Acne & Acne Scars
Acne is a common condition arising from the inflammation of the skin’s oil glands. It can present as whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps, or pus-filled lumps. Although it most commonly occurs on the face, it can also appear on the back, chest, shoulders, and neck.
As a common skin concern, acne can affect most people at some point, usually during their teenage years. However, contrary to popular belief, acne is not confined to teenagers only. While most people outgrow acne by their late teens, some continue to be affected well into adulthood.
In some cases, acne can also cause scarring and leave dark marks. Aside from discolouration (which can vary in intensity), acne scars can sometimes even change the texture of the skin, resulting in pitting or protrusions on the skin.
Acne eruptions do come and go, but unfortunately, some are left with acne scars and marks that may be permanent if left untreated.
And it is impossible to predict which patient will scar. Therefore, this condition is not a trivial matter and should be treated early and thoroughly.
Yes! You can clear acne and prevent acne scar formation! However, there is no single one-size-fits-all treatment formula. Our Acne Treatment Programme is specially designed to treat your skin problem and is tailored accordingly to your needs.
Nowadays we have a wide range of acne and acne scar treatments. To achieve the best results, you are advised to go through the whole programme with your dermatologist.
But It Is Treatable. Specialist Skin Clinic offers a wide range of acne treatments carefully tailor-made for all skin types. Contact us today for a prompt and detailed consultation.
Acne damages the skin's tissue and the top layer of the skin. This causes the skin to try and repair itself by producing collagen, which helps to replace the tissue that has been damaged. However, too much or too little collagen production can lead to acne scarring.
With inadequate collagen, the skin will not develop enough tissue to repair the damage, leading to skin depressions called atrophic scars. On the other hand, excessive collagen production may lead to raised scars, also known as hypertrophic scars.
These are depressions in the skin caused by not having enough collagen while healing. This type of acne scar is divided into three subtypes:
- Ice pick scars - The most common type of atrophic scars, these scars are small but create deep holes in the skin, sometimes resembling a “V” shape.
- Boxcar scars - These scars are round or oval-shaped with sharp edges and look like chicken pox scars.
- Rolling scars - These scars are very shallow with soft, smooth edges. They create wide depressions in the skin with a rolling or uneven appearance, like an “M” pattern.
While acne scars do not affect one’s physical health, they can have a negative impact on one’s confidence. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to make acne scars appear lighter and more even in texture.
The treatment for acne scars depends on the type of scarring and its severity. Some well-established treatments include laser treatments and subcutaneous incisions (subcision). These procedures are best performed by dermatologists for optimal safety and efficacy.
- Red marks can be treated with IPL (intense pulsed light). IPL works by constricting the tiny congested blood vessels and therefore clears up the red marks, flush and blush of acne.
- Brown marks can be treated with lightening creams, SilkPeel® dermalinfusion microdermabrasion or IPL in resistant cases.
- Raised lumpy scars (keloids) benefit from injections of cortisone to soften and flatten them.
- Deep depressed scars and ice-pick scars may benefit from minor surgical procedures like subcision and punch excision.
- Superficial depressed scars can be smoothened out with MiXto fractional CO2 laser treatment and/or skin filler injections.
- Superficial uneven scars can be softened with microdermabrasion treatment.
- Do not squeeze or scratch pimples. Avoid facials, scrubs, masks and exfoliants when your acne is inflamed.
- Do not wash with harsh soaps. Wash away the surface oil with a good gentle soap.
- Have a well-balanced diet.
- Use reliable water-based, oil-free cosmetics.
- Stick close to your doctor’s prescription. Feel free to check with your doctor if you have any doubts about the treatment or side effects or for some reason, your condition is not improving.
- Certain birth control pills and hormone medications can worsen your skin condition. Do discuss this with your skin doctor.
- Stress and lack of sleep may aggravate acne.
Consult your doctor if treatments are not working or you are uncomfortable with prescribed medications, discuss alternatives with your doctor.
Sometimes, your acne may worsen initially before it gets better and it may take a few months to see definite results. Exercise patience – you will be pleasantly surprised how much you can improve.
While acne scars cannot be completely prevented, the following can reduce its severity:
- Refrain from popping your pimples
- Protect your skin from sun damage using sunscreen
- Keep your skin moisturised
- Reduce inflammation using appropriate topical spot treatments
- See a dermatologist to manage acne problems early
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