Acne can be frustrating on its own, but acne scars are an added layer of stress, and can be even more defeating than the acne itself. While breakouts come and go, acne scars stick around and take time to fade. Some are even permanent. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent and get rid of acne scars. Here are some of the best tips and treatments.
Acne Scars 101: 4 Things to Know
What causes acne scarring?
Acne begins in the dermis (the layer beneath the epidermis), when oil glands become filled with excess cells. Mild to moderate acne often goes away on its own over time, but more severe acne can stick around and cause irritation and pain. When the dermis is affected, the skin produces more collagen fibres, creating new tissue that’s often a different colour and texture than your skin. Plus, if you pick at, pop, or scratch your pimples, it can irritate the dermis, lead to more aggressive breakouts and scarring.
During a breakout, inflammation is happening underneath the skin. This inflammation causes trauma to skin tissue, leading to scarring.
What are the different types of acne scars?
- Atrophic: flat, shallow depressions that heal below the top layer of skin. They’re commonly caused by severe, cystic acne. There are three types of atrophic scars:
-ice pick scars: smaller, more narrow indentations that point down into the skin’s surface.
-boxcar scars: broad, box-like depressions with sharply defined edges.
-rolling scars: have a varying depth with sloping edges that make skin appear wavy and uneven. - Hypertrophic and keloid scars: these types of scars form as raised lumps of scar tissue where the acne once was. They’re more common on areas such as the jawline, chest, back, and shoulders.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: you may notice that when your acne heals, it leaves behind a darker or discoloured patch of skin. Hyperpigmentation can occur when skin is damaged by severe acne, or if you’ve picked at your acne. This type of scar will go away with a good skin care and a sun protection regime.
6 Ways to Prevent Acne Scars
- Treat acne when you first notice it- this will help prevent it from developing into a more severe form of acne that’s more likely to lead to scarring.
- Reduce inflammation as much as possible- use an ice roller on breakouts, and avoid aggressive scrubbing and harsh skin care products.
- Don’t touch your acne- touching it can increase bacteria and make your acne worse, which can lead to scarring.
- Never pick, scratch, pop or squeeze your pimples- this can increase inflammation and lead to scarring and discolouration.
- Be extra careful with cystic acne (hard, red, often painful bumps)- attempting to pinch or pop this type of acne can lead to inflammation spreading underneath the skin. This will create a larger area for damage and therefore a larger area for discolouration scarring.
- Always wear sunscreen- this can help prevent any discolouration that may occur due to acne scarring.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Acne Scars
1. At-Home Skincare
There are certain products you can use that will minimize acne scars. Topical retinol is the most effective for resurfacing the upper layers of the epidermis. Azelaic and salicylic acids are also quite helpful. Vitamin C can neutralize free radicals and reduce pigmentation and niacinamide is your go-to for soothing and smoothing. Cysteamine works really well for darker spots, and SPF can help prevent pre-existing dark spots or scars from becoming darker.
2. Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a treatment where a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layer so that the skin that grows back is smoother. There are different types of chemical peels, and your doctor will be able to suggest one based on your skin type, acne severity, and scarring. Chemical peels aren’t for everyone so it’s important to talk to your doc or derm before trying one.
4. Laser Treatments
Laser treatments resurface the skin by removing the uppermost layer of skin, revealing younger skin cells underneath. This can help reduce the look of scarring. It can also help reduce the appearance and texture of raised scars, and pulsed dye laser can help reduce the colour of hyperpigmented scars. Talk to your dermatologist to see if a laser treatment would be right for you. It can cause a reaction in some people, especially those with sensitive skin.
5. Microneedling
Microneedling can be used to treat mild to moderate acne scarring. The skincare treatment consists of inserting tiny needles into the skin surrounding the scar to stimulate the body to make more collagen. This collagen can reduce the look of atrophic scarring by smoothing out the skin.
4 Ways to Hide Acne Scars
1. Use a Filling Primer
If you have indented scars, use a moisturizing primer to give you a smoother, flawless makeup application. Look for a smoothing, filling primer such as the Benefit the Porefessional Primer to slightly plump the indents. It leaves a smooth surface for foundation and minimizes the effects of scarring.
2. Colour Correct
Colour correction is a method of using complementary colours to cancel out any discolouration. For example, if you want to correct redness, you would use a green colour corrector. If you want to hide dark scars, look for an orange colour corrector. Apply it just like a concealer, with your clean fingertips or a makeup brush in a dabbing motion. Only apply it to the area(s) of concern. Once it’s blended, you can apply your foundation.
3. Conceal
Another option is to apply a concealer such as the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in the same colour as your skin tone. The scarred area will require a layering method of application. Use a small concealer brush for precise application, and dab concealer over the scar until it matches the rest of your skin tone. This may require multiple layers, but keep the layers thin. Dust over the area with translucent powder to set the concealer.
4. Apply Foundation
Foundation helps even out your skin tone and brings all of the other makeup products together. Liquid foundation tends to be a better option for dry skin, while powder or cream-to-powder foundations can work well for oily skin. Whichever you choose, start with a small amount and blend it with your fingers, a sponge, or brush until you have a light, even layer. Build up your coverage with light layers as needed.
If you’re experiencing acne scarring, we hope you found these tips and treatments helpful!
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