Even if your acne breakout battles are basically over, you may still be dealing with the unpleasant scarring your pimple-popping days left behind. The severity and appearance of those scars can vary based on a variety of things including the type of acne you experienced, your approach to treating it, and even a genetic predisposition to keloids and scarring.
Until recently, acne scars that didn’t fade on their own over time were just something you had to live with. But now, there are a variety of safe, proven ways to improve — and even remove — many types of acne scarring.
How do Acne Scars Form?
Acne scars, like other forms of scarring, are the result of injury to an area and your body’s attempt to heal it. When the skin is damaged and inflamed, it naturally rushes collagen to the injured area in an attempt to rebuild it from within. Too much collagen can result in raised scar formations, while too little can leave sunken, depressed areas in the skin. If your acne was severe enough to actually destroy the surrounding tissue under the skin’s surface, you may have atrophic scarring, which leaves an icepick effect on the skin.
Never before have there been so many options to address acne scars.
Treatments for Acne Scarring
Microneedling
Already a favorite of Medspa patients, microneedling is used to treat a variety of skin concerns. Also known as collagen induction therapy, the process involves a device with minuscule needles that, when moved skillfully over the skin, creates controlled punctures on the surface that encourage the body’s own natural healing response. The micro-injuries created by the tiny needles trigger the release collagen to affected areas and can improve the appearance of wrinkles, burns, hyperpigmentation and scars.
Chemical Peels
Facial peels are now famous for using salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acid, among others, to help skin shed its often dull outer layer and stimulate skin cell turnover to reveal softer, smoother skin. This is especially helpful with scars, since dead skin tends to accumulate around rough edges and make scars more noticeable. Along with stimulating collagen production and uncovering a fresh, glowing complexion, chemical peels can soften the appearance of wrinkles and scars and help those pesky reminders of your acne days fade more quickly.
Facials
Everyone’s skin can likely benefit from a classic facial, Hydrafacial or a brightening facial, all designed in varying degrees to deep cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and improve the skin’s overall condition. But those with acne, presently or formerly, can find clarifying facials and IPL photofacials particularly beneficial.
Both are designed to address troubled skin with treatments and techniques individualized to each patient. These may include custom acid blends and masks designed to kill bacteria clogging pores and calm red, irritated skin, as well as microdermabrasion, a manual exfoliation technique that uses sand-like crystals massaged onto the skin to even out texture.
The IPL facial, also called a photofacial, goes a step further by using safe and gentle pulses of light to address problem areas at the cellular level. This non-invasive treatment is proven effective at treating both acne and acne scarring.
Fillers
In some cases, the same injectable fillers used to minimize fine lines and wrinkles can be used to make acne scars much less noticeable. They work by filling in skin depressions and plumping up the surrounding tissues for a smoother look and feel.
Skin Care Topicals
While your skin care products don’t have to break the bank, acne-prone and sensitive skin often needs specialized formulations. There are a variety of dermatologically tested products that offer therapeutic results for acne and the scars it leaves behind. Vitamin A derivatives, also known as retinols, are especially helpful for stimulating collagen production and encouraging new skin cell turnover.
Cleansers, serums and restorative creams and gels tailored to your skin type can both help keep breakouts at bay and spot-treat problem areas. A regular exfoliant in your skin care routine can be very beneficial, because fresh, smooth skin is better able to absorb topical treatments.
Kalologie is Austin’s first and best choice for advanced, professional skin care solutions. Our doctors and aestheticians can evaluate your skin and determine the best approach for addressing your complexion concerns. Whether you have recurring breakouts or you want to get rid of acne scars, contact Kalologie MedSpa Austin to discuss your options.