Acne is the most common skin condition, affecting 50 million Americans annually and about 20% of people worldwide. About 10% of adolescents and young adults (10-24 years old) experience acne. Thankfully for the many who deal with it, there are many ways to treat acne scars and clear them up.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Any type of acne blemish can lead to scarring, but the scars most commonly appear when serious acne lesions burst and damage the skin. They are also more likely when patients pick at or pop their pimples. The scars can take the form of indentations, which reflect a loss of tissue, or as raised scars due to an overabundance of collagen production.
The Role of Inflammation and Scar Tissue
Inflammation is the key driver behind acne scar formation. When a pimple becomes inflamed by pus, dead skin cells, and excess oil, it activates the body's natural healing response. This healing process sometimes produces too much collagen, resulting in scar tissue. The risk of scarring increases significantly when inflammation is intense or persists for a long time. As a general rule, the deeper the inflammation within the skin, the more likely it is to leave a scar.
Types of Acne Scarring: Ice Pick, Rolling, Boxcar and Raised Scars
Acne scars can be either depressed or raised. While raised scars are caused by the overgrowth of collagen in the skin, depressed scars are caused by a loss of tissue. They can show up in four ways:
- Ice pick scars go deep into the skin and are wider at the top than the bottom.
- Rolling scars have sloping edges that make the skin look wavy.
- Boxcar scars have sharper edges that go down deeper into the skin.
- Raised acne scars can appear as raised bumps (papular scars), keloid (characterized by thickened skin) and hypertrophic scars.
Salicylic Acid
Acne scars can dramatically affect your self-confidence and quality of life. The good news is that several effective treatments are available. Salicylic acid is a natural beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates the skin and breaks down excess oil and dead skin cells. In addition to helping clear clogged pores and fighting inflammation and bacteria, it has exfoliating properties that can reduce the prominence of acne scars.
Natural Remedies for Acne Scars
While natural remedies can help improve the appearance of mild, surface-level acne scars, they won’t get rid of deep or severe scarring. It’s important to remember that trying to use unproven natural remedies to treat serious scars could make the condition of your skin worse.
Using Vitamin C to Brighten Surrounding Skin
Topical vitamin C can help reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making the skin surrounding acne blemishes brighter and minimizing discoloration and dark patches. It’s particularly effective in minimizing the appearance of acne scars when applied regularly in combination with hyaluronic acid.
At-Home Remedies to Reduce Scar Visibility
Among the many at-home remedies that people have tried to reduce the appearance of acne scars are diluted apple cider vinegar, turmeric powder, coconut oil, tea tree oil, lemon juice, and manuka honey. Though these individually may have benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, exfoliating, and moisturizing properties that reduce the visibility of acne scars, there’s no scientific support that they will heal them.
How to Prevent Future Acne Scarring
Acne scars are best prevented by reducing the risk of developing acne and treating blemishes as soon as they appear.
Proper Skin Care for Treating Acne Early
Acne scarring is most likely to occur when the blemishes are deep and severe, so treating acne early and with the help of a dermatologist is essential. It’s also important that you avoid touching pimples and cysts; don’t pick, pop, scratch, or squeeze breakouts.
Building a Routine to Support Healing
Acne scars are challenging, but with the help of an experienced dermatologist, it’s possible to improve the appearance of your skin. While your physician will decide on the best treatment for your specific condition, you can build a routine that supports healing by cleansing regularly, using recommended topical medications, and applying sunscreen to help minimize the darkening of skin that emphasizes scarring.
Working with a Piction Dermatologist
Piction’s board-certified dermatologists are passionate about providing patients with exceptional care and treatments that will improve your skin’s health and your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
