Is your acne scarring starting to impact how confident you feel in your skin? Have you tried over-the-counter creams to reduce the appearance of acne scars, but with no results? You’re likely reading this because you want to know how to remove acne scars – and don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Not everyone who has acne will suffer from acne scarring, but at least one in five will experience acne scars at some point. The important thing to remember is that there are ways to treat acne scars in Bradford. However, finding the right treatment for you will require the knowledge of a skincare expert.
Before learning how to remove acne scars, you first need to know more about the different types of scarring. We are here to break down everything you need to know to say goodbye to acne scars and hello to smooth, clear skin.
What are the types of acne scars?
Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars are also called pitted scars as they are indented in appearance. These
types of scars heal below the surface of the skin. They are also known as ice pick
scars and they are the most common type of acne scar. They are the result of
your acne-causing trauma to the skin leading to fat loss in the skin.
This type of acne scar is the most difficult to treat and may require a longer course of treatment before you see results.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars
If you have raised scars resulting from acne, you may have hypertrophic scars or keloid scars. Raised scars form because of a build-up of scar tissue that takes the place of where the acne once was.
Hypertrophic scars take the same size and shape of the acne they replace. Keloid scars, on the other hand, can grow to be much larger and affect the surrounding skin beyond the site of the acne. People with darker skin tones tend to suffer more from these types of acne scars.
Rolling scars
Rolling acne scars occur when bands of scar tissue form underneath the skin. As a result, it gives your skin a wavy, rolling and uneven appearance.
Boxcar acne scars
Boxcar scars are another common type of acne scar that forms as a result of the acne healing process. They appear as indents on the skin and can be defined by their sharp edges. You will usually find this type of scar on the lower cheeks or around the jawline. They are common in people who have had more severe acne.
If you want to know more about your acne scars, contact a member of our team to book a skin consultation.
Can you prevent acne scars?
If you already have acne scars, there are ways that you can prevent more from appearing. It is important to keep your skin clean and clear. You can use facial cleansers that include salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Both of these are a treatment for acne by helping remove dead skin cells and unblock clogged pores.
Other prevention tips include always wearing sun protection, to try and not to pop your spots or pimples, and keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised. If you are having consistent trouble with acne, it is getting worse or you see acne scars appearing, you should always consult a skin expert or dermatologist.
How can you treat acne scars?
There are a number of ways of treating acne scars. At MySkyn Clinic in Bradford, we provide skin-needling treatments, skin peels and laser treatments to help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Most of our patients require more than one treatment. Our experts will talk to you about how many treatment sessions you will need during your consultation. We will recommend one, or a combination of the following acne scars treatments:
Chemical peels – a course of chemical peels can help with different types of acne scarring. They come in various strengths which means they are suitable for sensitive skin and work on most skin types. A chemical peel helps remove dead skin cells and promote the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
Laser skin resurfacing – this laser treatment helps by improving your skin’s tone and texture. It sends beams of heat energy underneath the skin to break down acne scars and reduce their appearance. Laser skin resurfacing is only suitable for people with lighter skin tones who have pitted acne scars.
Microneedling – or skin needling uses a device that creates tiny punctures in your skin to trigger the skin’s healing process. As a result, it helps to create new collagen and skin cells to pump the skin, reduce inflammation and improve the texture of your skin.
For a full list of treatments, you can visit our acne scarring webpage.
Find out more about how we can help treat skin pigmentation issues. Contact us online or by calling us on 01274 921121. We are a CQC-registered all-female-run clinic and speak both Urdu and Punjabi if you require.
