Acne scars form as a result of the skin’s natural healing process following severe or prolonged inflammation caused by acne. When the skin experiences a breakout, it triggers an immune response to repair the affected area. Prompt and appropriate acne scar treatment can help minimize the risk of scarring. Our certified integrative health practitioners take a holistic approach to skincare. We offer integrative, functional medicine and holistic health and wellness services to address a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, sexual dysfunction, weight management, and more.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Inflammation
Inflammatory acne, such as papules, pustules, and cysts, can cause more damage to the skin compared to non-inflammatory acne like blackheads and whiteheads. The immune response to inflammation can lead to the destruction of collagen, which is a key structural protein in the skin.
Excessive Collagen Production
In some cases, the healing process can result in an overproduction of collagen, leading to raised acne scars known as hypertrophic or keloid scars. These types of scars occur when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process.
Loss of Collagen
In other instances, the inflammation can cause a loss of collagen, leading to depressed or atrophic scars. These scars can take various forms, such as ice pick scars (deep, narrow scars), boxcar scars (shallow to moderate depressions with sharp edges), or rolling scars (wave-like undulations in the skin).
Picking or Squeezing
Manipulating or picking at acne lesions can increase the likelihood of scarring. Picking can introduce more bacteria to the area, prolong inflammation, and disrupt the healing process, resulting in scars.
Skin Type
Some individuals may have a higher predisposition to developing acne scars due to their skin type. People with darker skin tones, for example, are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is discoloration that can occur after acne lesions have healed.
Your Acne Scar Treatment Options
Regardless of the severity of your acne, whether it’s papules, cystic acne, or any other form of blemishes, it can be uncomfortable. Moreover, it can make you feel uncomfortable in your own skin. Certainly, you didn’t want to have pimples on an important occasion like prom. In today’s competitive job market in NYC, it’s crucial to maintain your confidence without being shaken by a sudden breakout.
Chemical Peel Treatments
Chemical peel treatments offer a highly effective solution for reducing the appearance of acne scars. These peels work by eliminating the damaged and rough outer layers of the skin, revealing a smoother and healthier layer underneath. Derived from willow tree bark, salicylic acid is a gentle chemical peel that targets oil and debris on the skin’s surface. It penetrates the pores, cleansing the skin and promoting shedding, which helps minimize acne scars. Derived from natural ingredients, such as sugar cane, glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that offers a light peel with minimal risks of side effects. Multiple sessions are typically recommended for optimal results, as it gradually removes damaged skin and encourages skin rejuvenation.
Considered a medium-depth peel –Trichloroacetic acid peels require a slightly longer recovery time compared to lighter peels. Following treatment, redness and swelling are common, and the skin darkens before shedding. Multiple TCA treatments are often necessary to achieve desired results in reducing acne scars. Another medium-depth treatment, the phenol peel is highly effective for treating acne scars, as well as coarse wrinkles and discoloration. It penetrates deeper than a TCA peel, requiring a single treatment that can yield visible results lasting up to 10 years, although the recovery period is longer. The Vi Peel is a potent chemical peel designed to address multiple skin concerns, including acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and dullness.
These chemical peels provide effective options for treating acne scars, and the choice of peel depends on factors such as the severity of scarring, desired downtime, and individual skin type. It is recommended to consult with a skincare professional to determine the most suitable treatment for your specific needs.
In our aesthetic center, we offer advanced exfoliation techniques like microdermabrasion and dermabrasion to effectively treat acne scars by removing damaged skin and revealing a fresh, beautiful layer underneath. Microdermabrasion utilizes tiny crystals to gently exfoliate the top layer of your skin. These crystals are sprayed onto the skin, making it a suitable option for those who prefer minimal downtime. Microdermabrasion is safe for all skin types and colors. Dermabrasion is a highly effective treatment for acne scars, as it uses a small abrasive wheel to resurface the skin and improve its texture. However, it is generally recommended for fair-skinned individuals, as it may cause some discoloration.
Laser treatments for acne scars have gained popularity due to their effectiveness. Laser technology involves directing focused beams of light through specific gemstones. Fractional lasers offer a non-invasive approach to target deeper layers of the skin. By penetrating the skin, they stimulate collagen production and promote the formation of new collagen, aiding in scar reduction. Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment (CO2 laser) is commonly used for scar resurfacing and has shown remarkable results for acne scars. This laser treatment may require some recovery time, and it’s important to follow post-treatment instructions to prevent scarring. Erbium laser treatment is ideal for addressing surface-level scars. Its results are comparable to CO2 laser treatment, but the recovery time is generally shorter, allowing for a quicker return to normal activities.
Contact Us
If you have any inquiries regarding Acne Treatment or wish to explore the best acne treatment options, reach out to ReBalance of Radiance Aesthetics & Wellness. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Natalya Fazylova, the leading acne specialist in NYC, please contact our office at 212-380-1764.
