Rufus R. Noble Do acne-related scars make you self-conscious or make you feel embarrassed about your appearance?
Some people are lucky enough to have skin imperfections that fade without leaving any marks, while others have images of their past skin imperfections, which can be an emotional impact.
If acne wasn’t enough, a pimple that forms after an acne pimple may take a few weeks or even months to fade, in the event that it fades at all. (1)
If you believe there’s no way to get rid of the stubborn marks, consider reconsidering your thoughts. The good news is that a variety of treatments can fade or remove the marks and make them less visible and allowing you to regain confidence in yourself.
Why Do Acne Scars Occur?
How come some get acne scars while others do not?
The reasons for this vary The reasons vary, but genetics is the primary possibility for scarring. If you have a blood relation who struggles with acne, then you may also, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). ( 2) Additionally, scarring can be more prevalent because the skin is losing collagen as it gets older. (3)
Since collagen plays an important role in healing, the skin creates new collagen when it heals itself following the breakout. Sometimes, however, collagen production is not enough (or too large), which can result in the formation of a scar. (2)
Be aware it is an inflammation condition. Scar formation is in large part with the duration and extent of inflammation on the skin, therefore delay in treating acne can increase the possibility of scarring. (2)
“Acne scars result from a complex and abnormal inflammatory response, which results in poor wound healing,” says Kara Shah, MD, an expert board-certified dermatologist as well as medical supervisor in Medpace located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
As scarring is a result of acne. Anyone who suffers from an acne breakout may experience permanent or temporary scarsbut scarring is more often seen in those suffering from inflammatory acne, which is characterized by a number of cysts and pimples, according to Dr. Shah. (4)
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What Are the Signs of an Acne Scar?
“The types of scarring seen in acne include keloids or hypertrophic scars, which appear as red, firm, raised papules [bumps],” Shah states. Atrophic scars appear as atrophied and “sunken in” areas and can be larger, broad scars (boxcar rolls and boxcar) or tiny pits (ice pick) scars. (4)
The distinction between acne scars and other scars isn’t hard since the acne scar is located on the site the pimple was.
Pictures of Different Types of Acne Scars
The appearance of acne scars is not always identical. They may appear in different forms. For instance:
Rolling Scars
Based on Schweiger Dermatology, this is the most popular kind of acne scars. They’re wide, shallow, and have an inclined edge. The scars are likely to become visible with time. (5)
Red Spots
They are red, flat (or brownish) spots that appear on the site of an acne lesion that has occurred previously. They tend to fade and do not leave an indelible mark. (1)
Dark Spots
Sometimes, acne that has healed leaves the skin with a dark, temporary spot. the skin. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. (6)
Boxcar Scars and Ice-Pick Scars
Acne marks are caused by reduction in tissue, referred to as depressed scars caused by fibrosis (sometimes known as boxcar marks) and ice-pick marks. They are often to be sunken and appear like pits on the skin, but ice-pick scars tend to be deeper than scars from boxcars. (6)
Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids
Some kinds of acne can leave marks which appear as large and raised tissue growths. The acne scars result from excessive scar tissue. Hypertrophic scars and keloids appear to like each other. However, the latter has more prominent scars than the earlier. (6)
6 Dos and Don’ts for Treating Acne
For instance, prescription medications can help you cleanse your skin; however, severe acne requires more active methods. Learn More
How to Prevent Acne Scars
“The best prevention for acne scarring is to optimize acne treatment with a good skin-care routine, a healthy diet, and an appropriate treatment regimen,” Shah says. Shah.
Because reducing skin inflammation may reduce scars, don’t overlook the problem of acne — even if it’s just mild. (2)
You can take care of acne by using over-the-counter creams or facial wash products that contain active ingredients that fight acne, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. If none of these perform, consult an experienced dermatologist who is board certified and according to the Mayo Clinic, advises. (7)
“Regular use of a topical retinoid like tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene (Differin), or tazarotene (Tazorac) has been shown to both prevent and reduce the appearance of acne scars, and these are commonly prescribed by a dermatologist as part of an acne skin-care regimen,” Shah says. Shah.
Prevention is also about using gentle skin care and avoiding any practices that could cause irritation to your skin and increase inflammation.
“Don’t pick at your acne, and avoid using any skin-care products that are abrasive, like scrubs and loofahs or washcloths,” advises Shah. She also suggests daily sunscreen application to prevent pigmentation, dark spots and excessive hyperpigmentation. (2)
