Acne scarring can be as embarrassing as acne itself. Even after you’ve survived a breakout, you’re left with evidence of its occurrence. Dark spots and hyperpigmentation can be difficult to cover up. Foundation and concealer can help mask any unevenness but, you don’t want to rely on makeup to feel confident.
Before you think about preventing or treating your scars, it can be helpful to know about the various types. Most acne scars are designated as atrophic, an umbrella term that includes ice-pick, boxcar, and rolling scars. Ice pick scars are exactly what they sound like — indentations pointing into the skin’s outer layer. Boxcar scars are more like depressions into the skin and are commonly found on the cheeks and jawline. Rolling scars are wider and stretch outwards if the skin’s surface is pulled.
Acne scars can last for months — or longer if they go untreated — so you want to address them appropriately. Fortunately, there are various ways to minimize the look of scarring. Below is your guide to acne scarring and how to combat it.
1. Over-the-Counter Products
The first step to reducing the appearance of scarring and preventing new acne from occuring is developing a consistent skincare regimen. This should at least include a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. You can add toners or serums as you wish. The other necessary product is sunscreen, which you should apply every morning.
When choosing products to use daily, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure that the products are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores. You may think that over-the-counter moisturizers with natural ingredients would be safe, but even those boasting certain ingredients can clog pores. For example, coconut oil and cocoa butter are two ingredients you should avoid if you’re acne prone.
Second, when looking at your over-the-counter options, think about your skin’s needs as well as the effectiveness of the products. Retinoids, for example, are known to reduce swelling and inflammation as a result of scarring. Retinoids can combat discoloration as a result of hyperpigmentation and enhance the appearance of skin tone and texture. Derived from synthetic and natural forms of vitamin A, retinoids are a powerful skincare treatment option and range in dosage. Lower dosages can be found in over-the-counter products while higher doses must be prescribed.
Another over-the-counter option are exfoliators, which remove dead skin cells through a grainy substance. These could be chemical or physically abrasive. With regular use, exfoliators can smooth the skin and fade scars. It’s typically recommended to exfoliate no more than two or three times per week as these products can cause irritation and redness.
2. Prescription Medications
If you’re dealing with acne scarring and OTC solutions aren’t helping, prescription medications may be your best plan of attack. Many of the active ingredients found in acne treatment, including retinoids, work by treating acne as well as the likelihood of scarring. Prescriptions
contain higher doses of powerful ingredients, so you may see results quicker than over-the-counter alternatives.
For scarring, tretinoin cream is usually prescribed. This is a retinoid solution that works by stopping the production of excess pigment, increasing collagen production, and clearing pores. It ranges from 0.025% to 0.05%, so your prescription may change when your skin starts to clear.
Clindamycin is another prescription topical medication that kills bacteria living on top of the skin and underneath it. As an antibiotic, this topical is often prescribed as an additional treatment to retinoids and over-the-counter solutions. Adding prescription medications to your current skincare regimen can help accelerate the healing process of scarring.
While using concentrated prescriptions, it’s of the utmost importance to use sun protection. Powerful retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to light, which is why your prescriber will likely suggest you apply it at night. Always use a non-comedogenic sunscreen during the day and reapply as needed. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also be beneficial, especially if you know you’ll be in the sun for most of the day.
3. Professional Treatments
At some point, you may decide that you want professional help dealing with your scars. Treatments can get you back to your baseline skinhealth, allowing you to focus completely on acne prevention. There are three main types of treatment options: chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and microneedling.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are one route that many individuals turn to for acne scarring. During a peel, the dermatologist will apply a chemical solution to the scarred areas. This removes the top layers of skin, reducing the appearance of skin discoloration. This treatment is minimally invasive, and most people recover within a week or two.
However, it’s important to note that the intensity of the peel can vary. Some individuals opt for lighter peels that require less downtime, while others may choose deeper peels for more pronounced results. The effectiveness of the chemical peel in addressing acne scars depends on factors such as the type of scars, the depth of the peel, and individual skin characteristics.
Laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is another way to minimize scarring. However, it cannot get rid of a scar completely, since it focuses on the outer layer of skin to break up scar tissue. This is a popular option for those that have tried dermabrasion, where the top layers of skin are surgically scrapped, with little success. Laser resurfacing is a more advanced procedure, so patients may see better results with this option as opposed to dermabrasion.
Microneedling
Microneedling, known for boosting collagen production, is a newer procedure that many patients are seeing great results from. The top layer of skin is penetrated with tiny needles, leading to better skin tone and texture after it heals. Due to its popularity, many estheticians are starting to add microneedling to their repertoire; however, it’s best if the procedure is conducted by a board-certified dermatologist to ensure it is done properly.
Takeaways
Wish all you want, but acne scars won’t disappear on their own. The key is to address the scars head-on with a plan of attack that will prevent new scars from appearing and diminish your current ones. From over-the-counter products to prescriptions to procedures, you have options to prevent acne from appearing and treating scarring.
