Understanding (and overcoming) acne scars

Did you know that approximately 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will have acne?

According to data from the Cleveland Clinic, one out of five of these people experience acne scars as a consequence.

Those of us who deal with acne scars know how annoying it can be, especially if scarring occurs on or around our face. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to reduce—and sometimes even eliminate—the appearance of acne scars. Topical creams and acne scar treatment procedures, for example, can be effective solutions. But because the severity and origin of acne scars vary from person to person, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution.

At The Skin Center at Southgate Medical Group, we understand how difficult it can be to treat acne scars. But that’s why we’re here to help!

Ready to take the first step towards clearer skin? Here’s everything you need to know about acne scars. When you’re ready to talk about the best solution for you, schedule a free consultation with us!

Understanding acne scars

Acne scars come in two primary categories: pitted and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Pitted implies a break in the epidermis and dermis layers of your skin.

Three subcategories of pitted acne scars include icepick, rolling, and boxcar scars:

1. Icepick acne scar characteristics:

Deep and narrow impressions
More severe than other types of scars
Most difficult to improve
At-home remedies are often ineffective
Professional treatments slightly improve appearance and texture

2. Rolling acne scar characteristics:

Wide depressions
Professional treatments yield the best results
Vary in depth with sloping edges
Causes skin to appear wavy and uneven
Some home remedies may be effective

3. Boxcar acne scar characteristics:

Round or oval depressions in skin
Sharp vertical edges
Second-most difficult to improve
Wider than ice pick scars
Not as wide as rolling acne scars

Hyperpigmentation implies a discoloration of the skin due to an excess of melanin in an area.

4. Hypertrophic characteristics:

Often thick, wide, raised scarring
Develop during the healing process
Can be caused by acne, piercings, and cuts
May be itchy or painful

5. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation characteristics:

Refers to patches of dark skin
Formed when skin produces excess melanin
Can be caused by an injury to the skin

Treating acne scars

Now that we’ve identified the different types of scarring, here are some ways to reduce or eliminate them:

Best solution for pitted scars

Our most effective treatment for pitted scars is microneedling.

Microneedling (also known as dermarolling or collagen induction therapy) is a process that stimulates the growth of new collagen, new pigment, and new skin tissue.

At The Skin Center, we use the latest and greatest microneedling technology with SkinPen. To learn more about SkinPen, check out our blog, “7 fast facts about SkinPen” or book a consultation today.

Microneedling works best for rolling acne scars, but it may also improve boxcar and icepick acne scars (with less effective results).

Best solution for hyperpigmented scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Our most effective treatment for hyperpigmented scars is PICO Genesis.

PICO Genesis uses laser light to selectively shatter unwanted pigment and help create a brighter, more uniform complexion in fewer treatment sessions than traditional methods with virtually no downtime.

So if you have hyperpigmentation, PICO Genesis is your best option. But alternative solutions may include microdermabrasions and chemical peels.

Microdermabrasion is a technique that removes the outer layer of skin, giving it a more polished look through exfoliation. The process helps lighten dark pigment and smooth the complexion of the skin with multiple treatments.

Learn more about microdermabrasion in our blog, “Benefits of microdermabrasion.”

A chemical peel is a process that exfoliates damaged, dead skin cells while rebuilding collagen and stimulating the growth of healthier skin. This process also helps lighten dark pigment and smooth the complexion of the skin with multiple treatments..

Contact us today!

Let’s get together and talk about which acne scar treatments will work best for you. Give us a call at (716) 712.1050, contact us online, or schedule your free consultation today. We can’t wait to hear from you!