If you have dealt with acne before, most likely you carrying the scars that it has left behind. Acne marks and dark spots on the skin are already upsetting enough, what more with the scars. Your dermatologist has seen it before and has most likely been in the same situation. With their help, they can get rid of those scars with their specialized treatments. One treatment to consider is an acne scar laser treatment. Set an appointment with your derma to know more about these treatments.
Although, before we get into acne scar treatment, it’s important to understand the distinction between a true scar and a temporary mark that was left behind by acne.
Distinctions Between True Scars & Temporary Marks
A true acne scar is described by an irregularity in the skin’s surface texture, regardless of skin condition. These wounds are also known as ice pick scars, rolling scars, or boxcar scars. If the skin is smooth with no textural alteration, it’s definitely not a scar. Generally, those pink or dark marks, also known as post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation, are only there temporarily. In fact, these marks will fade over time without the use of any creams or ointments. But if you want to eliminate them quickly, then topical creams are your best bet.
Any skin tone should use sunscreen on a daily basis, as UV light can cause marks to stay discolored for much longer (look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ product that is labelled “noncomedogenic” to help guarantee that it won’t clog pores). If the marks are real scars, though, I’m afraid they won’t go away on their own and can’t usually be completely healed. But the good thing is that there are many things you can do to change the skin after acne, whether you’re struggling with bruises or wounds.
Topical Ointments & Creams
Over-the-counter scar removal creams, as every dermatologist can warn you, are mostly ineffective. This is generally due to the fact that most scar creams are not backed by substantial research. Often, acne scars appear to be indented and are a form of scar that can be tricky to heal. You should use retinoid creams if you only have minor lesions that appear to be scars. A retinoid cream or gel that fades scars over time by balancing out skin colour, increasing skin cell turnover and forming new collagen and elastin.
Adapalene, tretinoin, and Tazorac have the ability to cause dryness, peeling, and itching, which is why a thin coating at bedtime is advised. Use a moisturiser on top of the ointment to help soothe the skin.
According to a recent study, combining benzoyl peroxide and adapalene will greatly minimise scars and blemishes. At home, a milder version may be made with OTC adapalene and benzoyl peroxide cream. However, benzoyl peroxide can cause some discomfort. That’s why limited usage is recommended for the product. You can use the products at night before heading to bed.
Cosmetic Procedures for Acne Scars
Since there are a variety of treatments that may help to reduce acne scars, it’s a good tip to seek the advice of a dermatologist to help you sort through the choices. There’s so much treatment to choose from! A sequence of treatment procedures is almost always needed. Before availing of any treatment, consult with your insurance agency if they will cover such procedure.
Cosmetic Injections
Cosmetic injections can help flatten thick scars. Filler substances like hyaluronic acid or collagen may be injected directly into indented scars to temporarily plump them up and smooth out the skin’s surface. This treatment usually provides quick results, yet it won’t last as long as other what other cosmetic treatments can give.
Microneedling
Microneedling, which creates tiny pinprick wounds on the skin to facilitate healing, can help to reduce acne scars over Microneedling, which creates tiny pinprick wounds on the skin to facilitate healing, can help to reduce acne scars over time. At-home microneedling and derma roller therapies will exfoliate skin and leave it feeling smooth, but they are unlikely to penetrate far enough to improve wounds.
It’s also necessary to avoid new blemishes from emerging if you’re coping with scars, so it’s difficult to see change if new blemishes keep appearing. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, a dermatologist will help you create a treatment plan. When acne does appear, stop picking or popping pimples because rubbing the skin will lead to scarring.
Laser Treatments
Your dermatologist may recommend laser treatment to minimize redness on the skin or encourage new collagen and elastin formation to treat your acne scars. Well, the treatment that your dermatologist will recommend you will highly depend on various factors, including the severity of the scar and the patient’s age. Pulsed dye lasers, RF lasers, picosecond lasers, fractional lasers are just some of the laser treatments in the market. Consult first with your derma to know which would be safe and effective for your skin condition.
