Scars are one of the most important aesthetic sequelae that acne can leave behind and one of the main reasons for consultation by dermatologists and aesthetic medicine professionals.
Acne is a very common skin disease that, although it is not a serious pathology, does have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it due to its psychological and emotional implications. The visible scars on the appearance of the skin affect the self-esteem of those affected.
Fortunately, medical intervention and the use of specific products can improve the texture and appearance of skin affected by acne scars.
Types of acne scars and why they form
Acne is a skin pathology that develops when sebum and dead skin cells clog the hair follicle leading to the appearance of various types of lesions depending on the severity of the condition: whiteheads, pimples, papules, pustules, nodules and cystic lesions.
Not all acne lesions result in scarring. The appearance of scars depends on the amount of collagen that the body produces in response to skin damage. Fibroblasts, responsible for secreting collagen, are one of the cell types that form part of the so-called granulation tissue, a type of connective tissue responsible for repairing the damage caused by the lesion.
Collagen fibers are responsible for providing elasticity and support. When too much collagen is produced, a hypertrophic scar or a keloid is formed, depending on whether or not it exceeds the limits of the injury. These types of scars are infrequent on the face, being more common on the upper back and chest.
Atrophic scars are more frequent on the face. These are seen as an indentation or depression of the skin as a result of the lack of scar tissue in the skin repair process.
Atrophic scars: What are they and how do they affect the skin?
Sunken or atrophic scars are the most common in acne. They affect the appearance of the skin by appearing as small depressions and are classified according to their characteristics:
- Boxcar scars. They are frequent in the temple and cheek area. The shape is round or oval with well-defined borders and a diameter greater than two millimeters.
- Ice pick scars (ice pick). These are deeper scars, with a diameter of less than two millimeters and well-defined walls converging towards the center. They are common on the cheeks.
- Wavy scars (rolling). These are scars without defined borders that may affect large areas. The result is an irregular or etched skin texture.
Acne scars prevent the regeneration of sebaceous and sweat glands in the affected areas. Scar tissue also affects the circulation and hydration of the skin, leading to dehydration and a drier, tougher skin appearance.
Factors influencing scar formation
There are several factors that influence the appearance of acne scars:
- Severity of the condition. The more severe the skin inflammation, the greater the risk of scarring.
- Leaving acne untreated. Delaying acne treatment is a major risk factor.
- Handling acne lesions. Avoid touching pimples, picking at the skin or trying to remove pimples. These bad habits aggravate inflammation and the risk of scar formation.
Prevention of acne scars: what you should know
The best way to prevent acne scars is to control their appearance early on. Although there are several options for improving the appearance of the skin and removing scars from the face, early care can prevent the need for more intensive treatments.
Early care to avoid scarring
To achieve this, it is essential to visit a dermatologist as soon as possible to obtain a personalized treatment plan with specific products for each particular skin type. Addressing acne treatment early helps significantly to avoid the appearance of scars on the skin.
Cleanse the skin daily using the products recommended by the dermatologist. It is very important to be constant in skin care for the treatment to be successful.
Repeat like a mantra “do not manipulate the lesions“. Otherwise, it spreads bacteria, intensifies inflammation and causes scar formation.
Be careful with home remedies. These “solutions” can be too aggressive and increase skin inflammation. Acne is a disease of the skin’s sebaceous glands and should be treated with products specifically designed for this condition.
Advanced treatments to erase acne scars
Removing acne scars from the face is not easy and there is no single option to treat them. There are different therapeutic alternatives depending on each patient and the types of scars they present. It is therefore important to go to a professional consultation where they will advise you about the most advanced and appropriate treatments in each case.
Recombinant enzyme therapies: how they work
One of the newest and most effective treatments is recombinant enzyme therapy, which has been a true revolution in the field of aesthetic dermatology.
After years of biotechnological research, pbserum laboratories have developed second generation recombinant enzymes, thanks to the recombinant technology they have developed. The result is highly effective, highly safe products with a powerful skin regeneration capacity.
Specific Acne Scars treatment is formulated with a perfect combination of enzymes that stimulate the production of collagen in sunken scars to level them with the surface of healthy skin, diminishing the appearance of post-acne scars, promoting skin regeneration and making them virtually unnoticeable, achieving an improvement in the appearance and texture of the skin.
The clinical application of the Specific Acne Scars treatment is performed in several sessions by a doctor, complemented by the Specific Acne Scars home care treatment, through the application of a facial serum.
Home care to keep skin free of scars
Home care is essential to keep the skin free of scars. Here are the most important ones:
- Gentle cleansing and exfoliation, with products specially formulated for acne-prone skin, to remove impurities, dead cells and unclog pores.
- Moisturizing. Promotes cell regeneration and improves skin texture. Use suitable, non-comedogenic products.
- Daily photoprotection. Solar radiation ages the skin and can darken scars.
- Use of Specific Acne Scars Home Care treatment. It is recommended to start using the home care treatment 7 days after each professional session to prolong the benefits and improve skin regeneration.
Remember the importance of treating acne as soon as possible to avoid inflammation and scarring. If these have already appeared, do not hesitate and discover how a specialist can help you improve the appearance of your skin.