Acne scars are marks left on the skin after an acne breakout. They occur when inflamed blemishes, caused by skin pores engorged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, damage the skin tissue.
If not treated properly or early enough, these blemishes can leave permanent indentations or raised spots on your skin. However, if you develop acne scars, there are solutions available, ranging from simple applications to the latest treatments using advanced technology.
Simple Solutions
While you may prefer to try more effective and technologically advanced techniques to treat your acne scars, there are some simple solutions that you can integrate into your everyday skincare routine to lessen the appearance of your damaged skin.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments, such as creams and gels, are among the easiest and most accessible ways to deal with acne scars. Look for products that contain salicylic acid or retinoids, as both aid in cell turnover and scar lightening.
Chemical Peels
Over-the-counter chemical peels gently exfoliate the skin surface layer, promoting skin cell regeneration and reducing the appearance of scarring. Although professional-grade peels are more potent, at-home versions that are used consistently can also yield satisfactory results.
Sun Protection
In addition to lessening the appearance of your acne scars, you should take steps to avoid them getting worse. Therefore, make sure you protect your skin from harmful sun rays by using sunscreen.
The sun’s UV rays can darken acne scars and make them more noticeable. But proper sunscreen application helps prevent this.
Solutions Using the Most Advanced Technology
For more effective methods of addressing your acne scars, you have the opportunity to turn to the most advanced technology available. Here are the top options.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a non-surgical treatment that uses tiny needles to puncture the skin, promoting collagen production. The collagen helps fill in the acne scars over time, which lessens their appearance.
Performed using a derma-roller or an automated device, microneedling can be a standalone treatment or used with serums to enhance results. While the method is typically safe for all skin types, it is not ideal for people with active acne as it may cause the spread of bacteria.
Results develop over time with microneedling, so if you choose this option, patience is key.
Dermal Fillers
If you are looking for a faster solution to your acne scars, then dermal fillers might be a good solution. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected into and beneath the skin in order to fill in depressed scars instantly. Commonly used fillers include hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, and even your own fat.
This treatment method does not only provide immediate results. It also stimulates collagen production, which helps to improve the skin’s texture over time. However, keep in mind that using dermal fillers is not a permanent fix as the procedure needs to be repeated after a few months or years.
Laser Resurfacing
With advancements in skincare technology, laser resurfacing has become a popular treatment method for acne scars. The technique uses focused light to effectively remove scar layers.
One such solution is the VBeam Laser, which targets red or brown-pigmented scars. It combats inflammation and promotes collagen production for healing, leaving your skin smooth and clear.
Another top option is Fraxel Laser treatment, which is a cutting-edge method that treats deeper tissue layers. By creating microscopic wounds beneath the skin surface, it prompts your body’s natural healing response to create new, healthy tissue.
In turn, that results in diminished scar visibility and enhanced skin texture.
Scar Revision
Scar revision involves surgically altering or removing the scar itself to make it less noticeable or easier to camouflage. The exact technique of scar revision that is adopted will depend on the severity and type of scar. For instance, a minimally invasive procedure could be required or the scar may need surgery involving skin grafts or flap surgery.
Scar revision can be an incredibly effective solution for addressing acne scars.
Recapping
As we have seen, there are both simple and advanced solutions available for addressing acne scars. Here is a quick recap of the treatments you could try:
- Topical Treatments.
- Chemical Peels.
- Sun Protection.
- Microneedling.
- Dermal Fillers.
- Laser Resurfacing.
- Scar Revision.