Acne Scars – What Causes Acne Scarring (And How To Get Rid Of It!)

Acne is bad enough to deal with on its own, what makes it even harder is when acne begins to cause scarring.  Acne scars are usually very visible and if left untreated can actually prevent further damage to the skin which also takes a toll on our immune systems as it begins to work harder to try and repair the damage caused.  Acne scars are remaining damaged pieces of tissue left on the skin that our bodies have tried to heal.

When acne occurs it begins to clog our pores, which then causes it to become inflamed and fill up with pus.  Bacteria begin to fill up the pores, and signals are then sent throughout our body to our immune system to tell it that a skin injury has occurred.  Our body’s immune system then naturally begins working to try and repair the damage, causing scar tissue to form at the site.  This is actually what causes the majority of scarring.

Scarring can also result from a person picking or popping their pimples.  Although it may be tempting to pop a big nasty zit on your face you would be better off leaving it to heal on its own.  As unattractive or annoying you may find it to be picking at the pimple will only make the scarring much worse than if you just leave it to heal on its own.  This is because when you pick at the pimple it allows more bacteria to enter the region that you have broken open.  Unlike regular scars which usually form on the surface, acne scars occur within the dermis, the dense layer of skin beneath the epidermis making it harder to improve.

Types of acne scars

Something that not many people know is that there are actually different types of acne scars.  There are four to be exact.

Hypertrophic/Keloid Scars

Hypertrophic or Keloid scars are usually smooth and oddly shaped raised scars that are caused by increasing formations of scar tissue that stay within the boundary of the original acne site and tend to become much larger than the original site and may itch.  However this type of scarring usually begins to decrease in size over time.

Box Car Scars

As their name suggests, boxcar acne scars have angular well defined edges like a box car and are usually found on the cheeks or temples.  Many times they also resemble chicken pox scars.

Ice Pick Scars

Ice pick acne scars are named for the shape they leave behind.  Resembling a mark that an ice pick would leave they are one of the most common types of acne scars seen in patients.  They are deep and narrow and form pits in the skin.  The scars they form are somewhat similar in appearance to the scars one would get from having chicken pox.

Rolling Scars

Rolling Scars vary in length but are in most cases longer than other types of acne scars and have a wide and shallow depth which tends to cause a wave like appearance to occur on the skin when scarring takes place.

Prevention and Treatment

Luckily thanks to the advancements in technology and modern science there are now a number of highly effective treatment and prevention options.  The first step to prevention and treatment would be to visit a dermatologist.  They will be able to look at your acne and properly diagnose what type of scarring you have and point you towards the most effective form of treatment.  Prevention methods and treatment options range from everything to non topical medications to non-invasive laser treatments to chemical injections.

Acne Fighting Products

The first step to eliminate scarring is prevention.  Preventing acne scarring is important when treating acne.  This can be done by purchasing and using acne fighting products such as non-topical medications.  The ones that tend to work best are those that have ingredients of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.  These medications help temporarily cure acne and will hopefully also prevent new acne from forming, and help diminish scarring.

Non-Invasive Laser Treatment

Non-invasive laser treatments are done using a laser that removes the damaged skin so that new skin can grow and take its place.  This type of treatment can usually be done at the dermatologist’s office but may take several treatments to be effective; it just depends on what kind of scarring you have and how severe it is.

Chemical Injections

Chemical injection treatments are only a temporary treatment that usually last for about 6 months.  However its popularity has grown due to being so cost efficient.  When using chemical injection treatments it helps reduce the appearance of scarring by softening the skin around the scar itself.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion treatment is resurfacing of the face that helps decrease scar size or eliminate them altogether.  During this procedure the first few layers of skin which are considered dead are removed.  This helps to reduce the appearance of scarring and also leaves the face looking healthier.  After the procedure is done new skin begins to emerge.

Excision

Excision is a treatment where the scars are surgically removed by cutting them out and then repairing the hole that is left by stitching them up.  For severe scars sometimes skin grafts may also be used.  Skin grafts are often taken from another part of the body, most often the buttocks.  It is then transferred onto the damaged area to replace it.

Tips to remember

Some people are just more prone to acne than others and because of this may scar easier and more severely than others.  This is why it is so important to take good care of yourself and your body.

Don’t pick/pop/ or squeeze

The next time your face breaks out do not pick or squeeze it!  Instead make an appointment with you dermatologist or use ointments that can help prevent acne and future scarring from occurring.

Skin rejuvenation

Find a medication that helps build collagen and will increase skin rejuvenation.

Stay informed to avoid breakouts

If you notice that certain things make you break out more than avoid doing those things!  Maybe not taking your makeup off the night before or eating a lot of chocolate or fatty foods causes you to break out!  If this is the case be smart and avoid doing these things or try to limit how much you do them.

Summary

We have established what a pain scarring can be but the good news is that with the proper knowledge of how scarring occurs and what types of scars there are you should be well on your way to prevention and treatment.  No matter what you choose to do just remember that you are not alone in this.  Many people suffer from acne and acne scarring.  The first step is educating yourself on what you can do and the second step is getting the help you need.  Here’s to the road to recovery and healthy, happy skin!

Related Articles: