Quick Links
Active acne breakouts are frustrating enough, but many people also suffer with acne scars that can be permanent. Thankfully, effective treatment is available with a qualified dermatologist. Dr. Damstetter and the Reserve Dermatology team can help you achieve more even and smooth skin and prevent future acne scars.
What are Acne Scars?
Acne scars occur when the skin is damaged from previous acne breakouts and forms scar tissue. There are several basic types of acne scars, as their appearance can vary. These include:
- Atrophic (depressed) scars: the most common type of scars which form a depression in the skin as a result of damaged collagen and tethered scar tissue.
- Boxcar scars: depressed scars that are U-shaped with sharp, defined edges.
- Ice pick scars: narrow or pinpoint V-shaped scars that can be quite deep.
- Rolling scars: wide depressions with rounded and irregular edges.
- Hypertrophic scars: raised, often pink or hyper pigmented scars caused by excess collagen.
- Dark spots: red, purple, or brown flat marks at the site of an acne blemish.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Not all patients who suffer with acne will develop acne scars. There are some risk factors which make it more likely that you will develop scarring after your acne heals. These include:
- A family history of acne scarring
- Inflammatory types of acne, such as cystic acne or nodules
- Delayed treatment of acne
- Picking or popping acne
Aside from these risk factors, acne scars are caused by too little or too much collagen production in the skin as the acne heals.
Reviews
Preventing Acne Scars
For many patients, treating acne early and limiting breakouts can help you prevent acne scars from developing. To treat acne, you can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist like Dr. Damstetter to learn more about proper skin care for your skin type or to seek professional acne treatments. As your acne clears, you should continue to treat your skin as instructed to prevent future breakouts. Avoid scrubbing or picking at your skin and do not attempt to pop or squeeze acne, as this can cause further inflammation and result in scars.
Acne Scar Treatment
If you have acne scars, Dr. Damstetter may recommend several treatment options to reduce the appearance of the scarring and restore healthy, smooth, and more even skin.
Energy-based resurfacing treatments such as laser and IPL can be a good option for acne scars by stimulating new collagen production and healthy skin cell growth. Similarly, microneedling can be a good option for both depressed or textured scarring and redness in acne scars, as the treatment stimulates new collagen.
Dermal fillers can also be used to smooth depressed acne scars by adding a small amount of volume below the scarring.
Finally, Dr. Damstetter may recommend skin care products that gently exfoliate the skin, such as retinoids or salicylic acid. Over time these products will reduce redness and promote a more even texture, and choosing an appropriate retinoid for an individual’s skin type takes experience. Products that contain SPF should also be used daily to protect the skin from sun damage.
VIEW DR. DAMSTETTERS’ SKIN CARE SUPREME PRODUCTS
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about acne scar treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Damstetter at Reserve Dermatology. Call our Glenview, Illinois office or contact us online.
