What are acne marks and scars?
One of the biggest sorrows of patients with acne is not even acne but the scars and marks they leave behind. Acne marks and scars take longer to resolve. In some cases, they cannot be fully resolved with topical treatment alone. However, a scientific approach to treating acne scarring makes you more likely to observe positive results.
When dealing with acne marks and scars, it is important to consider the skin’s melanin levels before starting treatment. Asian skin tones react differently to the chemical strengths typically prescribed for acne scar removal. Improper management of acne scarring can cause devastating outcomes on the skin and even damage healthy skin tissues around the scars.
What are the causes of acne marks and scars?
The type of acne marks and scars that form usually depends on the type and severity of the acne. For instance, patients with severe and cystic acne tend to deal with keloid scars, whereas a spread of comedones on the skin can result in rolling scars.
When our skin’s barrier gets damaged due to injury or acne, collagen is produced to aid in its healing. Acne scars are caused by the production of an inappropriate amount of collagen; if too little collagen is produced, atrophic or depressed scars are formed, whereas if too much collagen is produced, hypertrophic or raised scars are formed.
Some individuals with acne do not go on to develop scars, while others do; this is because several factors increase the severity of scarring; these are:
- Physically irritating acne: picking, squeezing, touching, and popping your pimples will significantly worsen scarring. If you have a picking habit, wear gloves, use stress balls or fidget spinners, or keep your nails short to control your picking behaviour.
- Abrasive skincare: using high-strength treatments that are inappropriate for your skin can cause irritation that further worsens your scar.
- Lack of sun protection: UV rays from the sun worsen scars as they hinder your skin’s healing capabilities.
- Insufficient hydration: this can occur due to a lack of fluids or not using a good moisturiser.
What are the symptoms of acne marks and scars?
Symptoms of acne scarring depend on the type of acne scar, such as:
- Dark spots: a form of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that may also manifest as white spots or pink marks, depending on one’s skin tone.
- Hypertrophic and keloid scars: these scars are raised from the skin’s surface. They are typically hard and solid and appear as a growth on the skin.
- Rolling scars: indentations in the skin that are usually spread out.
- Ice pick scars: hole-like scars on the skin.
- Boxcar scars: depressed scars on the skin that exhibit a box-like pattern.
Is acne scarring painful?
No. Acne scars are not painful but rather impact your skin superficially. If pain is present, it may indicate another acne forming at the scar.
Who is at risk of acne scarring in Singapore?
Acne scarring, very much like acne itself, can happen to anyone. Some risk factors may include:
- Skin colour: individuals with higher melanin levels are at risk of developing dark spots.
- Gender: given that women are at higher risk of adult acne, it is natural to presume they, too, will deal with scarring subsequently.
- Mental health: patients with stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety are likely to develop skin-picking disorders, which result in deep scarring.
How is the presence of acne marks and scars identified?
What are the treatment options for acne marks and scars in Singapore?
Depending on the type of scar and its severity, there are a variety of options; these are:
- Skincare regimen: we will evaluate your current skincare routine and recommend an appropriate skincare regimen.
- One Face Skincare Facials: facials may also be used as part of your skincare regime.
- Topical creams: topical creams may also be recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Practice good sun protection measures to avoid worsening your scar. In the case of pigmented spots, non-comedogenic oils such as blackseed and rosehip oils may improve scarring. However, in the case of raised and indented scars, it is hard to get rid of scars naturally, as your skin requires physical intervention that can only be executed by medical professionals in a clinical setting.