MDacne
15% of people with untreated acne are left with acne scars. The best treatment for acne scars is to prevent them. Early acne treatment is now much more effective, easy and affordable than ever. People who will use a good set of anti-acne products customized to their skin type and acne severity can expect great results, even without oral medications. What should one do if they are left with red spots, brown or depressed scars (=valleys in the skin)? Here are the 10 most common acne scars questions people with acne are interested in.
[1] How do I get rid of acne scars? What is the best solution?
Acne scars are caused by damage to the deeper part of the skin (Dermis).
Post acne "scars" can be divided into 3 groups:
1. Flat, pink, reddish spots: Flat, pinkish colored dots. These spots are caused by the enlargement of microscopic capillaries, which will actually fade by themselves in a few weeks to months, even without treatment.
2. Flat brown spots: Some will fade by themselves, while others will need further treatment. Treatment for these spots is usually quite easy and will include whitening creams (prescribed to you by your doctor) or superficial chemical peels.
3. Persistent pink and brown spots: Can be treated with light sources, called Intense Pulse Light (IPL). These IPL’s produce intense pulses of light, very similar to a camera flash. The light is absorbed in small capillaries, and the melanin globules in the spots cause them to fade.
4. Real Acne Scars: These are cases when skin texture is affected, depressed (like a crater), or elevated like a “hill.”
There are 5 main types of real acne scars:
1. Hypertrophic acne scars: elevated scars that are confined within the margins of an original pimple.
2. Keloid acne scars: elevated scars that are larger in size than the original pimple margins. Keloid post-acne scars are commonly found on the chest, back, shoulders, and ears. These acne scars are very persistent and are found almost equally among male and female patients. Keloid acne scars are less common in the very young or old. The most popular treatment for keloid acne scars is a combination of intralesional injection of steroids into the scars combined with cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen freezing of the scar tissue). Another popular treatment is a silicone anti-scar sheet. These silicone sheets should be kept on the scars for a few months. Some of the users of these sheets report flatter and less red keloid scars.
Both hypertrophic scars and keloids demonstrate thicker, more abundant collagen that is stretched and aligned in the same plane as the epidermis. Both keloids and hypertrophic scars are 5 to 15 times more common in African Americans and 3 to 5 times higher in Asians than Caucasians. It is estimated that they affect both the African American and Hispanic populations between 4.5% and 16%.
3. Icepick scars: Usually smaller in diameter (1-2 mm) and deep with tracks to the dermis or subcutaneous tissue possible. Although the surface opening is smaller and steep-sided, a wide base may evolve into depressed or boxcar scars. Icepick scars are commonly seen on the cheeks.
4. Depressed or boxcar scars: Shallow (0.5 mm) or deep (0.5 mm) and are often 1.5 to 4 mm in diameter. They have sharply defined edges with steep, almost vertical walls. Shallow scar treatment can be with resurfacing or possibly punch elevation, whereas deep scar treatment is most often done by punch excision, elevation, or other modality.
5. Soft rolling scars: Can be circular or linear, are often greater than 4 mm in diameter, and have gently sloped edges that merge with normal-appearing skin. Treatment is commonly by subcision.
Acne scars can be improved by the minimally invasive treatments available today in many Dermatologists' offices. Systems that use non-insulated fractional microneedle RF technologies (such as Endymed’s Intensif system) seem more efficient and safe than fractional lasers, especially darker skin types.
[2] Should I buy a Derma Roller for acne scars?
Derma rollers are not the best for people with acne. If you have active acne, they can spread the bacteria and cause more acne breakouts. In some cases, Derma rollers can also cause more brown spots. Derma roller is a good option for people with fair skin types with depressed acne scars without active pimples. Using sun protection and whitening creams are more effective and much better options for brown spots.
[3] Is there a way to eliminate the red marks that acne spots leave after they go away?
An enlargement of microscopic capillaries causes post-acne red marks. Fortunately, pink spots will usually fade without special treatment in a few weeks after your active acne is over. All you need to do is prevent new pimples with a good mild anti-acne cream and use an oil-free sunscreen each morning. If needed, persistent pink can also be treated with light sources, called Intense Pulse Light (IPL). These IPL’s produce intense pulses of light very similar to the camera flash. The light is absorbed in small capillaries in the spots causing them to fade faster.
[4] How to get rid of post-acne dark spots?
The best dark spots treatment ingredients available over the counter are arbutin, kojic acid, licorice, and green tea. Licorice and green tea are natural ingredients that are very safe and can help face post-acne brown spots if used for at least 3 months. Arbutin is a natural derivative of hydroquinone derived from plants, including bearberry, blueberry, and cranberry. Some cosmetic products contain 3% concentrations, which studies show can significantly lighten the skin. Kojic Acid is an antioxidant derived from a fungus. It works by breaking down melanin in the skin and preventing its production in the skin. Kojic Acid is found in cosmeceuticals in 1% to 4% concentrations either combined with other skin-lightening agents or by itself.
