Acne Scar is a common skin condition that can affect anyone. It usually appears on the face and back, but it can also occur in other areas of your body, such as your chest or neck. Acne scars are tough to deal with — they remain present even after acne has gone away, and they don’t fade over time like most other types of scars. Due to their stubborn nature, acne scars often require multiple treatments before they improve or disappear entirely.
Acne scars are stubborn, and no single treatment is best for everyone.
Acne scars are stubborn, and no single treatment is best for everyone. It depends on the type of scar, the person and whether it’s new or old, how severe it is, and even your skin type!
Acne scars will differ in color, shape, and size—that’s just the beginning. The severity of your acne scar may also vary depending on how long ago you got it (new vs. old), what caused it (topical medications versus hormonal changes), and factors like genetics and age.
The best way to treat each type is different:
- Pits need a more aggressive approach; they’re caused by excessive oil production, which can be combated with oral antibiotics and topical retinoids (such as Neutrogena Deep Cleansing Wash). In addition, you may want to consider laser therapy if you have frequent breakouts or large clusters of pimples around your nose and cheeks—this will help speed up recovery time, so you don’t have to wait for the redness to fade before applying makeup!
The one thing that acne scars have in common is that they’re usually hyperpigmentation caused by an overproduction of melanin (the pigment that creates skin tone).
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the discoloration of your skin that’s not caused by sun exposure. Instead, it’s caused by an overproduction of melanin (the pigment that creates skin tone). This can happen for several reasons:
- You may have a genetic predisposition to produce more melanin than average.
- You may also be trying to lighten your skin color with products like bleach or dye, which can cause blotchiness and unevenness in areas where you apply them.
If You’re not alone, worker, skin tones make you more vulnerable to dark spots after acne heals; whether you have dark skin, light skin, or anything in between, you can get acne.
If you have darker skin, you’re not alone. Acne is a problem for anyone with acne, regardless of skin tone or ethnicity.
But what happens when you treat your acne? Does it get better? How can you prevent getting acne in the first place if your skin is already dark?
The answer is yes and no. You can treat it and make sure that your skin doesn’t get any worse than it already is; however, there are still some things that will happen if you don’t take proper care of yourself while treating your condition:
How can you prevent getting acne?
Many factors contribute to the formation of acne — including dead cells mixing with sebum (oil) and the overgrowth of bacteria on your skin’s surface. Here are a few ways to help keep pores clean, so they don’t become inflamed:
- Wash your face regularly.
- Use a gentle cleanser.
- Avoid scrubbing, which irritates your skin and makes it more prone to breakouts.
- Avoid touching your face, as this can cause pimples and dry out the outer layer of skin on your face (called the epidermis).
- Use a moisturizer with SPF sunscreen protection, which helps prevent sunburns and premature aging caused by exposure to UV rays from the sun—the most significant factor in getting acne scarring!
Isotretinoin is a powerful drug
Isotretinoin is a powerful drug used to treat the most severe cases of acne. Often referred to as “Accutane” (a brand name that has now been discontinued — its generic name is isotretinoin), this drug is an oral retinoid, meaning it’s related to vitamin A. It works on reducing the production of sebum from the sebaceous glands. The exact dose and length of treatment will depend on your situation and how well you respond.
The side effects can be severe but are rare:
- Depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts, and seizures in some people treated with high doses for long periods.
- Migraines.
- Worsening psoriasis if you already have it.
- Thinning hair.
- Nausea/vomiting (especially when first starting).
- Dry eyes/mouth/throat.
- Itching skin, especially around injection sites (this may cause a burning sensation in those areas).
Conclusion
Acne scars can be tough to deal with. They can take years to fade and leave a permanent reminder of your past acne and a more visible reminder of what once was. Luckily, there are many ways to minimize the impact of acne scars on your appearance. Try wearing SPF sunscreen daily; wash your face twice daily with gentle cleansers like Cetaphil or Dove; and avoid products containing harsh ingredients such as phthalates or sulfates. If you need help getting rid of those pesky blemishes before they leave permanent marks on your skin,