How to Fade Acne Scars Fast, According to Dermatologists
It started with battling with a breakout; next thing you know you’re left with a much bigger problem, acne scars, which linger much longer. If you find that acne scars are affecting your self-esteem and quite distressing, you’re not alone. Research
We speak to leading skin experts on ways to fade acne scars and prevent them from developing in the first place.
What are acne scars?
Acne scars are a result of inflammation of acne blemishes. Depending on the severity of the acne, experts say some acne blemishes are small, so the scars created are shallow and can heal quickly. However, sometimes, the contents of blemishes spill into the surrounding tissue and cause deeper scars.
Healthline
“Acne scars are an imbalance between wound healing with tissue growth after injury and the breakdown of excess tissue by enzymes in the dermis. This can either result in hypertrophic scars (too much wound healing) or atrophic scars (too much enzyme activity) and formation of ice pick, boxcar or rolling scars,” says UK-based
How you might get acne scars?
While all of us will get acne at some point in our lives, the NHS
Before you treat acne scars, you need to solve your acne issues once and for all, since new breakouts can lead to new acne scars.
1. You suffer from inflammatory acne like cysts and nodules. Nodular acne and cystic acne are two of the most severe forms of acne. They are painful to touch, unsqueezable, and both formed deep under the surface of the skin.
2. “Cysts and nodules can cause scarring and hyperpigmentation and require the attention of a dermatologist,” says Darren Casey, America’s top physician, and CEO at Atlanta Dermatology.
3. You delay, ignore, or don’t treat your inflammatory acne. Experts say the longer a person has inflammatory acne, the greater the risk of scarring.
4. You can’t resist the temptation to pick, squeeze, or pop your acne.
5. A blood relative, like your mother or father, developed acne scars, as genes also play an influential role."
What are the different types of acne scars?"
Atrophic scars
These are a type of scars that are flat and shallow, which heal below the top layer of skin. These scars are commonly caused by severe cystic acne.
1. Ice pick scars. As the name suggests, these scars are tiny, deep, and narrow holes, looking like they were punctured by a tiny ice pick. Some ice pick scars have the appearance of a very dilated pore.
2. Rolling scars have varying depth, with sloping edges that make skin appear rolling, wavy, and uneven. Reducing their appearance may require professional treatment.
3. Boxcar scars, also known as craters or pockmarks, are round or oval depressions, or craters, in the skin.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), or post-acne mark, shows as pesky dark marks or spots left behind after your pimple heals.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars
Experts say that, unlike atrophic scars, hypertrophic and keloid scars form as raised lumps of scar tissue where the acne once was. This happens when scar tissue builds up, sometimes from previous acne spots. They are common on areas such as the jawline, chest, back, and shoulders.
Can acne scars be removed?
“Deeper scars need to be looked at by a dermatologist and a management strategy discussed,” Dr Tewari says.
There are medical and beauty treatments available to clear acne scars.
The NHS says that while treatments can certainly improve the appearance of your scars, they cannot get rid of them completely.
Post acne hyperpigmentation can usually be treated with topical skincare. Beauty Daily recommends
To achieve the best results, use products in the
Consult your dermatologist first before using any new products to avoid further irritation or scarring.
5 tips to prevent ance scars in the future
1. The best way to keep those pesky acne scars at bay is to take steps to prevent yourself from getting acne in the first place. You can start by adopting a solid skincare routine, getting enough sleep, watching your diet, and managing stress.
2. Experts say if you’re prone to scarring, it’s important to never skip
An all-rounder like the
3. Do not squeeze, pop, or pick your acne. This can rupture the skin and lead to scarring. (As well as spread bacteria, making the acne worse.)
4. Make sure you’re using the correct treatments for your acne. “It’s helpful to use products with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as salicylic acid.” recommends Dr
She advises applying this to areas of skin that are prone to acne. However, these products can cause dryness and irritation, so they should be used with
5. Use the right skincare product for ance-prone skin. At Clarins, we develop a range of beauty products that are suitable for all types of skin. If you are looking for a cleanser for ance-prone skin, consider a gentle face wash like Clarins
When it comes to managing scarring and its emotional impact, help is at hand. You can visit websites such as
Read next: How To Expertly Care For Blemish-Prone Skin
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