getting rid of acne, unpleasant consequences can remain. First of all, we are talking about post-acne. Such scars are very difficult to hide with foundation and cosmetics. Home remedies are also far from always effective, and sometimes they can only do harm. Doctors strongly recommend getting rid of post-acne in the medical office. The specialists of our Cosmetology and Massage Center using modern innovative equipment will help you remove acne scars quickly, painlessly and absolutely safely.
Why do post-acne appear?
Dermatologists and estheticians identify two main causes of acne scars.
The first one is the result of independent mechanical extrusion of pus from pimples or blackheads. Since childhood, everyone has been saying that this should not be done, however, the majority does not stop this. When squeezing a pimple, the skin is damaged. The resulting voids in the place of accumulation of dirt, sweat and pus are gradually filled with connective tissue. As a result, a scar is formed.
The second reason is ignoring the problem of acne. Pimples not only cause discomfort and affect attractiveness, but can also cause medical problems. Without proper acne treatment, the work of the sebaceous glands is disrupted, the pores become clogged with their secretion. In the future, an infection may join, and the inflammatory process on the face is very dangerous! If acne is not treated, numerous pustules form on the skin, which can also hide on their own and scar over time, which subsequently leads to the formation of scars.
Scars can also form with single rashes. Everything is strictly individual and depends on the characteristics of a person’s skin and state of health.
Treatment methods
One of the most popular acne scar removal methods is facial dermabrasion. The procedure is the removal of the superficial epidermal layer using special equipment. As a result, the skin is not only “polished”, but also regeneration processes are launched, namely, the production of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid. The epidermis is renewed, leveling the tone and relief of the face.
In the fight against acne scars, the diamond polishing method is considered very effective. In our Center Cleo Line is the most requested and affordable procedure.
Laser resurfacing of the face
This procedure is most effective in the treatment of post-acne. The surface layer of the skin is “evaporated” by laser radiation. The body responds to such an intervention with an active synthesis of collagen and elastin. Thus, the epidermis is updated and the general condition of the dermis improves. With acne scars, the skin is completely replaced, leveling its relief. Photothermolysis successfully copes not only with post-acne, but also with other scars (including striae).
When dealing with acne scars, the “age” of the scars is of great importance. It is logical that “fresh” traces of post-acne are removed easier and faster. However, laser resurfacing of the face allows you to remove any scars.
The striking effect is visible after the first treatment. For maximum results, it is recommended to go through a full complex, which includes 3-8 sessions of laser resurfacing. To prevent the appearance of post-acne, you can resort to additional procedures. To fix the effect, diamond polishing of the face is well suited.
Diamond face resurfacing
This is the most delicate treatment of the surface layer of the skin. The doctors of our Center work with the modern American device HydraFacial MD . It has a special nozzle with a diamond coating, which allows for mechanical peeling, regardless of skin type.
The technique shows excellent aesthetic results in the fight against such problems as:
- Hyperpigmentation,
- Post-acne,
- Hyperkeratosis,
- Enlarged pores,
- Ingrown hairs,
- Stretch marks (stretch marks).
Diamond grinding has a number of advantages.
Firstly, this is the most gentle method of mechanical peeling, which is very important for those with sensitive skin.
Secondly, a minimum of side effects. After diamond polishing of the face, dryness, peeling and a feeling of tightness may be noted in the first 1-2 days.
Third, the progression of the result over time.
Diamond face resurfacing will help you not only get rid of post-acne, but also perfectly complement the complex of facial skin care procedures.
Specialists
Plankova Tatyana Konstantinovna
Specialist in pedicure, podologist, dermatologist
Experience in medical practice – 20 years
Specialization
Under ology, medical apparatus pedicure, treatment of ingrown nails, nail fungus.
Advanced training
Certified specialist in reflexology massage, orthonyxia, golden plate, nail prosthetics.
Regular participant
Refresher courses in Russia and Europe.
Belova Elena Andreevna
Cosmetologist, dermatologist
Experience in medical practice – 8 years face and body, prescribing supportive care and home care .
Advanced training
Cosmetology, dermatovenereology
Regular participant
Russian and foreign congresses for doctors
Experience – 5 years
Specialization
Podology, medical hardware pedicure and manicure, treatment of onychomycosis, onychogryphosis, onycholysis.
Advanced training Course “Podology plus” according to the method of Dieter Baumann, courses in the areas “Treatment of ingrown nails”, “Treatment of warts”, “Titanium thread correction system”.
Regular participant
Master classes and seminars for long periods.
Danilkova Oksana Igorevna
Head doctor, cosmetologist, dermatologist.
Medical practice experience 25 years.
Specialization
Injection procedures, laser procedures, copyright anti-age programs
Advanced training
Cosmetology, dermatovenereology, ophthalmology
9021 8 Regular Member
Russian and international conferences
Karelina Alena Nikolaevna
Cosmetologist-esthetician
Work experience – 3 years.
- Graduated from Medical College No. 5 with a degree in Nursing (Diploma No. 1177040092316).