To treat dark spots, you may want to consider using the Advanced Dark Spot Remover, which was specially formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The main active ingredient of the Advanced Dark Spot Remover, Arbutin, decreases the overproduction of melanin. Since sun protection is critical while using any dark spot remover, the Advanced Dark Spot Remover Duo kit includes an oil-free sunscreen. To learn more about dark spots, check out this article and this article!
[5] Is there anything I can do to clear up my post-acne marks faster? Does retinol work? Should I take oral supplements?
The MDacne Retinol Treatment Cream can help fade acne scars by increasing collagen production and making the skin's surface smoother. If you'd like to treat textured scars faster, we recommend that you refer to your local dermatologist to consider microneedle RF treatment or fractional lasers.
A topical scar cream with peptides and ceramides can speed up healing of blemishes, strengthen skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and improve texture in newer scars.
Taking acne supplements can help the wound healing process and reduce the risk of scarring. The most important vitamins and minerals that play a role in wound healing and treatment of existing scars are the vitamins from the B family, Vitamins A, zinc, and selenium. To a lesser extent, vitamins C and D. The MDacne Vitamin and Mineral Supplements were specially formulated for acne and acne scars. This new oral supplement contains the correct amount of vitamins and minerals (especially A and B5 and zinc) to promote skin healing and stimulate collagen production. Please check this link for more info on supplements and scars!
[6] I have some red spots (But there actually isn't anything there, like underneath the skin, they're just red) — how do I get rid of them?
The treatments for red/pink spots are different than the ones for brown spots. The flat pink, reddish spots that remain on your skin after the pimples heal are actually enlarged blood capillaries. In most cases, these pink spots will fade in a few weeks to months without special treatment. However, if these pink spots do not fade, they can be treated with lasers or Intense Pulse Light (IPL). Many Dermatologists use these lasers, used by many Dermatologists, produce intense pulses of light absorbed in these small capillaries. The heat produced by the laser coagulates these capillaries eliminating the pink spots. Treatment for brown post-acne spots is usually quite easy and will include over-the-counter whitening creams or stronger prescription whitening creams that contain hydroquinone. The more persistent brown spots can be treated by special superficial chemical peels (Jessner’s solution) or by the same lasers or IPLs used to treat red spots. These lasers destruct the excess melanin in the skin, fading the brown spots.
[7] I have school in 2 weeks. What can I do to get rid of my acne scars and acne?
Even the most powerful anti-acne drugs, like accuatne, will need 3-5 months to control active acne. To get rid of your acne, you need some patience and commitment. If your acne is mild-moderate, you can expect to see some improvement after 4-6 weeks and get much better in 8-12 weeks.
The best way to make your acne go away is; 1. Learn what causes your acne breakouts and learn how to avoid these factors. 2. Use your MDacne app to understand your acne's severity and which products you need to use. 3. Commit to your treatment and track your skin improvement with the app at least twice a day. It was shown that people that track their skin improve faster.
[8] Is there any way to stop foundation creasing around depressed scars on the forehead?
Here are some tips for reducing foundation creasing around depressed acne scars:
- Use less foundation: the more you use, the more available to migrate into the creases.
- Translucent setting powder with a damp sponge: applying the powder with a damp sponge makes the powder cling more tightly to the foundation, and therefore sets it better.
- Use a setting spray: setting spray can make all the difference. Applying it after you set the area with powder helps everything look more natural and skin-like.
- Try a sticky glycerine-based primer: glycerine helps makeup stick to the skin, but it is not heavy or thick, so it’s perfect for keeping things looking natural and keeping your makeup in place. Good options are Laura Mercier hydrating foundation primer or the Nivea men’s sensitive aftershave balm. These are cheap and work well. Try not to make facial expressions until the foundation sets: Try not to scrunch your face up for a minute or two after applying your base. It will save you some trouble later.
[9] Why are my acne scars red? What can I use to make the scars disappear?
Acne scars are red due to enlarged capillaries in the newly formed scar tissue. Fortunately, this redness will decrease by itself with time, even without any special treatment. Nevertheless, you need to be patient. This process can take 3-9 months. Till then, you need to continue with your anti-acne treatment to prevent new pimples and to apply every morning an oil-free sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. If your red spots do not disappear after 9 months, it’s possible to fade them with lasers.
[10] I've had a couple of spots for over six months now - they were large and red, but now they're flat (But still red). Are they scars? What can I do to get rid of them?
If the spots are flat - they probably post-acne marks. These will fade by themselves 2-3 months after active acne is controlled. In some cases, it may take up to 6 months. Until then, you need to keep on using a mild anti-acne cream in the evening and an oil-free sunscreen in the morning. If these spots do not fade in 3 months, it's possible to fade them faster with a laser.
10 unknown facts about acne scars
15% of people with acne are left with acne scars. Dermatologists use many tools to try to get rid of these scars.
There are 2 main types of post-acne signs. Flat pink or brown spots and real acne scars also include a change in skin texture.
Acne dark scars - best treatments 2018
The best way to get rid of post-acne dark spots
Best retinol for acne scars
Best oral supplements for acne and acne scars
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