Acne Scars

August 7, 2024

Acne is every teen’s nightmare, and it can sometimes extend into adulthood.

Even after pimples clear up, the lingering scars can be tough to bear and a source of concern for many individuals, prompting the search for effective treatments and preventive measures.

Types of Acne Scars and What They Look Like

Acne scars can be a frustrating reminder of past breakouts, and they come in various forms.

Here’s a breakdown of the common types of acne scars, from mild to severe, to help you understand what to look for.

Ice Pick Scars

Imagine the tiny, sharp holes left by an ice pick – that’s exactly what ice pick scars look like.

These scars are deep, narrow, and create small but noticeable pits in the skin.

They’re often the result of severe acne, like cysts or deeply inflamed pimples, and can be challenging to treat because they extend far into the skin’s layers.

Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars are broader and have sharp, defined edges, making the skin look like it has been scooped out in places.

These scars can be shallow or deep and usually appear on the cheeks and temples.

The sharp edges and noticeable depressions can make them stand out more, especially in certain lighting.

Rolling Scars

Rolling scars give the skin a wave-like texture.

These scars are caused by bands of scar tissue forming under the skin, which creates an uneven, bumpy surface.

They don’t have defined edges like boxcar scars, but their rolling appearance can give the skin a dimpled look.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

If you have raised scars that stay within the boundary of the original acne lesion, you’re likely dealing with hypertrophic scars.

Keloid scars are similar but extend beyond the original injury site, creating larger, raised areas.

Both types are caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process and are more common on the chest, back, and shoulders.

These scars can be itchy or uncomfortable and are often more noticeable because they protrude above the skin’s surface.

Atrophic Scars

Atrophic scars are flat, thin, and slightly depressed, often caused by the loss of tissue.

They can be mild but are noticeable due to the uneven texture they create.

These scars are typically a result of long-term inflammatory acne.

Macules and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

While not true scars, macules and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are common after-effects of acne.

Macules are flat, red spots that remain after an acne lesion has healed, while PIH refers to the dark spots left behind due to excess melanin production.

These can fade over time but might persist and affect the skin’s overall appearance.

Causes of Acne Scars

Acne scars can develop for several reasons, often related to the severity of the acne and how it heals.

Here are some common causes:

Inflammatory acne, such as cysts and nodules, can be more likely to cause scarring because they affect deeper layers of the skin.
Not treating acne promptly or effectively can increase the likelihood of scarring.
Manipulating acne lesions can rupture the follicle wall, spreading bacteria and increasing inflammation, which can lead to scars.
Some individuals are more predisposed to developing acne scars due to genetic factors influencing skin healing and collagen production.
People with certain skin types, such as those prone to hyperpigmentation or who scar easily, may be more susceptible to developing acne scars.
Severe acne, especially if it extends deep into the skin, is more likely to cause scarring than milder forms.
Using harsh products or treatments that irritate or damage the skin can exacerbate acne and increase scarring risk.
Fluctuations in hormones, such as during puberty, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions, can contribute to acne and subsequent scarring.

Acne scars: What's the best treatment?

For deeper and more persistent acne scars, there are several effective treatments available that can significantly improve the appearance of your skin:

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing uses concentrated light to remove layers of damaged skin, promoting the growth of new, healthy skin. This treatment is effective for improving the texture and appearance of rolling and boxcar scars.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the top layer to peel off, revealing smoother and less scarred skin underneath. This treatment can help reduce the appearance of various types of acne scars.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a procedure that sands the skin with a special instrument, removing the top layer and allowing new, smoother skin to grow in its place. This method is particularly useful for treating boxcar and rolling scars.

Maintaining Skin Health Post-Treatment

After undergoing treatment for acne scars, maintaining skin health is crucial to prevent future breakouts and promote healing:

Skincare Routine

Adopt a gentle and regular skincare routine. Start with gentle cleansing morning and evening to remove impurities and excess sebum.

Use a cleanser suitable for your skin type, such as a gentle soap-free cleanser for sensitive skin or a mild exfoliating cleanser for acne-prone skin.

After cleansing, apply a non-comedogenic moisturiser to maintain skin hydration without clogging pores.

Lastly, remember to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning to protect your skin from sun damage and prevent hyperpigmentation.

Balanced Diet

A balanced diet rich in nutrients can greatly contribute to skin health.

Include foods high in vitamins C and E, such as citrus fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds, known for their antioxidant properties that support skin healing.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, as well as in chia seeds and nuts, help reduce skin inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.

Hydration

Maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps flush toxins from the skin and maintain its elasticity.

Supplement your skincare routine with a moisturiser suitable for your skin type, whether it’s a lightweight lotion for normal to combination skin or a richer balm for dry or dehydrated skin.

Avoid Picking

Resist the urge to touch or squeeze acne lesions and scars.

Handling the skin can worsen inflammation and potentially cause permanent scarring.

Use gentle topical products recommended by your aesthetic doctor to treat blemishes without causing irritation or excessive dryness.

Follow-Up Treatments

Schedule regular visits with your aesthetic doctor to assess the progress of your acne scars and adjust your treatment as needed.

Your aesthetic healthcare provider may recommend gentle chemical peels, LED Hydrafacial, IPL, or other cosmetic treatments to improve skin texture and reduce the visibility of scars.

By following a tailored skincare routine and adopting healthy eating habits, you can promote quick recovery after acne scar treatment and maintain healthy, radiant skin in the long term.

Get an Appointment

Are your acne scars affecting your confidence? Don’t let them hold you back any longer. At Auralia, our aesthetic doctors offer personalised treatments designed to reduce and eliminate acne scars, helping you achieve smoother, clearer skin.

Because, it’s time to regain your confidence and enjoy the skin you deserve.