There’s nothing worse than finally getting rid of that damn pimple, only to discover that it has left scarring on your skin.
In more intense cases of acne, scarring can be quite profuse.
Here are the five main types of acne scars, and how to effectively treat them…
ICE PICK SCARS
Like the name suggests, these scars look like ice picks have taken to your face, with small, deep holes depressing into the skin. They occur when the body doesn’t produce enough collagen in response to an injury (like acne).
TREAT ME! One way to treat these scars are by using skin grafts. New York City dermatologist Judy Hellman, MD, says that “We can also do skin grafts and take skin from behind the ear to fill the scar, and then we can use a laser or radio-frequency device to smooth it out.”
If the ice pick scars are multiple, radio-frequency energy can be used. This helps built the collagen from the inside out, which will fill the scar from within.
BOXCAR SCARS
These, like ice pick scars, are depressed holes in the skin. However, boxcar scars are broader.
TREAT ME! Laser, radiofrequency or an ultrasound device will cause skin resurfacing, which help boxcar scars. This too builds collagen from beneath the skin.
Chemical peels may also help, but they will not be as effective.
Injectable fillers may also help. The fillers encourage collagen and create a supportive scaffold. However they are best for one isolated scar, and last up to 18 months.
ROLLING SCARS
These scars have smooth edges, although look like small hills and valleys.
TREAT ME! Microfat injections may help these scars, as well as microneedling. The needling creates small wounds, making the body naturally heal and create collagen.
KELOID SCARS
Unlike the above scars, these ones are raised. They can also be red or pink in colour.
TREAT ME! Steroid injections can flatten these scars.
When they are discoloured, it means there is some inflammation in the skin. Certain lasers can improve the discolouration as it targets blood vessels.
Cyrosurgery will freeze the scar tissue, effectively making it fall off, however it can cause pigmentation issues.
PREVENTION…!
They key to ridding acne scars is taking the correct steps to avoid getting them in the first place.
Using a minimising treatment and/or silicone gel scar sheets before the scars can form may help.
Vitamin C serums such as Kiehl’s ‘Clearly Corrective’ Dark Spot Solution, Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Serum, Skinceuticals C E FERULIC® vitamin C serum, or Kiss My Face C The Change (Ester C Serum) may also help.
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