Acne picking is something we’ve all done at one point or another and usually regret afterwards. Not only does it leave our skin feeling raw and irritated, but it can also lead to scarring.
Acne scars are a common problem for many people. The good news is that acne scars can fade over time, and there are a number of things you can do to help speed up the process.
Speak to one of our skin care professionals on (08) 8223 7633.
What Are Acne Scars?
But first, what are acne scars? Acne scars are most commonly the result of inflamed blemishes because of picking at the pimple, squeezing the pimple or the pimple popping on its own. This can damage the collagen and elastin fibres that provide structure and support.
When the blemish is popped or picked, the damage goes deeper than the skin’s surface. This damage can lead to the formation of scars. This can result in an indentation in the skin, known as an “ice pick” scar. It can also cause a change in the skin’s texture, known as a “boxcar” scar.
Acne scars are also the result of what’s known as “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.” This is when the area around the blemish becomes darker than the surrounding skin. This type of scar is more common in people with darker skin tones.
No matter what type of acne scar you have, some treatments can help. But it’s important to remember that it can take time to see results.
Prevention of Acne Scars
There are a few things you can do to help prevent acne scars:
- Try not to pop your pimples.
- Use a gentle cleanser on your face to avoid irritating the skin.
- Use a moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated and to prevent further irritation.
If you already have acne scars, there are a few things you can do to make them less visible:
- Use concealer to cover up the scars.
- Use a foundation that contains SPF to protect the scars from the sun.
- Use an exfoliating scrub to help improve the appearance of the scars.
Treatment Options for Acne Scars
Acne scars can be a difficult problem to deal with, but several treatments can help. Here are some tips that can help you.
If you’re looking for a quick fix, many over-the-counter creams and gels can help lighten the appearance of scars. These products typically contain ingredients like vitamin C, which can help to brighten the skin, or hyaluronic acid, which can help to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of scars.
Some in-office treatments can be done if you’re looking for something more aggressive. These include laser treatments, chemical peels and micro-needling.
Laser treatments work by causing controlled damage to the skin, which then triggers the production of new collagen. This can help to improve the appearance of scars.
Chemical peels work by using a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin. This can help to improve the appearance of scars by making them less visible.
Microneedling acne is a treatment that involves using a device to create tiny punctures in the skin. This can help to stimulate the production of new collagen, which can, in turn, help regenerate cells and reduce the appearance of scars.
Conclusion
Acne scars are a common skin condition that can occur when the skin is inflamed from acne. There are many types of acne scars, so there is no one-size-fits approach to treating them.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your acne scars, don’t despair; talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best way to improve the appearance of your acne scars.
The best acne scarring treatments are available in Visible Changes. We have a detailed skin analysis system that looks deep into the dermis to identify the different stages of acne. This allows us to create a tailored treatment program specific to the individual’s needs. Contact us for a free skin consultation today!
