How to Treat Acne Scars

Acne scars are among the most common skin concerns we are asked about. As if active breakouts weren't frustrating enough, the scars they leave behind can feel even worse! Good news is, there is a solution! Your acne scars CAN be healed and treated.

The first thing we need to look at is the type of acne scarring. There are varying degrees and categories of acne scarring, each requiring its own type of treatment.

• Atrophic scars: Atrophic scars are flat, shallow depressions that heal below the top layer of skin. An atrophic scar is an indented scar that heals below the normal layer of skin tissue. They form when the skin is unable to regenerate tissue. As a result, it leaves behind an imbalanced scarring. Atrophic scars are often the result of acne or chickenpox.
  
  
• Hypertrophic and keloid scars: This type of scar is most commonly found in the jawline, neck, chest and back areas. Unlike atrophic scars, hypertrophic and keloid scars form as raised lumps of scar tissue where the acne once was. It is a thickened, broad, often raised scar that develops where the skin is injured. Scars are expected during the wound healing process, but a hypertrophic scar is a result of an abnormal response to a trauma or injury.
  
  
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: It's categorised by a darkening of the skin where the acne was. It is the body's response to injury - to produce melanin. It's a temporary darkening that follows trauma to the skin.

We can treat the different types of acne scars with topical active ingredients to help lighten and flatten scars.

We can also use in-clinic treatments such as needling and peels. Depending on the degree of scarring, we would refer you on to a Dermatologist. So it is always essential to have a skin consultation to see what type of acne scars you have and whether we can treat it effectively.

With this type of acne scars, we want to stimulate collagen and also speed up cell turnover to help the skin repair itself.

The ingredients we will look for are Vitamins A, to stimulate collagen and speed up cell turnover, Vitamin C to stimulate collagen and also brighten the skin and AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) to exfoliate and keep the skin healthy.

In my opinion, as far as in-clinic treatments go would recommend skin needling with a skin pen device.

This type of scar is definitely out of the realm of beauty therapy, although I have seen good results with silicone patches to help flatten these scars.

I would recommend seeing a dermatologist who would have several treatments to help with this type of acne scar. Best results come from an early intervention.

The good news is that most of these dark marks will fade and disappear over time. You can do a few things to speed up the healing process.

Reach for ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Retinol. The Salicylic Acid will help to exfoliate while the Retinol will help to speed up the rate of cell turnover plus help to lighten the pigment. Another excellent treatment is to have a course of peels or some skin needling; both these treatments have great results!

Pigment Punch+ contains  Tyrostat-11™, a powerful complex of Rumex Occidentalis and Vitamin C to help illuminate and even out complexion. RadianSkin™ works in synergy with other ingredients to target pigmented dark areas and Bellides™ which is a Daisy flower extract, helps illuminate appearance of skin.

Renews and brightens skin with dark spots, uneven tone, blemishes and signs of photo-aging. Reactivates cell renewal and increases skin hydration. Pore size is reduced, leaving the skin clearer and brighter, with a uniform tone.

A cocktail of gentle physical exfoliators combined with Salicylic Acid to cleanse the skin and polish away imperfections.

As poppy, jojoba and date seeds scrub away dead skin cells and debris, Salicylic Acid provides intensive renewal for an all-around smoother, clearer look and feel.

Crystal Retinal targets fine lines and wrinkles for smooth and visibly youthful skin. Unlike other forms of Vitamin A, retinaldehyde boasts direct, powerful antibacterial properties. This allows it to target acne-causing bacteria; promoting a healthy, visibly clear complexion.

To try and prevent acne scarring it takes a combination solutions:

1. Treat Acne as soon as it starts to develop

2. Do not squeeze, pick or pop pimples.

3. Do not pick scabs

4. Use good quality skin care that has been professionally prescribed for you

5. Do not self diagnose and use what your fiends are using. There are many types of Acne and every skin is different so each skin requires a different approach.

6. Consult with a Doctor if the problem persists.

If you need any help with treating your acne or scarring please reach out to us here

Our qualified skin therapists will be more than happy to help.

My name is Rochelle, I have been lucky enough to be in the Beauty Industry for over 30 years helping clients achieve amazing results with their skin.

With 3 children of my own, I understand life is busy, so I'd love to help you find the best regimen that works for you and your lifestyle!

Having owned my own traditional based Beauty Salon and time in the Laser Industry, I've learnt that my passion lies in results-driven skin treatments and products. I feel so fortunate to have the most amazing brands at my fingertips. This allows me to give the best possible treatment and home care advice you need to achieve the skin you desire.