What Can I Do About My Acne Scars?

Scars are a natural part of the body's healing process, forming after injuries, surgeries, burns, or skin conditions like acne. While there are many treatments that can dimmish the appearance of scars, the question remains: can all scars be completely removed? Understanding how the scars form and the limitations of scar treatments is key to setting realistic expectations for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin.

Where Do the Scars Come From?

Scars form when the body heals an injury by producing fibrous tissue to replace damaged skin. While this tissue restores the skin’s integrity, it often differs in appearance and texture from the surrounding skin.

Acne scars usually affect those with severe and chronic acne conditions, those with cystic acne and those who try to squeeze, pop or in any way physically remove the pimples by pushing them out and in the process cause skin injury.

When the dermis is injured, the body begins to repair itself by producing more collagen fibers in the damaged area. These collagen fibers serve to repair the wound and form new scar tissue. The new tissue generally has a different texture and appearance than the surrounding skin and can be flat and pale, a darker color, or have a raised or sunken appearance.

Severe acne generally results in two main types of scarring:

• Hypertrophic scars and keloids: When the skin produces too much collagen during healing, it can result in hypertrophic scars or keloids. These types of scars are raised above the surface of the skin.

The risk of keloid development is increased for:

• Teenagers during puberty
• Those who are pregnant
• Anyone with darker skin
• Those with a family history of keloids

• Atrophic or depressed scars: Alternatively, acne can also cause scars that look more like holes or dents in the skin. These scars occur from a loss of tissue and can look like tiny holes in the skin, or rounded, depressed areas of scar tissue.

Can the Appearance of Scars be Reduced?

As scars are not dangerous nor painful for many people, scars can cause a lack of self-confidence, therefore finding treatments that reduce the appearance of scars can help individuals feel more confident in their looks. From home remedies to plastic surgery, many different treatments can help reduce scarring and create a more natural look. Below are some of the treatments for acne scars:

Topical Treatments

There are several different types of creams, oils, and other topicals that may reduce the appearance of some scars including acne scars. The main categories of topical scar treatments include:

• Home remedies: Vitamin E oil, raw honey, cocoa butter, and vitamin K, among others, are all recommended. It is important to note that little research has been done on the efficacy of these products for scars. They are usually not most effective if scars are larger, deeper or if there are many scars
• Over-the-counter treatments: Since there are a number of over-the-counter creams containing ingredients like onion extract and allantoin etc that claim to improve scars which are well tested. Multi-ingredient treatment is clearly more reliable and successful option, especially if they contain mild exfoliating ingredients and retinol that stimulates new norma skin production.
• Prescription treatments: Doctors can prescribe topical creams containing retinol or steroids to treat scar tissue.

Scar Camouflage

There are two ways to camouflage scars,

More traditional makeup camouflage uses a green concealer and layering of the foundation. This is more appropriate for acne scars on the face or neck.

A unique medical process that works similarly to tattooing, scar camouflage infuses the scarred skin with color that matches the surrounding skin, thus camouflaging the scar. After this easy procedure, scars are barely noticeable. Scar camouflage procedures are best for scars that are thin and from small cuts or incisions, so they usually doesn’t work for acne scars.

In addition, there are a number of rather expensive procedures that may also help with acne scars

Dermabrasion

Originally developed as a scar treatment, dermabrasion is now used for a variety of skin issues. This procedure is done in a dermatologist’s or plastic surgeon’s office and works by “sanding” the top layer of skin, to reveal the fresh, smoother, skin underneath. Dermabrasion procedures are a good solution for acne scars and other small scars but are not recommended for burns and other larger-scale scars. Microdermabrasion is a much gentler version of the treatment and can be used on any skin color and type, although the effects will be more subtle.

Laser Therapy

Lasers can also be used to treat scar tissue, and this therapy works similarly to dermabrasion procedures. In laser scar treatment, a dermatologist or plastic

surgeon uses a laser wand on the affected area to target specific cells needing treatment and leaving healthy cells untouched. The lasers use heat and light to remove the outermost layer of damaged skin, revealing the healthier skin underneath and making scar tissue less noticeable.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels exfoliate the skin's surface, improving the appearance of superficial scars. Deeper chemical peels can treat more severe scars but may require longer recovery periods.

Dermal Fillers

For atrophic scars, dermal fillers can temporarily raise the depressed areas, making the scars less noticeable. However, these treatments are temporary and require regular maintenance.

Factors That Affect Scar Treatment Success

The success of scar treatments depends on several factors:

• Age of the Scar: Newer scars respond better to treatment than older scars.
• Type of Scar: Atrophic scars, for example, are more challenging to treat than hypertrophic or keloid scars.
• Skin Type: Darker skin tones may be more prone to discoloration and hyperpigmentation after certain treatments.
• Consistency of Treatment: Many scar treatments require multiple sessions and consistent application to achieve the best results.

How Can I Prevent Acne Scars?

The best way to get rid of acne scars is actually- PREVENTING them

7 Best ways to prevent acne scars

• Treat your acne as early as you see pimples developing. Most acne problems escalate before they go away, and any escalation can lead to lesions and cysts, resulting in acne scars.
• Choose a reliable, tested, safe, and “clean“ treatment that will not further injure your skin www.acnease.com
• Take care of your skin: Good, clean skincare keeps the skin nourished and healthy. Healthy, resilient skin heals better
• Keep your body healthy. When your body is healthy, your skin is more resilient. There is a reason why we call the skin a “window“ to your overall health
• Remember that your skin will eat what you eat… keep it healthy
• Don’t forget SUN PROTECTION (30SPF is recommended)
• Keep it clean: Dirt + Skin Oil (sebum)= an Invitation for bacteria that may cause inflammation and result in acne
• Never ever squeeze, pop or self remove the pimple or cysts