These days Acne, Acne marks, and acne scars are common, acne usually goes away but acne scars remain on the skin, acne scars are those visible marks left on the skin after acne itself has gone away.
Acne scars can be taken in various forms and textures, that range from shallow depressions to raised bumps or disclosed patches.
How many types of acne scars?
Typically, there are several types of acne scars, some of the acne scars are listed below:
- Atrophic Scars:
- Icepick Scars: These types of acne scars are those whose skins look like an ice pick with deep pits that extend into the skin, resembling small holes or punctures. Also, it has a wide hole at the top that gets smaller as it gets deeper. The forehead and the upper cheeks are naturally thinner so You’re more likely to get icepick scars. Also, they are the most common type of depression scar.
Icepick Scars (Source: SkinKraft) - Boxcar Scars: Boxcar scars are those that have sharply defined edges, resembling a box or rectangular shape on our skin. Boxcars are often seen over our jawline or lower cheeks. Compared to Icepick Scares, Boxcar Scares are wide and have sharp edges.
Boxcar Scars (Source: Sozo Aesthetic Clinic) - Rolling Scars: Rolling scars can make our skin more uneven, they often appear on the cheeks and temples. Similarly, if your skin look looks wavy and uneven, you have what’s called a rolling scar. Rolling scars can be caused by damage under your skin’s surface.
Rolling Scars (Source: The Acne Scar Center)
- Icepick Scars: These types of acne scars are those whose skins look like an ice pick with deep pits that extend into the skin, resembling small holes or punctures. Also, it has a wide hole at the top that gets smaller as it gets deeper. The forehead and the upper cheeks are naturally thinner so You’re more likely to get icepick scars. Also, they are the most common type of depression scar.
- Hypertrophic Scars: This type of ace usually appears and develops when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process.
- Keloid Scars: Compared to hypertrophic scares, they can be large, raised, and extend beyond the boundaries of the initial acne lesion.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the dark patches or spots that result from an overproduction of melanin in response to inflammation. This can usually occur in various shades of brown, red, or purple, depending on the individual’s skin tone.
- Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE):
- This post-inflammatory erythema can be caused by the dilation of blood vessels during the inflammatory response to acne which can be red or purple marks on the skin.
- Mixed Scars:
- All of the above you can also sometimes see the mixed types of scares that may have a combination of different types of acne scars like a mix of atrophic and hypertrophic scars or a combination of atrophic scars and PIH/PIE.
15 Best Acne Scar Treatment for Smooth Skin and Brighter Skin
Similarly, here are the best 15 for acne scare treatments to get the smooth and brighter skin
- Chemical Peels: These days, chemical peels have gone very viral where these types of treatments use acids to exfoliate the skin, which can promote cell turnover and reduce the appearance of scars.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a very unique type of mechanical exfoliation technique that buffs away the outer layer of skin and helps diminish acne scars.
- Microneedling: Microneedling is common these days, where the procedure involves creating tiny punctures in the skin that help to stimulate collagen production, which can improve the appearance of scars over time.
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is also common these days, Various types of laser treatments, such as fractional laser therapy or pulsed dye laser therapy help to fade acne scars by promoting collagen production and skin renewal.
- Dermal Fillers: Face acid-like, hyaluronic acid can temporarily plump up depressed scars, making them less noticeable within a period.
- Topical Retinoids: Topical retinoids, like tretinoin, can be more helpful in improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of acne scars by increasing cell turnover.
- Vitamin C Serum: As we already know Vitamin C is known for its brightening properties and also can help fade acne scars over time.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Glycolic acid and lactic acid exfoliate the AHAs helping the skin to fade acne scars and reveal smoother, brighter skin.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Salicylic acid is a BHA that gets deep into the pores and unclogs them and also reduces the appearance of acne scars.
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide contains vitamin B3 which helps to reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation, which is effective for fading acne scars.
- Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid is the type that has both exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it more useful for treating both acne and acne scars.
- Honey: Honey is one of the best ways to get the natural and soft texture of the skin where Natural honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal acne scars and promote smoother skin.
- Onion Extract: However, some of the studies have also found that onion extract, found in certain scar creams helps to improve the appearance of acne scars.
- DIY Masks: DIY masks the one of the best ways to brighten the skin, there are many types of DIY hacks but my favourite is turmeric, honey, and yogurt the best combo to create DIY masks that may help fade acne scars and brighten the skin.
- Professional Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is only performed by a dermatologist also it is considered as a is a more aggressive form of exfoliation that can help smooth out acne scars.
Note* If your acne scar gets worse then visit a nearby dermatologist
What’s best for removing acne scars? Scar cream
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The Ordinary Facial Treatment Set
Source: Prevention Pros Cons Includes three products Products may need to be introduced one at a time Reduces discoloration Hydrates skin -
Differin Acne Treatment Gel
Source: Prevention Pros Cons Treats acne and acne scars Pro May be irritating to sensitive skin Targets fine lines and wrinkles Pro Reduces sebum production -
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Source: Prevention Pros Cons Treats acne and acne scars Pro May be irritating to sensitive skin Smooths and brightens Pro Affordable -
BioCorneum Scar Treatment Plus SPF 30 Silicone Scar Gel
Source: Prevention Pros Cons Treats and prevents raised acne scars Some reviewers reported dryness after use Pro Offers sun protection Pro Reduces redness -
HydroPeptide 5x Power Peel Daily Resurfacing Pads
Source: Prevention Pros Cons Reduces discolouration and acne scars Pricey Pro Easy to use Pro Smooths skin -
Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Source: Prevention Pros Cons Brightens complexion Pricey Pro Fades acne scars Pro Smooths skin -
Peter Thomas Roth Brightening Facial Scrub With Vitamin C
Source: Prevention Pros Cons Reduces discoloration and acne scars May be irritating to sensitive skin Pro Safe for all skin tones Pro Smooths skin -
Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-In-1 Fight & Fade Acne Toner
Source: Prevention Pros Cons Treats and prevents acne May be irritating to sensitive skin Pro Fades acne scars Pro Affordable -
Topicals Active Scar Primer
Source: Prevention Pros Cons Reduces discoloration and acne scars Two-step process Pro Smooths skin Pro Treats acne -
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum
Source: Prevention Pros Cons Fades and flattens acne scars Pricey Pro Smooths skin Pro Easy to apply
Can you 100% remove acne scars?
I believe that there is no 100% guaranteed acne or acne scar remover or treatment. Completely getting rid of acne scars is quite challenging. However, the successful result of acne scars depends on various factors, including the type and severity of the scars, individual skin characteristics, and the chosen treatment approach.
Additionally, Acne is a complex skin condition with various causes, including genetics, hormones, bacteria, and inflammation. Similarly, acne scars can be challenging to treat effectively, as they result from the skin’s natural healing process after acne lesions have healed.
Besides, many dermatological procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, laser therapy, and dermal fillers can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars, but complete eradication may not be guaranteed.
FAQs
What are Acne scars?
These days Acne, Acne marks, and acne scars are common, acne usually goes away but acne scars remain on the skin, acne scars are those visible marks left on the skin after acne itself has gone away. Acne scars can be taken in various forms and textures, that range from shallow depressions to raised bumps or disclosed patches.
What can cause acne scars?
Acne scars can result from inflammation and tissue damage caused by acne breakouts or pimples. During the skin’s healing process is disrupted the skin tissues that lead to the formation of scars.
