It can be very frustrating to have acne scars. While you might have won your battle with acne, the stubborn scars can last for long, sometimes for a lifetime. However, these scars can also be treated with lifestyle changes and simple treatments. And with consistent efforts, your skin will look smoother, clearer, and more even.
Acne scars: What are they? And how are they caused?
Acne develops when the skin’s pores become blocked with dirt, bacteria or dead skin cells. And when the pores become clogged, the follicle walls break and create deep or superficial lesions. Scarring is often a result of such inflamed skin lesions. These lesions penetrate the skin’s tissue and leave marks. As acne is an inflammatory condition that can cause scarring, the severity of the inflammation and its duration will also play a role in the intensity of scarring. Hence, scarring is not always the same for everyone. The chances of scarring increase by delaying the treatment of acne. It is, therefore, essential to get on top of things quickly.
The skin’s healing process is governed by collagen, which we all know. As our skin ages, collagen in our skin decreases. As a result, the chances of scarring are higher when we are older. And that is why the skin needs more collagen after a breakout to heal itself. If there isn’t enough, it causes scarring.
Acne Scars: Its various types
Understanding the various types of acne scars is crucial before finding the proper medical treatment or ingredient to treat them. Each type of scar reacts to a different treatment, so it is essential to understand which treatments are more effective for your particular scar.
Here’s a guide that explains all the types of scars on your skin.
- Depressed or atrophic scars
These are the most common scars that leave hollow indentations in the skin. These scars are formed when there is a lack of fibroblasts in the skin to aid healing. Fibroblasts are skin cells that play a crucial role in wound healing and collagen production.
These are the types of atrophic scars:
—Boxcar scars: These scars are U-shaped and have sharp edges. They can be shallow or deep. They will react quicker to any skin treatments when they are shallower. They develop from an inflammatory breakout, which damages the natural collagen. This leads to skin tissue loss and the formation of depressions.
—Rolling scars: These have an irregular appearance and are large depressions on the skin surface with round edges. These scars develop from fibrous bands of skin tissue. They pull off the epidermis and give the scars an irregular and uneven appearance.
—Ice pick scars: These are V-shaped scars, which extend below the skin’s surface. They look similar to chickenpox scars and create small circular holes. These scars are most difficult to treat, as they extend deep below the skin’s surface and are the most visible to the naked eyes.
Hypertrophic Scars
When the skin creates too many fibroblasts while the acne spot heals, a raised scar visible above the skin’s surface gets formed. These can be noticed most often on the back or chest.
Keloid Scars
They are similar to hypertrophic scars but are thicker than the actual acne spot. They are typically darker than the surrounding skin and may be either red or brown. Sometimes, they cause itching and pain.
Acne scars and marks: how are they different?
Acne marks are most common in those with darker skin tones. These people may experience brown spots, while those with a lighter complexion will experience purple or red post-inflammatory marks. These marks tend to fade quicker over time.
Scars, on the contrary, are deep indentations of the skin that are created when the skin faces pimples or other traumas. They can be more difficult to heal than marks, and they may even be permanent. Medical treatment may be necessary for certain situations to reduce scarring.
Ingredients that work on acne scars
The easiest way to get rid of acne marks is to use products meant for acne scar reduction, such as No Scars scar removal facewash. In case you wonder what active ingredients anti scar products contain, then here is a list—
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, helps neutralise free radicals, reduce redness and swelling, and dramatically improve the appearance of skin lesions. It has amazing healing properties by being able to boost collagen production. And thus, it rebuilds the skin’s structure, particularly for Atrophic Scars. It can also be used to treat and reduce hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and dark spots.
Salicylic Acid
It is a commonly used ingredient in skincare products. For years, it has been used to treat acne in various forms, such as spot treatments and cleansers. It works well for all types of acne scars because it clears the pores and reduces swelling. It gently exfoliates the skin helping in removing dead skin cells and dirt that accumulate and clog pores. Salicylic Acid products are available to be added to your skincare regimen or applied as a chemical peel by a dermatologist.
However, to avoid irritation and dryness, you should do a patch test if your skin is sensitive.
AHAs
Alpha Hydroxy acids are a wonderful ingredient to treat acne and acne scars. They are effective in treating all types of acne scarring.
Lactic Acid
It is a gentle and mild acid for the skin. It can be found in lotions and moisturisers, and certain other over-the-counter products. It can gently remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture and smoothen out the skin. It is suitable for all types of acne scarring and comes in various forms, including spot treatment, peels, serums, ointments, and exfoliators.
Retinoids
Retinoids work by decreasing inflammation, speeding up cell renewal and decreasing the severity of acne lesions. This active ingredient can be used to reduce acne scarring when its topical application. It can be used to reduce or lighten hyperpigmentation and scarring from post-inflammatory reactions. Retinoid treatments may cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight. Hence, it is essential to use sunscreen if you are using retinoids.
Rosehip
It is an anti-ageing gem. It has high levels of bioactive Vitamin A (Retinoic Acid) and Linoleic Acid, which help increase collagen and elastin, reducing inflammation and scarring. This speeds up cell regeneration, which reduces scarring from all types of causes, including hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide
It is a form of Vitamin B3. It helps to neutralize free radicals and keeps the skin healthy. When applied topically, its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce skin damage and repair the outer skin layer.
Azelaic Acid
It is naturally found in wheat, barley and Rye. It is an effective treatment for active breakouts and scarring. It promotes cell turnover, which means that scarring can be reduced, and skin can heal faster. It reduces inflammation, treats redness, and makes scarring less obvious. This also helps to reduce irritation. Hyperpigmentation can sometimes be caused by inflammation. Azelaic Acid here immensely in such a situation as it reduces the number of discoloured skin cells.
If, however, you are looking for a one-spit solution for your acne scars, then go for No Scars products. Washing your face with No Scars face wash regularly will help lighten scars marks. No Scars is the best scar removal facewash out there.
