How To Treat Acne Scars?

Have you ever battled with acne, like 85% of other adults?¹ If zapping those zits is difficult, wait until you have to contend with the scars they leave behind. Acne scars, if left untreated, often lead to dark spots and hyperpigmentation.² These can significantly affect your self-esteem and appearance, making it crucial to address them. But the question is- why are these scars more difficult to fade than acne itself? What's the secret to having skin clear - once and for all?

Join us as we delve into effective tips on how to treat acne scars. But before getting into that, let's first understand what acne scars really are.

Understanding Acne Scars

Acne scars appear as raised bumps or dark spots left behind on the skin after pimples heal. The main cause of these scars is inflammation resulting from acne breakouts, which causes damage to the skin tissue. Picking or squeezing pimples can worsen this by breaking the follicle walls, further damaging the skin. And to repair skin damage, your body produces collagen. However, an imbalance—whether too much or too little collagen—can lead to scarring. ^{1 2  3 4}

Types Of Acne Scars

Acne scars typically fall into two categories: depressed and raised. ² 

1. Depressed Scars/Atrophic:

These scars are depressions or tissue loss in the skin’s surface. There are three common types:² 

1. Ice pick scars - These scars are narrow and deep but they appear more like small holes in the skin.
2. Rolling scars - The edges are sloping, giving a wavy uneven appearance to the skin.
3. Boxcar scars - These scars have sharp edges and are usually rounded or oval in shape. They generally appear as small craters on the skin.

2. Raised Scars/Hypertrophic: 

These scars are raised above the skin’s surface due to excessive collagen production. They tend to be red or purple, sometimes itchy or painful. They appear on almost all areas of the body but are more commonly found on the face, chest, and shoulders. ²

10 Effective Tips To Manage & Treat Acne Scars

1. Sunscreen

Acne scars may get worse and darker due to extreme sun exposure. To protect your skin, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Apply sunscreen daily on your face and other sun-exposed areas, especially when you're outdoors. This will avoid further darkening of scars and keep your skin healthy. ^{5 6} 

2. Makeup

Makeup is a temporary fix to conceal acne scars. Apply oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup that will not clog pores and worsen the existing acne. Also don't forget to wash off your makeup completely at the end of the day to prevent further breakouts. ⁷

3. Chemical Peels

A chemical solution is applied to the scar tissue to gently remove the top layer of skin. This helps reduce the appearance of deeper scars. However, always consult your doctor to ensure the treatment is safe and suitable for your skin ^{5  8} 

4. Laser Treatments

Laser treatments use focused beam light to target acne scars, helping to repair damaged skin and boost collagen production. While they’re highly effective, it can have some side effects for those who have a history of keloids or with darker skin tone. So it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist to find the best option for your specific needs.⁵

5. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion works by gently removing the outer layers of the skin using a mechanical tool. This helps to smoothen the skin's surface and minimise the appearance of scars. It also supports collagen production, aids in the improvement of skin texture and promotes healing.⁹

6. Microneedling

Microneedling is a treatment in which a tiny device with small needles is used to puncture the first layer of skin. This provokes the body to produce more collagen and elastin which rebuilds the skin and makes the scars less noticeable. It is the most effective treatment for atrophic or depressed acne scars.⁵

7. Injections

Corticosteroid injections are used to treat raised acne scars, including hypertrophic or keloid scars. Steroids break the bonds between the collagen fibres, thus reducing the amount of scar tissue beneath the skin. Steroids also have powerful anti-inflammatory characteristics that help alleviate swelling, redness, itching, or skin tenderness. A dermatologist typically administers these injections in a clinical setting.^{10 11}

8. Derma Fillers

Dermal fillers are injected under the skin in the scar tissues to smoothen out the surface and improve the appearance of scars. Hyaluronic Acid and Poly-L-lactic Acid are the most popular fillers used to treat acne scars. However, the effects of these treatments are temporary and require multiple sessions to achieve noticeable results. This is because the body gradually absorbs the fillers, causing scars to reappear again.⁹

9. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is an excellent and widely used acne treatment. It penetrates deep into pores and breaks down excess oil (sebum) that clogs pores and causes acne. It not only tackles the root cause of acne but also helps reduce redness and inflammation, leaving your skin clearer and calmer. Just be sure to use it as directed—overdoing it can irritate your skin. Keep it simple, and let salicylic acid do its job! ^{12 13}

10. Retinol

Retinol is a vitamin A-based ingredient loved for its anti-aging and skin-smoothing powers. It boosts collagen production, which helps soften fine lines and wrinkles while also exfoliating your skin, improving skin tone, and clearing out pores. This makes it a great pick for tackling acne and fading scars. While it’s safe to use in low concentrations, it can be strong. So use it as directed to avoid irritation. And don't forget to use sunscreen during the day when using retinol! ^{14 15}

These are the fundamentals of acne scar treatments, but if you are pregnant, it gets a little trickier. Pregnancy hormones can cause unexpected breakouts, and not all these treatments are safe to use. So, will you care for your skin by throwing caution to the winds about harmful ingredients? No, right? Here’s what we recommend.

Our Recommended Pregnancy-Safe Product For Acne Scars

If you're looking for a product specifically designed for expectant moms, our Skin Clarifying Serum might be the right choice. It’s formulated with Canadian Willowherb and Cryogold, which work to calm your skin, hydrate, and help fade acne scars. This serum targets acne-causing bacteria, provides up to 72 hours of hydration, and visibly reduces redness within 30 minutes.^{16 17} 

The Takeaway

Understanding how to treat acne scars can help you make safe and effective choices. From gentle at-home remedies to professional guidance, there are options to suit your needs. But if you’re an expectant mom, always prioritise treatments that are safe for you and your growing baby, and consult a healthcare professional before deciding.

FAQs:

1. Can Silicone Gel Sheet Reduce Acne Scars?

Silicone gel sheets are an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of raised scars, especially hypertrophic and keloid scars. They hydrate the scar tissue, making it soft and thereby flattening it. ¹⁸

2. Can Diet Influence Acne Scars? 

Yes, a diet with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, and oily fish has been said to help reduce inflammation and improve skin tone. ^{19 20}

3. Is It Safe To Use Over-The-Counter Acne Scar Treatments During Pregnancy?

If you want to use over-the-counter acne scar treatments during pregnancy, it is crucial to consult your doctor first. Some ingredients, such as retinoids and high doses of salicylic acid, are not advisable when pregnant. Consulting a doctor will help you find safer alternatives for your skincare needs..²¹