How to Treat Any Type of Acne Scar

Acne scars often develop during our teenage years but can follow us through adulthood. These tiny flaws are often the product of an inflamed lesion, such as a cyst, pustule, or papule.

Blemishes may become inflamed when the pore or follicle becomes engorged with dead skin cells, bacteria, or excess oil. This causes the pore to swell, resulting in a break in the follicle wall. There are several types of acne scars, each with their own recommended treatment options.

Types of Acne Scars

Acne scarring affects 30 percent of people with moderate to severe acne vulgaris. It develops when new collagen is produced to heal a full-thickness injury during the fibrous process.

While their appearance may improve over time, true acne scars typically do not disappear without treatment. Depending on the type of acne scar, you may be able to reduce or even eliminate it. Common types of acne scars include:

• Ice-Pick Scars: These scars are narrow, pitted, and deep
• Boxcar Scars: This type of scar leaves a broad depression with sharply-defined edges
• Rolling Scars: Rolling acne scars also leave broad depressions but have sloping edges
• Atrophic Scars: These scars are usually thin and flat, but may be depressed
• Hypertropic/Keloid Scars: This type of scar is thick and lumpy

Acne Scars Treatment Options

When it comes to acne scarring, you have several non-invasive options. Some treatment options aim to soften the look of scars, while others are designed to stimulate new collagen to fill acne indentations.

Laser treatments may be used to target inflammation and reduce the appearance of red marks. Certain procedures can also be used to reduce pore size, clean out pores, and minimize the formation of whiteheads and blackheads.

Laser Genesis is one such skin treatment in Singapore that can reduce the appearance of unsightly acne scars. This treatment uses deep laser wavelengths that deliver energy to the dermis where the scarring is located. However, these lasers do not affect the top layer of skin, resulting in no downtime. The laser energy breaks up acne scars and stimulates new collagen production to fill in the indentations.

Chemical peels are often recommended for the removal of acne scars. During this procedure, a concentrated acid solution is applied to the skin to remove the damaged outer layers.

There are different types of chemical peels such as Cutis Vitality Peel  and VI Peel, each with different functions depending on your individual needs and the severity of your condition. Superficial peels do not penetrate past the first epidermal layer of skin, while deep peels penetrate the middle layer of skin which can help with problems such as acne scarring.

Another highly-effective acne scar treatment offered by our skin specialist is Dermapen. This procedure uses “skin needling” to break up fibrous and scar tissue while encouraging the growth of new tissues. While similar treatments damage the epidermis, Dermapen keeps the integrity of the top skin layer intact, resulting in quicker healing and less discomfort.

Another treatment available at the aesthetic clinic is the Pearl. This laser treatment removes damaged skin to reveal even skin tone underneath. The Pearl treats the top layer of the skin with pulses of light removing a portion of the epidermis. The skin will then form a protective layer which peels off after three to four days revealing new, healthy and smooth skin.

If you’ve ever struggled with acne and bothered with the scars it left behind, then make sure to check out our treatment options and contact Cutis Laser Clinics to know which is suitable for your skin. Schedule your consultation today with our Harvard-trained and US Board Certified skin doctor in Singapore, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez.

Tags: Skin Specialist, Acne Scar Treatments, Laser Genesis, Chemical Peel, Dermapen, Pearl