Acne Scarring - Effective ways to help heal your acne scars
Are acne scars permanent?
So, you want to heal your acne scars, but nothing you’ve tried has worked? It may seem like an almost impossible task, but in most cases of acne scarring, the right combination of acne skin care products and treatments for your specific type of scarring can help your acne scars heal and get even closer to feeling confident in your skin.
UNDERSTANDING ACNE SCARS
It is important to distinguish between acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) before attempting to treat them. PIH refers to the dark spots on the skin after a pimple or wound has healed. On the other hand, acne scars are marks that remain on the skin for a long time, even after the healing process is complete. Understanding the difference between the two will help you select the proper treatment for your skin.
It's important to note that not all acne scars are the same. There are five types of acne scars, and understanding their differences and how acne scars form can help you treat them effectively.
Atrophic: Depressed, small holes in the skin due to collagen loss. Treatments range from retinol to chemical peels and micro needling
Hypertrophic: Raised, keloid scars that are thicker than the surrounding skin. These scars need to be treated with corticosteroid injections.
Ice pick: Deep pits in the skin caused by large blemishes and cysts. Try out a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid to help the skin heal.
Boxcar: Broad, angular depressions with sharp edges. This can be treated with retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), chemical peels and microneedling,
Rolling: Wavy, shallow depressions in the skin caused by fibrosis. A combination of salicylic acid and microdermabrasion helps reduce the appearance of these scars.
Now, let’s get to the treatments.
TOPICAL TREATMENT FOR ACNE SCARS
Several topical options for treating acne scars include retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and salicylic acid. These ingredients work by stimulating collagen production, promoting skin renewal and resulting in reduced pore visibility and improved skin texture.
Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, are excellent for minimizing wrinkles, clearing breakouts and enhancing overall skin tone. Products like our Retinol Rejuvenation Serum are especially beneficial for individuals with mild acne scars who desire prompt results.
AHAs, water-soluble acids, refine pores, enhance skin texture, and reduce inflammation. Look for a weightless serum like our Accelerator Gel with 20% alpha-hydroxy acids to moisturize and protect the skin.
Salicylic acid is a beautiful choice for treating acne scars without causing skin irritation. The Purifying Cleanser contains natural properties that help unclog pores, remove the top layer of dead skin cells and reveal healthier, fresher cells beneath.
It's important to note that incorporating these products into your daily routine takes time to show results. You will notice a clear difference in your skin with patience and consistency.
OTHER EFFECTIVE ACNE SCAR TREATMENTS
If topical treatments aren't quite enough, don't give up hope. There are a variety of other effective acne scar treatments to try.
MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling is frequently used to reduce the appearance of acne scars; the process involves creating tiny punctures in the skin by using tiny specialized needles. The micro-injuries stimulate collagen production, which promotes a smoother, more even skin tone.
CHEMICAL PEELS
Chemical peels are a good option for reducing acne scars and evening skin tone. They remove dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Promote new collagen production, which is exactly what you’ll need in this case. A series of chemical peels will always yield the best results in the case of acne scarring. The depth of the chemical peels and number of sessions required will vary person to person, depending on the type and severity of scarring
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DERMATOLOGIST?
Dermatologists can perform more invasive procedures in extreme cases, including laser resurfacing, corticosteroid injections, and surgeries like punch excision. However, such procedures are usually considered as a last resort.
Having a consistent and well-curated skincare routine that includes using the right acne products can lead to significant improvement in your skin. Therefore, before considering visiting a clinic, it is advisable to explore the range of carefully selected products we offer to see what they can do for your skin.
POST-TREATMENT CARE AND SUN PROTECTION
Proper aftercare is crucial for healing and maintaining results after skin treatments. To restore the barrier of your skin, it is essential to keep it hydrated. You can achieve this by using a gentle and non-comedogenic cleanser and a moisturizer that suits your skin type. It is recommended that the moisturizer should contain hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Another essential aspect of post-treatment and overall skin health is sun protection, especially when it comes to adult acne. UV rays can darken acne scars, making them more noticeable. failing to use SPF daily can be a contributing factor to why acne scars won’t heal. The ultra-light Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 30 can keep your skin hydrated and protected as it heals.
PREVENTING ACNE SCARS WITH ACNE SKINCARE PRODUCTS
On top of treating your existing acne scars, the best way to keep them from appearing in the first place is to focus on preventing breakouts. This means diligently cleansing and moisturizing your skin daily with acne skin care products containing active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids.
In addition, the Resurfacing Night Cream is a powerful addition to your healing journey; containing 15% glycolic acid, it actively exfoliates your skin overnight, promoting the removal of dead skin cells and encouraging new, fresh cells to come to the surface.
Don't let acne scars hold you back from loving your skin. With consistent care and protection, clearer, healthier skin is within reach.