Acne scars are the unwanted remnants of battles fought beneath the skin’s surface. They come in different forms, notably pigmented and atrophic acne scars, which are sometimes reminiscent of the aftermath of chickenpox. Atrophic scars create depressions in the skin, while pigmented scars are marked by darkened spots.
Acne Scars: Pigmented vs. Atrophic
Pigmented Scars
Hyperpigmentation is when your skin gets darker in certain areas. When you have a pimple or any kind of skin irritation, your skin might get a little darker in that spot after it goes away. Sun exposure, a double-edged sword, also plays a role in the fate of pigmented scars. While a natural tan may temporarily mask pigmented scars, UV exposure intensifies hyperpigmentation, making the scars appear darker and more conspicuous.
Atrophic Scars
Cystic acne often leaves little dents or a mark on the skin after it goes away. Those marks are called atrophic scars, and they can also be left behind after chickenpox. Your skin rarely heals perfectly after these types of lesions. It tries its best to produce more collagen to fill it in, but sometimes it does not completely fill in the space that the bump created.
The good news is that there are ways to trigger your body’s natural collagen remodelling process to smooth out atrophic scars and fade pigmented scars!
How do my scars fade?
Our body’s natural healing mechanisms set in motion to fade these scars to a certain extent over time. Collagen production increases, and damaged tissue gradually repairs itself.
However, not all scars follow this path, leading to lingering reminders of the past. These scars often seem more persistent as we age, attributed to our skin’s reduced capacity for natural renewal as we get older. When this happens, your skin needs to have its collagen production mechanisms stimulated for the scar to disappear or fade.
Acne scar treatments essentially kickstart your skin’s healing and rejuvenation mechanisms. They provide the boost your skin needs to gradually improve its texture, tone, and the appearance of scars.
Keep on reading to explore acne scar treatments.
How soon can I treat my acne scars?
You can begin treating your acne scars with laser therapy or microneedling once your open blemishes or active lesions have healed. Having an occasional pimple or a couple of outlying pimples that can be avoided during the scar treatment will not necessarily prevent you from beginning the scar treatment process.
Our expert skin technicians will thoroughly study your skin during the pre-treatment consultation and give you information based on your unique skin. They will also recommend appropriate active acne facial treatments and acne skincare products to help manage your current acne. By addressing active acne effectively, we also minimize future scar removal.
Microneedling for pigmented and atrophic scars
Conquering Acne Scars – The Solutions
PicoSure Laser (best for pigmented scars): Laser is a revolutionary solution for pigmented scars. Picosure laser uses ultra-short pulses to break down pigment into minuscule particles, enabling the body to dispose of them naturally and fade your scars. Results are often achieved in fewer sessions compared to traditional methods. It is one of the most comfortable laser treatments for scars.
Fractional Laser (best for atrophic scars): Atrophic scars meet their match with fractional laser. This laser stimulates collagen production, restoring your skin’s natural texture and appearance. Gradually, the depressed areas fill in, leaving a smoother complexion. Fractional laser also treats pigmented scars and is a great option for treating both types of scars in the same appointment.
Microneedling (for both types): Microneedling is another option in the acne scar remedy game, and an alternative to laser for less pronounced scars. Tiny needles create controlled micro-injuries, igniting the body’s healing response and collagen synthesis. It is effective for both atrophic and pigmented scars.
After each treatment session, your skin starts a healing and renewal process. It takes a few weeks for the new collagen to develop, and for your skin to fully regenerate. Over the weeks following a treatment, you’ll notice a progressive improvement in your acne scars as your skin goes through its natural cycle and incorporates the effects of the treatment.
Should I get Microneedling or Laser?
Both these acne scar solutions give excellent results. We offer both types to give you options based on your unique skin type and personal preferences. Every treatment begins with a complimentary consultation with an expert skin technician to determine the perfect solution personalized to your skin.
Typically, microneedling is ideal for those with milder scarring and seeking a gentler approach while laser treatments suit skin with more pronounced scarring. Although more intensive, laser often yields quicker results.
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the severity of your atrophic and/or pigmented scars, you may need 3-5 treatments to fully remove or fade them significantly. Each treatment is spaced about 4-6 weeks apart to allow a full skin cycle to produce fresh, less marked skin cells.
The gradual improvement in acne scar reduction is closely tied to the natural cycle of your skin and how your treatments interact with it. Your skin naturally goes through a constant cycle of renewal. Old skin cells are shed, and new ones come to the surface. This cycle takes around 4 to 6 weeks. When you receive treatments such as laser therapy or microneedling, they stimulate a new cycle as well as your skin’s natural healing processes. This includes the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps your skin become smoother.
A complete, monthly skin rejuvenation: A bonus effect of receiving acne scar treatments for a few months is that they do more than just reduce your scars. Laser and microneedling have the added benefit of smoothing out the appearance of large pores, making your overall skin tone more even, and fighting premature signs of aging such as fine lines and sun damage.
Supporting Your Acne Scar Reduction with Your Skincare Routine
Effective skincare ingredients can bolster the efforts of these treatments. Here are some ingredients to look for:
- Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that aids collagen production and reduces pigmentation. Your skin absorbs this particularly well in serum form, layered under retinol and a moisturizer.
- Retinoids: These derivatives of Vitamin A increase cell turnover, improving texture and reducing pigmentation and are often found in retinol creams usually applied between your serum and moisturizer.
- Niacinamide: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide helps with redness and uneven tone. It is often found in sunscreen which you will absolutely need to be wearing every day to fade your scars and support your treatments.
Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is a non-negotiable product that must be worn every day, regardless of the season or whether you are indoors or outdoors. UV rays are constantly attacking your skin and worsening acne scars.
Given how common acne scarring is, you can now find entire end-to-end skincare routines designed to fade pigmented scars. Ask your Total Wrapture skin technician to help you pick the perfect products for your lifestyle and unique skin.
PicoSure Laser for pigmented acne scars
Chemical Peels for Acne Scars
Chemical peels for acne scars can work wonders, particularly for lighter-coloured pigmented scars or more shallow atrophic scars. However, their true potential shines when used in conjunction with laser or microneedling treatments for more pronounced scars.
Chemical peels serve as a powerful booster, enhancing the results of these advanced treatments by further promoting collagen production and skin renewal.
They are not just limited to scar reduction! If you are prone to acne, chemical peels make an excellent choice for your regular professional facials. With their ability to exfoliate and unclog pores, they assist in managing breakouts and maintaining clear, radiant skin. They also minimize new scars from active acne. Whether as a standalone option or a complement to more intensive scar treatments, chemical peels can play a pivotal role in your journey towards smoother, more vibrant skin.
You Don’t Have to Live with Your Scars
You deserve to live in your best skin. In the quest for smooth, radiant skin, tackling acne scars is worth the glowing confidence it produces. At Total Wrapture Medi Spa, we’re armed with state-of-the-art treatments and a commitment to guide you towards achieving your skin goals.
Whether it’s the PicoSure laser, fractional laser, or microneedling, your path to rejuvenation is simpler than you think. Why wait any longer to enjoy the confidence of scar-free skin?
Not only does laser treat acne scars, but it makes overall skin tone and texture more even and smooth.
Beautiful results from microneedling. Notice how much more rejuvenated the skin also looks generally.