Reduce acne scars
Acne can be difficult to live with, and the scars can be an aesthetic nuisance even after the pimples have disappeared. Fortunately, there are treatments available to reduce the marks left by the disease. Each type of acne scar has its own treatment. Peeling, laser or injections, several techniques can be used to to erase a scar.
How do acne scars form?
Acne is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicle, causing lesions in the dermis that result in acne pimples, comedones, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and even cysts in the most severe forms. Acne generally manifests itself in adolescence, but can continue into adulthood. Once the pimples have healed, acne scars can appear on the back, neck or face.
In the case of mild acne, red or brown patches remain, which gradually turn white. In severe forms, lesions run deeper, producing characteristic scars. These include atrophic scars, some narrow "ice-pick" scars, and wider scars that give the skin of the face a gravelly appearance. More rarely, scars are raised (hypertrophic scars) and may even extend to other areas of the skin, in which case they are known as keloid scars.
When should acne scars be treated?
First of all, it's advisable to seek treatment if you suffer from acne. Consult a dermatologist to reduce your acne and limit the risk of scarring. If you haven't been so lucky and are still bothered by the scars left on your skin by acne, nothing is lost.
Treatment can be started as soon as acne is considered cured, i.e. without recurrence for one year.
How can I reduce acne scars?
You can use make-up to camouflage the marks and scars left on your skin. Apply foundation or tinted cream after your moisturizer. Always choose non-comedogenic cosmetics and exfoliate your skin regularly.
Brown spots are more common on darker skin types, and can be reduced with depigmenting treatments.
What treatments are available to erase acne scars?
Various techniques can be used to reduce acne scars and restore smooth skin. Your doctor may decide to combine :
- Chemical peels based on fruit acid, salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid are used in varying concentrations to induce desquamation of the skin.
- Microdermabrasion is a mechanical technique that uses small crystals to exfoliate the upper layers of the epidermis. The session is painless and must be repeated.
- Hyaluronic acid injections fill atrophic scars. Corticosteroid injections, on the other hand, are reserved for raised scars.
- Fractional CO2 laser treatment delivers excellent results on acne scars. The treatment allows the skin to regenerate. New-generation lasers enable you to resume your activities immediately, but there are some contraindications (tanning, hypersensitivity to light, etc.).
- Mesotherapy is also an invaluable aid to improving skin quality. Each session stimulates the fibroblasts responsible for producing collagen and elastin, which gradually replace scar tissue.
Finally, surgical techniques are available to overcome even the most complex scars. Consult the Clinique du Lac for advice.