Why Does Acne Leave Scars?

After acne has healed, it can leave a reminder in the form of marks or scars. In most cases, red and brown marks can fade without treatment, but this isn’t always true for acne scarring. Indentations and textural changes on the skin can sometimes be permanent and will require treatments to improve or soften their appearance. 

What causes acne scarring?

Large pus-filled acne (acne cysts) or those that penetrate the skin deeply can damage the skin and the tissue underneath. The cysts or the contents of the acne can spill into the surrounding tissue, causing the pore to swell and creating lesions. The body tries to repair the damage by creating new collagen fibers.

As the skin heals, the body will produce too little or too much collagen, which then leaves a scar. When there is tissue loss and the body creates too little collagen, you’ll see pits or depressed acne scars. When there is too much collagen, raised scars (keloid or hypertrophic scarring) appear. These are more common on chest and back.

Who is more likely to get acne scars?

Some factors can affect your likelihood of developing scars after the acne has healed. Your risk of getting scars increases if you:

• Pick or pop your blemishes – doing so causes further inflammation, which can then prolong the healing process and result in scars. The same can also happen if you constantly touch your face. 
• Have inflamed, swollen or severe acne – these types of acne go deep into the skin and cause tissue damage.
• Have a close relative who had acne scars – genes play a part, which is why some people are more susceptible to scarring than others.
• Refuse treatment or let inflamed acne heal on its own – acne can worsen without proper treatment and may lead to marks and scars.

Why should you treat acne scars?

Acne scars compromise the overall appearance of the skin, which can then take a toll on a person’s emotional health and social life. There are also cases where both acne and acne scarring can make people feel embarrassed or unattractive. These feelings can then cause them to avoid social activities, meeting people, or applying for jobs.

This only makes it important to treat acne and acne scars. Some over-the-counter treatments can help, but in most cases, it is best to seek the help of a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor. This is especially true if you have severe acne or prominent scarring. Doing so is beneficial in tailoring a treatment. 

What can help improve acne scars?

At Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore, we have a number of treatments that can improve or soften the appearance of scars. These include: 

Dermapen 4 microneedling – This device features a dedicated scar setting and protocols for revision of deep and atrophic scars. Using miniscule needles, Dermapen vertically pierces the skin to break up fibrous and uneven scar tissues. It helps improve blood supply in the treated area, which creates healthy skin and stimulates the growth of new tissues. 

Laser Genesis Skin Therapy – This non-invasive laser treatment gently warms the skin surface to treat a number of skin issues. These include acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture. Laser Genesis stimulates new cell growth and collagen production. It can be combined with Dermapen 4 for optimal results.

Cutis TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) – This spot treatment contains a pure solution of 70% trichloroacetic acid. It safely triggers an acid injury to the skin to induce inflammation followed by collagen stimulation, and subsequent collagen remodeling. It can improve pitted scars and can only be used on the face and neck area.

VI Peel – This stronger type of chemical peel can help with both acne and acne scars. It can also reduce freckles and age spots, soften wrinkles, and improve skin tone. VI Peel stimulates the production of new collagen, which helps you achieve clearer and healthier skin. 

Cutera Pearl Resurfacing – This treats the skin’s top layer with pulses of light in a pre-selected pattern, which rejuvenates both the dermis and epidermis. It can help address acne scars (raised or hypertrophic) and pigmentation, as well as wrinkles, sun damage, and dull skin. Pearl also promotes new cell growth and collagen production.

If you’re bothered with your acne and acne scars, don’t hesitate to seek help from skin or aesthetic doctors. Contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, to find out which acne scar treatment suits you best.