WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots or pimples on the face, neck, shoulders, back or chest. Acne most commonly affects 80% people between 15 and 30 years of age, and people with skin that is naturally more oily.
It may seem like the irritation will never go away, but it does, when it goes away, you may be left with acne scars. Your pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter creams and skin washes to treat acne. While your doctor may also prescribe medicated creams or tablets. For severe acne, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who may prescribe medicines.
It is not possible to get rid of your acne scars quickly, it is never too late to treat them. Teenagers who seek for medical help may have to wait until their early 20s before undergoing treatment to make sure there’s little risk of future acne flare-ups.
CAUSES OF ACNE
Certain medications: Lithium, Steroids
Restrictive clothing: shoulder pads, backpacks, underwire bras, headbands
Endocrine disorders: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Genetics: This is inherited from family
Smoking: Especially in older individuals
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ACNE
The symptoms of acne include:
1. Whiteheads — These are small white spots under the surface of the skin.
2. Blackheads — These are small blocked pores with a black plug.
3. Pimples — These are inflammed red spots which can have yellow pus in the middle.
4. Nodules — These are large red bumps under the skin which can be painful.
These symptoms are most commonly seen on the face, but acne can also affect the back, chest, shoulders or neck.
WHAT ARE ACNE SCARS?
Acne scarring can be used to refer to a multitude of different marks that a breakout may leave behind on the skin.
There are different types of acne scars
TYPES OF ACNE SCARS
Atrophic or Depressed Scarring:
a. Ice pick: An ice pick tool has a wide shaft that narrows down to the tip. This type of acne scar is a hole that is wide at the top and narrows to a point as it goes deeper into the skin. Such an indentation is common and also one of the most challenging scars to heal. You’ll find them on your forehead and upper cheeks, where your skin is thinner.
b. Rolling: These scars are typically found on the lower cheeks and jaw, where your skin is thicker. The indents have sloping edges that makes the skin look uneven and wavy.
c. Boxcar: Boxcar scars are indents that have sharper edges. Those edges go down deep into the skin. These scars are common on the lower checks and jaw.
Hypertrophic or keloid scars: These lesions of scar tissue rise off the skin. They’re caused when fibrous tissues, the collagen, in the region of the skin overgrow. These scars are usually found on the chest, back and shoulders and jaw line and can be itchy, tender or painful.
HOW DOES ACNE CAUSE SCAR?
Acne scars are as a result of inflammation of acne blemishes. The acne pore swells and a breakdown occurs in the wall of the pore. Some acne blemishes are small and the scars created are shallow and heal quickly. Sometimes the contents of blemishes spill into the surrounding tissue and cause deeper scars. The skin’s response is to repair the scar by forming new collagen fibers.
Acne scars take on two main forms: Either a scar develops when there is a loss of tissue, resulting in an indentation in the surface of the skin, or a scar develops that is raised on the surface of the skin. Your skin creates collagen to help heal the wound, but if it makes too much collagen, raised scars form.
The fact that you have an acne doesn’t mean you’ll get scars. And if you do, just know the scars aren't permanent, treatments are available. Some treatments remove the scars while others help the skin heal itself with its own collagen.
HOW TO TREATMENT ACNE SCAR
To treat acne we recommend you seek medical help from either a doctor or dermatologist.
Over-the-counter products that claim to improve a scar’s texture, color and appearance, there’s no real way to get rid of acne scars naturally. Over-the-counter products may include the following ingredients:
-Alpha hydroxy acids.
-Lactic acids.
-Retinoids.
-Salicylic acid.
Alpha hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can help increase the rate at which skin renews its cells. Some doctors recommend AHAs for treating acne and reducing the appearance of acne scars.
AHAs are a mild form of acid that scrapes away the outer layer of skin to reveal fresh, new skin underneath. This process may help reduce hyperpigmentation due to scarring. However, swelling, burning, and itching may occur.
Lactic acid
Lactic acid peels has be proven to lighten acne scars and promote pigmentation of the skin. There are several peels, ointments, and serums containing lactic acid, however, the natural lactic acid component in diluted apple cider vinegar makes it suitable for use as a toner or spot treatment. However, if you’re looking for something more reliable and stronger a toner is more consistent.
