A Complete Guide to Treating Acne Scars
Acne is already frustrating on its own. Come on – who hasn’t had a special occasion ruined by a zit or two?
What’s even more annoying is the calling card a zit leaves on your skin after it goes away. We’re talking about acne scars.
Some patients with acne scars assume there’s nothing they can do to treat them, and hope they’ll just disappear on their own. Fortunately, there are plenty of effective ways to eliminate these scars – or prevent them altogether – and bring out the best in your skin. Read below to learn more.
What is Acne?
One of the most important functions of the skin is that it sheds off dead cells to allow fresh cells to come in. Some of these dead cells can clog up pores, which are small holes that allow sweat and oil to rise.
Acne ultimately occurs when dead cells, along with oils and bacteria, clog the pores. It may appear as a whitehead or blackhead, or become inflamed.
Acne is particularly common among teenagers due to their hormones, though it’s also common for adults to develop acne.
What is an Acne Scar?
Acne scars form when a blemish becomes inflamed. Specifically, the clogged pore starts to swell. Essentially, it ‘breaks down,’ and a scar is created to heal the pore. The skin tries to repair the scar by creating new tissue, but sometimes, it does not completely hide the scar.
Some scars will fade over time, while others will remain consistently visible. Don’t worry, though: plenty of treatments can eliminate even the most tricky scars!
Popping Pimples Causes Scars: Fact or Myth?
It’s a common belief that popping pimples – squeezing them with your fingers to eliminate the pus – is what creates acne scars.
It’s true that popping a pimple can create a scar, and most skincare professionals recommend avoiding the temptation to pop zits.
Still, not all acne scars are created this way. Your body may create a scar as it tries to repair the skin that is damaged or inflamed from a pimple. They also may occur from an excess amount of tissue.
Scars are not the only problem that can be caused by popping a pimple. When squeezing, you may push some of the bacteria back into the skin, which will likely only lead to more acne production. That’s why other treatments for acne are recommended.
The Best Treatments for Acne Scars
Laser Skin Resurfacing
If your skin has scars and bumps, don’t you wish you could tear off your skin’s outer layer and replace it with a fresh one? That’s what resurfacing is all about. The process involves removing the skin’s outer layer by creating small holes that encourage the skin to produce collagen and fresh cells.
As a result, your skin is given a fresh texture, and sun damage, scars and wrinkles are eliminated.
At Chrysalis Rejuvenation Clinic, we use the SmartXide DOT CO2 laser. This technique is fast, effective, and precise. You’ll notice fresh skin without feeling the burn.
Learn more about Laser Skin Resurfacing.
Secret RF Micro-Needling
Microneedling is a favourite procedure among skincare enthusiasts. The procedure involves using very fine needles to gently prick the skin and create micro-injuries, which stimulates collagen production.
Don’t let the word ‘needles’ scare you! Before you begin, a numbing cream will be applied to your skin to prevent any pain.
Secret RF is a particularly effective micro-needling strategy to take care of acne scars – particularly those that lead to irregular skin texture. This format combines microneedling with radio frequency. What separates Secret RF from other micro-needling techniques is that Secret RF delivers radio frequency currents into the deep parts of the dermis, breaking up scar tissue and remodelling the collagen. This is ultimately very helpful in creating a more uniform texture.
Curious about Secret RF? Learn more about Microneedling.
Laser Treatment
Cosmetic treatments using lasers are probably the top invention in the beauty industry from the last few decades. You’ve heard of laser eye surgery and laser hair therapy, but did you know it can be used for skin?
It’s true – laser treatment for skin produces great results. This safe, non-surgical route will give you fresh skin and take care of even the toughest acne scars. It’s also great for discolouration.
Don’t let the word ‘laser’ scare you. Our system provides a cooling liquid that is applied to the skin before each pulse. This prevents the process from being invasive or painful in any way.
At Chrysalis Rejuvenation Clinic, we use the V Beam Perfecta. This new laser provides a state-of-the-art approach to skin care. It precisely treats issues like scarring and hyper-pigmentation, and it can reduce signs of age as well.
Learn more about Laser Treatment.
Conclusion
Acne scars are frustrating. Thankfully, there are plenty of painless, powerful treatments that can eliminate scarring and give you the fresh, glowing skin that acne made you think wasn’t possible.