As if acne wasn't annoying enough, the consequences are often all the more terrifying. Whenever a pimple leaves a scar – it can be a dark spot or a depression on the skin – pray to the nourishing gods that it won't last long.
Worse is that you (possibly) even followed all of these boring rules, such as never picking or popping the pimples, but there still remains a long-term memory that the world can see.
Don't worry, hope is not lost. There are ways to prevent and even get rid of acne scars. To find out how to do it, we spoke to dermatologists Robert Finney and Dhaval Bhanusali, who are certified by the dermatologist. Here's how to fix the last flaw.
What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scars can occur in different ways and are often predetermined by the type of acne at this location. In particular, there are three types of acne scars. The first is called atrophic scarring and is often referred to as "pimple acne" due to the deepening or deepening it leaves. These are usually the most difficult acne scars to heal.
The other types are keloidal and hypertrophic lesions and are most common in the jaw and areas such as the chest. Although both are elevated and firm, their difference is that hypertrophic scars are typically confined to the area in which the pimples live, while keloid scars often spread beyond the original site.
What causes acne scars?
Acne scars are, not surprisingly, caused by acne. However, their appearance depends on the size, duration, and healing process of the original lesion, and whether you left it alone or not.
"Every wound healing process creates new collagen that is often disturbed and not equivalent to normal collagen," says Finney. The result can then be a scar. "The longer the lesion is present, the bigger it is, the more it is picked, the more likely it is to leave a scar."
Do acne scars disappear?
Some acne scars can go away with treatment, while others simply become less Bhanusali," whereas Keloids can sometimes respond to one or two steroid injections. "
Keloid and hypertrophic acne scars can also respond to lasers. For atrophic acne scars, Bhanusali recommends biostimulators such as Sculptra (a lactic acid) facial injection to create new collagen
Please note, however, that your body may already be working in your favor. "The scars often improve on their own over time. The reshaping of a scar takes a whole year to" heal ", so that its appearance changes two months is often worse than what it is today. ”
How to prevent acne scars
For acne scars prevention, you should primarily not chop your pimples and not let them burst, as tempting as that may be. This is the easiest way to cause scars. For severe acne, both doctors suggest consulting a dermatologist to get tailored recommendations and treat them quickly.
“We [neutralise] often inject Kenalog (a steroid) or give them a spot treatment to prevent permanent damage. “
The Best Acne Scar Treatments
Dermal Filler for Acne Scars
Dermal fillers can be used to treat atrophic acne scars because they help firmly over the depression. However, they are not necessarily a permanent solution. "How long the filler lasts depends on the product," says Finney. The shortest period is about six months.
Typically, skin fillers made from hyaluronic acid are loaded from the syringe and can approach £ 750 ($ 1,000) in more severe cases. An injection is usually sufficient for most patients unless they have severe scars.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid also promotes cell turnover and helps to close the pores cleanse, treat active acne, reduce dark spots and, as Finney puts it, “may stimulate collagen to improve the appearance of scars. The latter is more likely if you exfoliate with higher concentrations of glycolic acid. “
Retinol
A current or ingested vitamin A derivative, Retinol, stimulates cell turnover and is considered one of the best anti-aging ingredients on the Market. "There is evidence that topical retinol as a single agent can improve the appearance of scarring," says Finney. “It is also a good treatment for active acne and helps reduce the dark spots left by lesions. It is a topicality that everyone should use. “
SPF
Using a sun protection factor of 30 or higher can prevent acne lesions from remaining dark or red. Spots on the skin. "It will also reduce the likelihood that redness and discoloration will last longer," says Finney. "Acne patients should only use products that are" oil-free "or" non-comedogenic ". You should use an SPF moisturizer every day throughout the year, regardless of direct sunlight or intensity.
Vitamin C
“Vitamin C is a powerful vitamin antioxidant that helps cells repair themselves due to trauma, sunlight or similar wear and tear. It's recommended to apply before sunscreen every morning to prevent redness and discoloration, ”says Finney. While current products address the problem areas in more detail, it's still a good excuse to drink a glass of orange juice daily.