What is Acne Scarring?
Acne scarring can develop as a result of having acne. It most commonly occurs from deeper acne spots such as nodules and cysts. Picking the skin can also result in scarring.
What causes Acne Scarring?
All acne can lead to scarring, however deeper spots and picking the skin can increase the risk. Nodules and cysts can burst causing trauma to nearby skin tissue. It can also be caused by the body’s own healing response working to excess, producing collagen which builds up permanently in this area and forms a scar.
Types of Acne Scarring
There are two main types of scarring that can develop from acne: atrophic and hypertrophic. Atrophic scarring is flat whilst hypertrophic is raised.
Below are 3 types of atrophic scarring:
Ice pick scarring
Deep narrow pitted scarring most often caused by cystic acne
Boxcar scarring
Broad scars, sharp edges, almost like a sharp wide indent in the skin, most commonly caused by inflammatory acne
Rolling scarring
Broad scars with rolling/wavy edges. Most commonly from inflammatory acne, this type tends to appear worse as the skin ages due to loss of collagen
Other types
Hypertrophic scars are raised as a result of excess collagen building up and causing a raised scar. Another type of raised scar as a result of acne is a keloid scar. These scars are raised, enlarged, pink and have developed over a larger area than the original spot. Unfortunately we cannot treat these scars.
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can also develop as a result of acne. This isn’t true acne scarring as it doesn’t result from damage to the follicle. PIH is a pigmentation that is left behind once the acne heals, this may be pink, purple, brown or black in colour.
How can I Prevent Acne Scarring?
By avoiding picking the skin you will reduce your risk of developing acne scarring however acne scarring may develop as a result of inflammatory acne or deep cysts and nodules. By treating your active acne you can reduce your risk of developing scarring.
Acne Scarring Treatments
Because Acne Scarring can differ from person to person it’s not a one size fits all approach.
Microneedling
Microneedling with the Dermicapen treats all atrophic acne scars by causing micro ‘trauma wounds’ to the skin to encourage the production of collagen. Collagen is our bodys own wound healer. Collagen production will start throughout the treatment but as our skin takes 4 weeks on average to renew we start to see results after this time.
We use collagen stimulating products such as Hyaluronic acid throughout the treatment to increase results. Skin will feel like a mild sunburn after so to finish off we apply a bio cellulose mask to promote healing and further absorption of serums.
We advise 3-6 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart along with a homecare regime. Downtime of 1-2 weeks.
Modified Jessner Peel
This advanced peel combines Salicylic acid with Resorcinol to reduce excess oil, treat current and prevent future breakouts whilst reducing appearance of acne scars. It is particularly good at reducing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation scars from previous breakouts. Downtime peeling of 1-2 weeks.
Homecare
No treatment plan is complete without a homecare regime. Again as we treat everyone on a case by case basis, at each consultation we advise a regime for you. For acne scarring we want to include resurfacing products. Some of these products can include:
Obagi Retinol 0.5/1.0
During your consultation we can advise which strength you should use. Retinol is vitamin A, it will speed up cell renewal and promote the growth and repair of skin cells. Smoothing and refining skin whilst stimulating collagen production. It also includes jojoba oil and shea butter to promote firmness and elasticity.
https://shop.beyondskinclinic.com/product/obagi-retinol-1
Skinceuticals Retexturing Activator
This 2 in 1 serum retexturises skin whilst adding hydration. With hyaluronic acid and Kombuchka (enzyme) the skins natural resurfacing, desquamation is activated. Used every day for 8 weeks, it is the equivalent of a skin peel.
https://shop.beyondskinclinic.com/product/skinceuticals-retexturing-activator
Dermaquest Peptide Glyco Cleanser
With 15% glycolic acid, peptides and lactic acid; this treatment cleanser smoothes and gently resurfaces skin.
https://shop.beyondskinclinic.com/product/dermaquest-peptide-glyco-cleanser
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF
With 10% L Ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) Phloretin CF provides advanced protection against free radical and environmental damage. Phloretin derived from green apples helps to improve skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
https://shop.beyondskinclinic.com/product/skinceuticals-phloretin-cf-serum
Dermaquest B3 Youth Serum
Main ingredient vitamin B3 (niacinamide) repairs skin’s natural barrier whilst firming and hydrating. B3 evens skin tone and reduces sebum production. Antioxidants also help to repair environmental damage.
https://shop.beyondskinclinic.com/product/dermaquest-b3-youth-serum
Dermaquest Mini Pumpkin Mask
With pumpkin pulp (natural enzyme), Lactic and Mandelic acids it exfoliates skin to provide a bright and glowing complexion. Weekly at home treatment.
https://shop.beyondskinclinic.com/product/dermaquest-mini-pumpkin-mask
Agera Microderma RX system
A 2-part system to exfoliate the skin. Step 1 uses vitamin C crystals to buff away dead skin cells whilst step 2 is an activator with lactic acid to gently dissolve the crystals and dead skin to reveal a smoother complexion.
https://shop.beyondskinclinic.com/product/agera-rx-microderma-system
Treat From Within
Advanced Nutrition Programme
Skin Collagen Support
Combining Vitamin C, Zinc and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) to support collagen formation. Increasing collagen is key to treating acne scarring. Vitamin C provides antioxidant benefits, protecting our skin from environmental damage.
https://shop.beyondskinclinic.com/product/skin-collagen-support
Book your Online Consultation to find out how we can start your journey to clear, smooth skin today!
