What are Acne Scars?

Acne scars are marks left behind from an acne breakout. There are many different types of acne scars that can affect the appearance and texture of the skin. Scars can be depressed, flat, or raised and can be dark or skin colored. Acne marks are more likely to occur from cystic acne but can also form due to popping or picking pimples.

What Causes Acne Scars?

During a breakout, some acne may damage the skin and tissue underneath it. The inflammation of a blemish leads the wall of the pore to breakdown. In response to this, the body produces collagen to help heal the damaged skin. Unfortunately, the body sometimes produces either too much or not enough collagen, and this leads to scarring.

The type of scar produced depends on the amount of collagen your body generates to repair the damage caused by a blemish. A raised acne scar is the result of the body producing too much collagen. An excess amount of that repair tissue ends up extending beyond the skin and tissue around the rest of your face. Alternatively, when there is not enough collagen being produced it results in the development of depressed scars. These appear as small indentations in the skin that give it an uneven texture.

Treatment Options

Treatment for acne scars aims to reduce redness and resurface the skin for an even look and feel. There are many different treatment options available depending on the type of scarring you experience and how severe it is. Treatment might include one or a combination of the following:

Chemical Peels

Chemical solutions can be applied to the face to promote peeling. When the outer layers are removed, stronger and healthier skin is revealed underneath.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing can remove outer layers of damaged skin for a smoother look and feel.

Microneedling

During microneedling, tiny puncture wounds are created to trigger the body’s healing process, resulting in the growth of stronger collagen to improve tone and texture.

Acne scar treatment can improve the appearance of acne scarring, but the best solution is to prevent acne in the first place. Delaying acne treatment can increase your risk of scarring. Talk with your dermatologist about how you can prevent your next acne breakout and save your skin from future dark marks.

A dermatologist can examine your skin to determine the extent of your scarring and which treatment you could benefit from the most. Contact Seattle Skin & Laser for assistance in fading your acne scarring and preventing future breakouts.  Seattle Skin and Laser also treats patients from Mercer Island and the Issaquah area.

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