Acne scars are a common concern for many individuals who have experienced pimples and breakouts. While acne itself can be distressing, the lingering scars it can leave behind can often impact self-confidence and overall well-being. However, it’s important to recognise that not all acne scars are created equal. Understanding the different types of acne scars is crucial in determining the right approach for you. This blog post will explore the various types of acne scars and discuss suitable methods to address them.
1. Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars are perhaps the most common type of acne scar. They appear as shallow depressions or indentations in the skin, resulting from a loss of collagen during the healing process. These types of scars, also known as pitted scars, often arise from inflammatory acne, where the skin’s underlying structure is damaged. Here are the common subtypes of atrophic acne scars:
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are characterised by their broad, U-shaped depressions with sharply defined vertical edges. They can range in size and depth and often resemble chickenpox scars.
Ice-Pick Scars
Ice-pick acne scars are narrow, deep, and V-shaped. They penetrate the skin’s surface and can be quite challenging to treat due to its depth.
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars, as its name suggests, create an uneven, wave-like appearance on the skin’s surface due to fibrous bands tethering the skin to deeper tissues.
Treatment Methods for Atrophic Scars
Several professional treatments can address atrophic acne scars:
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels use acidic solutions to exfoliate the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen production and reducing the appearance of shallow scars.
- Dermabrasion: Using a rotating brush to remove the top layer of skin, dermabrasions may promote the growth of new, smoother skin.
- Fillers: Injectable fillers can temporarily plump up depressed scars, making them less noticeable.
- Laser Therapy: Various acne scar lasers in Singapore may help stimulate collagen production, resurface the skin, and improve the appearance of atrophic scars.
- Microneedling: Microneedling treatments such as the Secret RF and INFINI RF use tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, triggering collagen production and skin regeneration.
- Punch Excision/Grafting: This surgical procedure involves removing individual scars and replacing them with skin grafts or stitches.
- Subcision: Subcision is a technique that involves inserting a needle under the scar to break up the fibrous bands that cause scars. Subcision acne scar treatment is a popular option for boxcar scars or rolling scars.
- TCA Cross: TCA Cross, which stands for Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction, is a treatment designed to improve indented scars, like ice-pick scars, by stimulating collagen and lifting scar tissue.
Over-the-counter retinoids like Differin may also help improve the appearance of atrophic scars by promoting cell turnover and collagen production. However, it’s important to avoid certain at-home treatments like at-home chemical peels, as they can cause further skin damage if not performed correctly.
2. Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars
Hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised lumps of scar tissue that develop when the body produces excess collagen during the healing process. This overproduction of collagen often occurs in response to inflammatory acne lesions, particularly those that involve deeper tissue damage or prolonged inflammation.
Hypertrophic scars remain confined to the original wound site, while keloid scars extend beyond the initial injury, often appearing as larger, raised, and sometimes even itchy or painful growths.
These types of scars are more common on the chest, back, shoulders, and earlobe and are more common among individuals with darker skin tones.
Treatment Methods for Hypertrophic Scars
Professional treatment options for hypertrophic scars include:
- Steroid Injections: These injections may help flatten raised pimple scars by reducing inflammation and collagen production.
- Surgical Removal: In some cases, surgical removal may be necessary to excise the scar tissue.
- Laser Therapy: Certain laser treatments may help reduce the redness and size of hypertrophic scars.
Hypertrophic scars may also be managed at home with options such as applying Bio-Oil, massaging the scar to help break down excess collagen, and using silicone sheeting to flatten the scar.
3. Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), often referred to as post-acne marks appears as flat, discoloured patches or spots on the skin. These marks, sometimes called pockmarks, are caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, following skin inflammation. PIH is more common in individuals with darker skin tones and often arises after acne is picked or squeezed.
Treatment Methods for PIH
Professional treatments for PIH can include:
- Chemical Peels: Superficial chemical peels may help exfoliate the skin and fade hyperpigmentation.
- Laser Therapy: Certain lasers, like the Fraxel laser, can target and break down excess melanin, reducing the appearance of pimple scars.
- Microdermabrasion: This procedure involves using a device to exfoliate the skin’s surface, promoting cell turnover and fading hyperpigmentation.
Topical retinoids and ingredients such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, and vitamin C are some options available over the counter that can help address PIH by brightening the skin and fading dark spots.
4. Post-inflammatory Erythema
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), or red acne scars, appears as redness or pinkness on the skin after inflammation caused by dilated blood vessels in the affected area. PIE is more common in individuals with lighter skin tones and often occurs after inflammatory acne, particularly papules and pustules.
Treatment Methods Available for PIE
Professional treatments for PIE include:
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapies, such as the V Beam laser, specifically target blood vessels, reducing red acne scars and promoting healing.
- IPL Therapy: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy may also help reduce redness and inflammation.
Similarly, at-home options such as topical retinoids, vitamin C and niacinamide can help manage PIE by strengthening the skin’s barrier and reducing redness.
Address Your Acne Scars with Professional Care
While acne scars can be stubborn, a variety of treatments are available to help you achieve smoother, clearer skin. If at-home remedies aren’t providing the desired results, it’s essential to consult a qualified professional like Dr. Gerard Ee.
Our clinic offers a comprehensive range of acne scar treatments in Singapore, including subcision for rolling scars, laser therapies for atrophic scars and pigmentation, and personalised treatment plans tailored to your individual needs and skin concerns. Contact us and start your journey to clearer skin.
