Acne Scars - How to Best Treat & Avoid Them

Have you experienced acne breakouts in the past that left you with acne scars? Well you’re not alone. Acne is a common skin condition that many people struggle with throughout their life and in some cases it can leave transient blemishes or pimple scars that affect the overall look of the skin.

That said, in this blog we will go over everything you need to know about acne scars, how to best treat them as well as avoid them. Don’t let your acne scarring define your skin, let our experts at Medical Village help treat pimple scars. Let’s get right into it.

What Are Acne Scars?

Acne scars form as a result of improper zit removal or due to irritated blemishes that occur when skin pores become filled with surplus oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. If the pore expands, it has the potential to rupture the follicle wall, resulting in more severe damage to the underlying layers of the skin. During the process of repairing the damage, the body generates collagen fibers that may not have a smooth texture, resulting in the development of scars. These scars on the face can manifest as either atrophic scars, which are depressions in the skin, or hypertrophic scars, which are elevated areas, depending on the healing process of the skin.

How to Properly Treat Acne Scarring

If you have pimple scars on your face, you may be wondering how to properly treat them. That said, there are various treatment options available, such as:

Laser Treatments: By gently removing the outer layer of skin and promoting the creation of collagen, laser therapy—such as fractional laser treatment—can help resurface the skin and result in a smoother finish.
Chemical Peels: Chemical peels exfoliate the skin with a solution, thereby removing the damaged outer layers of skin. This process aids in the natural regeneration of new, smoother skin beneath the surface. This is particularly beneficial for superficial scars.
Microneedling: Using small needles to inflict microscopic punctures on the skin, microneedling stimulates the body’s natural healing process and boosts collagen formation, both of which lessen the visibility of scars.
Dermal Fillers: The injection of dermal fillers into deep, atrophic scars can effectively elevate the depressed areas of the skin and promote a smoother surface.
Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter and prescription treatments containing substances like retinoids, hyaluronic acid, or salicylic acid can reduce the appearance of scars by producing a reduction in inflammation and increasing skin cell turnover.

How to Avoid Acne Scars

If you’re someone that has acne scarring and trying to prevent it from occuring again or you’re someone trying to avoid getting acne scars, there are a few basic things you can do:

Avoid Picking or Squeezing Pimples: These actions may increase inflammation and cause deeper skin damage, which raises the possibility of scarring.
Treat Acne Early: The likelihood that acne may leave noticeable scars decreases with the timing of treatment. For more serious situations, seek advice from a dermatologist and use the proper skincare products.
Wear Sunscreen: UV rays can exacerbate acne scars and prolong their healing time. To prevent further harm to your skin, always wear sunscreen.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated: Sufficient hydration promotes healing and preserves skin suppleness, both of which lower the risk of scarring.

Treat Your Acne the Right Way, Visit Our Skincare Specialists at Medical Village

Visit us today for a personalized consultation and start your journey toward smoother, scar-free skin. Don't let acne scars hold you back, give us a call or fill out a contact form to book your appointment.