Acne Scars
Acne scars generally result from inflamed blemishes that are caused by engorged skin pores.
WHAT CAUSES ACNE SCARS?
Acne scars generally result from inflamed blemishes that are caused by engorged skin pores. Skin pores can swell up from excessive oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, causing a break in the follicle wall. Minor breaks in the follicle wall do not take as long to heal, but a major one can cause infected material to spill out into surrounding tissue to create deeper lesions. Your skin actually has its own self-repair technique for lesions. New collagen fibers are formed and attempt to repair them. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen, making it harder for acne scars to fade. And even when our skin repairs itself, it does not look as pristine as that original dermal layer.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN TYPES OF ACNE SCARS?
Scars resulting from acne are identified as either hypertrophic/keloid or atrophic/depressed. Hypertrophic/keloid scarring develops when the body produces too much collagen as acne wounds heal. They look like a mass of raised tissue on the surface of the skin. Atrophic/depressed scars are caused by a loss of tissue. Often referred to as “icepick” scars, they appear as small, visible holes in the skin. “Boxcar” scars are depressions that are commonly round in shape. They can look similar to the scars you can get from the chickenpox.
WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT MY EXISTING SCARS?
Make sure to stay out of the sun. Excessive sun exposure can darken acne scars and make them more visible. Remember to avoid over-scrubbing when you wash your face. Friction will irritate inflamed skin. Never pick at your scars, especially if you haven’t washed your hands. Bacteria from your hands and nails can result in the formation of additional cysts.
WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE TREATMENT OPTIONS AT NOUVEAU MEDSPAS?
At Nouveau Medspas in Gig Harbor, Dr. Rubin provides Icon laser treatments to treat acne scars. Icon is a non-surgical, non-invasive approach to facial scarring. If you’ve had acne scars for years and you’re tired of seeing them in photos or when you look in the mirror, reduce them without surgery. To set up a consultation, give us a call at (253) 358-3667 or schedule online. You can learn more about the Icon laser system by clicking the treatment link below.
*Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed