21.05.2021 – 16:48
Acne is a very common, often frustrating condition that sometimes leads to scars and dark spots. While acne scars will not go away on their own, there are a number of ways you can encourage them to fade.
Here’s what you need to know about the causes and treatments for acne scars.
What causes acne scars?
Inflammatory acne can cause painful, swollen, red, and deep lesions that damage the skin and the underlying collagen. As these lesions heal, the body produces collagen. Too much or too little collagen production results in acne scars that do not look like the surrounding skin.
Several factors may increase the risk of scarring, including:
- genetics (i.e., a close family member who has signs of acne)
- delaying treatment for inflammatory acne
- collection or appearance of acne
- the severity of acne, which is usually related to the amount of scarring that a person will experience
- Hyperpigmentation is a dark area on the skin. Occurs when inflammatory acne increases the amount of melanin in the skin. This pigment gives the skin its color. Dark spots usually affect people with darker skin.
How long does it take for acne scars to go away?
The signs of acne do not go away on their own. The signs of acne often become more noticeable with age, as the skin loses collagen. However, there are a variety of treatments that can make acne scars less visible.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can resolve on its own within a few months. However, it can take years to leave without treatment.
Types of acne scars
There are a number of different types of acne scars. They fall into one of the following categories:
* Depressed (atrophic) wounds
Signs of depressed acne occur when there is a loss of collagen when the skin heals. Types include:
Signs like small, deep holes in the skin
Boxcar Wounds: Wider distinct oval or round areas that look like wounds
Elevated (hypertrophic) signs
As the skin heals from acne, it sometimes produces a lot of collagen. This leads to the formation of raised marks. They are usually found on the chest and back.
* Dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
While dark spots are technically not signs, they are a visible reminder of acne. The inflammatory process of acne can result in hyperpigmentation, or deeper staining, when the acne is healed. Hyperpigmentation can also be a temporary side effect of treatments for acne scars, especially in people with darker skin.
How to treat the signs of acne?
How to treat the signs of acne will vary depending on the types of scars you have and how severe they are. Treatment should not start until the acne is completely healed.
Dermatological treatments
* Recurrence procedures: Laser therapy, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion and chemical peels can help improve the appearance of acne scars that are not too deep. All involve removing layers of skin cells to encourage the skin to produce new cells.
* Fillers: Your dermatologist may fill in the shallower marks with substances such as hyaluronic acid, collagen or your fat. Results usually last several months, although some fillers are permanent.
* Microneedling: Differently known as inductive collagen therapy, this is a good option if you have many signs of depressed acne. It involves the use of an oval tool that massages acne scars to stimulate collagen production.
* Radiofrequency skin tightening: This treatment can sometimes effectively treat deep wounds. A doctor will use the frequency to tighten the skin and make the acne scars less visible.
* Electrodesification: This is an additional treatment for acne scars that uses an electric probe to heat the tissue and smooth out the edges of a wound.
* Injections: A series of repeated injections of medications such as corticosteroids into the skin can flatten and soothe raised and thick wounds.
* Surgery: Surgery involves removing and lifting tissue or breaking tissue to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Cryosurgery freezes raised acne scars, but is not recommended for people with darker skin.
Dry cleaning at home with ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid can encourage skin cell circulation to reduce scars.
Talk to a doctor to get recommendations for the best treatment plan for the type and severity of acne you have.