Retinoids
Some topical retinoids may help get rid of acne scars. Topical retinoids block inflammation, reduce acne lesions, and speed up cell regeneration.
Retinoids could help lighten hyperpigmented acne scars, including those in people with darker skin tones. It is important to note that retinoids can make the skin sensitive to the sun. Anyone using retinoids for acne or scar treatment should wear sunscreen when going outdoors.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring compound that is often an ingredient in acne skin care products. Salicylic acid peels help clear dirt, skin cells, and other debris that leads to acne from the pores of the skin.
It also helps reduce swelling and redness in the area, which may minimize the appearance of scarring. Salicylic acid can help treat all scar types.
For those with sensitive skin, a patch test on a small area of skin should be done before using it on their entire face, as it may cause dryness or irritation.
But your best bet is to consult a dermatologist. First, they’ll focus on getting your acne under control. The fewer breakouts you have, the fewer scars you’ll get.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Many individuals use natural therapies to assist in getting rid of acne scars, but the science behind them is murky. Some may cause further discomfort or other difficulties, so individuals should exercise care while using them.
Natural home treatments for acne scars include the following:
lemon juice
shea butter
aloe vera gel
coconut oil
baking soda
raw honey
CLINICAL ACNE SCARS TREATMENT
Laser resurfacing
Vascular specific lasers target blood vessels and can help lighten flat or raised scars that are pink or purple and help flatten raised scars. Doctors often use carbon dioxide ablative lasers to treat acne scars. Three and five treatment sessions are needed for evident improvement.
Doctors also use lasers to treat other types of scarring, including those from burns, skin cancer and tattoo removal.
This operation can be performed by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. The laser smooths the skin by removing the damaged top layer and tightening the intermediate layer. It might take anything from a few minutes to an hour to complete. It takes three to ten days for the skin to fully recover.
Chemical peels
The dermatologist would apply a chemical solution to the skin, which would cause it to blister and eventually peel off, creating new, regenerated skin that’s usually smoother than the old skin.
Peeling typically causes redness, and sometimes swelling and cold sores. This treatment is less expensive because you’ll only need one treatment session.
A skin care specialist will advise on the best peel based on the skin type, acne severity, and prevalence of scars.
Microneedling
This is also known as "collagen-induction therapy", microneedling uses either a fine-needle roller or pen device to create tiny holes in the top layer of your skin. This procedure stimulates collagen production, which helps improve fine lines and skin texture.
Redness occurs afterward and lasts a couple of days. Most people will need four to six microneedling treatments for best results.
Punch excision
If you have a pitted scar that won’t heal well with standard treatment, your doctor may opt for punch excision.
A round tool is used to completely remove a scar by puncturing the top layer of skin. Then, skin sutures are used to close the area, which should result in a smaller, flatter scar that fades over time.
Subcision
This is another treatment that may be helpful before any of the lasers or peels is called subcision, a procedure that involves releasing a scar that’s bound to the muscle or deeper tissues so that it can move freely again.
This technique, which uses a surgical probe or needle, is used with deeper scars to bring them to the surface to enhance their response to the laser, chemical peel or microneedling. You may notice minor bruising for about one to two weeks after treatment.
Fillers
Fillers are used to treat wrinkles. But they can also be used to help with sunken acne scars.
Hyaluronic acid fillers help plump your skin and can smooth out any sunken areas, while collagen fillers lift the acne scar and can add volume.
For different type of fillers, you may experience swelling, redness and discoloration. And depending on what type of filler is used, you may need multiple treatments.
LED LIGHT THERAPY
Light therapy works on so many skin concerns, from loss of collagen to active breakouts, and recent research suggests that red LED in particular may help to reduce inflammation and prompt cellular repair, aiding the skin to recover from a breakout more effectively.
Conclusion
Acne can sometimes leave a scar in the face, but this is not permanent and can be treated effectively. So for those experiencing acne or have acne scar, there is no need to be bothered.