Will Acne Scars Fade on Their Own?
Whilst acne will eventually go away with the proper care and treatment, scars, on the other hand, can be a bit tougher to deal with. But with time, dedication and the right products and treatments at your disposal, it is indeed possible to effectively reduce their appearance.
What are acne scars?
A vital part of treating and improving acne scars is understanding what they are and why they occur. Acne scars are small depressions or indentations in the skin that form due to moderate or severe acne. There are three types of acne scars, including ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars which each differ in shape, size and texture.
Discolouration from acne is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and this appears in the form of flat or smooth brown or red spots at the site of a recent acne lesion. Whilst acne scars are permanent if left untreated and are distinguished by having an indentation or depression in the skin, post-inflammatory acne marks will fade in time.
Can you prevent scars from forming?
Prevention is better than cure, so start with controlling and treating the acne itself, otherwise, you will always risk forming new scars. To do this, you must first have a diligent skincare routine that focuses on controlling oil production and reducing inflammation. Sun avoidance and protection are essential in helping post-inflammatory pigmentation fade more quickly, so daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is imperative.
You can also consider in-clinic treatments such as Chemical Peels and the HydraFacial, which help break down the active acne cycle and reduce the overproduction of oil, which is a major cause of breakouts within the skin.
How to get rid of acne scars
There are many treatments available to help fade the various forms of acne scarring. Acne scars that lead to textural changes within the skin usually require collagen-stimulating treatments to remodel the skin and correct these structural deformities.
Chemical peels
Depending on how severe your scars are, chemical peels can make a big difference. They work to renew the skin’s surface, boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen production within the skin, which in turn softens any surface irregularities.
For older or more severe acne scars, which are tougher to eliminate, TCA peels ranging from 25 to 35 per cent concentration can produce excellent results, but they require more significant downtime than milder peels.
Microneedling
Microneedling boosts collagen production by creating microscopic injuries in the skin to kick-start cellular renewal, resulting in greater collagen and elastin production. You may need multiple sessions, but this treatment will leave the skin looking brighter and firmer, with scars appearing smoother, noticeably smaller and lighter in colour.
Radiofrequency & Microneedling
There are many different treatment options out there to help fade acne scarring, but Radiofrequency microneedling trumps them all. This powerful combination rebuilds collagen and elastin using microneedling and radiofrequency technologies for an advanced skin rejuvenating effect, resulting in a tighter, smoother and more radiant appearance in the treated area.
Dermal fillers
Yes, the same product commonly used to build volume in areas of the face can also help an array of skin problems, one of them being acne scars. A minuscule amount of hyaluronic acid filler can temporarily plump and smooth indentations left behind from acne. However, depending on the type of filler used, the treatment will need to be repeated at regular intervals (usually every six months) to maintain the results.
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Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
