Acne & Acne Scars

What Are Acne & Acne Scars?

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and cysts. While acne itself is often temporary, it can leave behind long-lasting scars that affect the skin’s texture and appearance. Acne scars range from shallow depressions to deeper pits, depending on the severity of the acne and the healing process. Both acne and its scars can significantly impact one’s confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, treatments are available to address active acne and improve the appearance of acne scars.

What Are the Causes of Acne & Acne Scars?

Excess Oil Production: Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil, which can clog pores and lead to acne.
Bacterial Infection: Bacteria on the skin can invade clogged pores, causing inflammation and the development of acne.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during puberty or menstruation, can trigger increased oil production and breakouts.
Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to developing acne and scarring, based on their skin type and healing process.
Improper Acne Treatment: Picking or squeezing acne can worsen inflammation and increase the likelihood of scarring by damaging the skin.

Treatment for Acne

Chemical Peels: These treatments use acids like salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce acne-causing bacteria. Regular chemical peels can help improve active acne by keeping pores clear and reducing inflammation.
Hydrafacial: This 3-in-1 facial deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses serums to reduce pore congestion and improve skin hydration. It’s a gentle yet effective option for treating acne-prone skin, offering immediate results with minimal downtime while supporting long-term skin clarity.

Glacial Rx: This innovative cooling treatment soothes inflamed skin and reduces redness, making it ideal for active acne. It helps calm irritation, minimize breakouts, and improve skin tone while also addressing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) associated with acne scars.
Blue Light Therapy: Blue light kills P. acnes bacteria and reduces inflammation, stopping breakouts at the source. It’s a simple, noninvasive solution for clear skin, ideal for those looking to treat acne without harsh chemicals.

Treatment for Acne Scars

Microneedling: Microneedling creates tiny microchannels in the skin to stimulate collagen production, promoting the healing of acne scars and improving skin texture. It is effective for both raised and pitted scars, with multiple sessions needed to achieve noticeable results.
Laser Therapy: Laser treatments can target acne scars by resurfacing the skin, promoting collagen production, and reducing the appearance of indented or raised scars. It is an effective solution for both shallow and deep scars, with long-term improvement over multiple treatments.

Filler or Sculptra: Dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid or biostimulators like Sculptra can smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of indented acne scars by filling the sunken areas. Sculptra, in particular, promotes collagen production over time, gradually improving the skin's texture and volume.
Subcision for Scarring: Subcision is a quick, minimally invasive treatment that smooths acne scars by releasing the fibrous bands beneath the skin. This allows the skin to lift and promotes collagen production, reducing the appearance of indented scars over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some people get acne scars while others don’t?

Genetics, skin type, and the severity of acne all play a role in whether scars develop, as well as how the skin heals after a breakout.

Can stress cause acne?

Yes, stress triggers the production of cortisol, which can increase oil production and lead to breakouts, particularly in those prone to acne.

Are acne scars permanent?

While some scars can fade over time, deeper scars may be permanent without treatment. However, many treatments can significantly reduce their appearance.

How do chemical peels help treat acne scars?

Chemical peels exfoliate the top layer of skin, encouraging new skin cell growth and collagen production, which helps to smooth and diminish the appearance of acne scars.

Is microneedling effective for deep acne scars?

Yes, microneedling is particularly effective for deeper acne scars, as it stimulates collagen and elastin production, promoting skin repair and regeneration over time.