Solutions How to Treat Deep Pitted Acne Scars.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckcVplpa7ZI&t=611s
Acne scars can be a source of frustration and insecurity for many people. Whether you’re dealing with deep pitted scars or hyperpigmentation, the road to clearer skin can often feel like an uphill battle. However, there are proven strategies and treatments that can help improve the appearance of acne scars. In today’s blog post, we will share expert advice from Dr. Lee, a renowned dermatologist who has over 10 years of experience treating patients in Seoul’s Gangnam district, the heart of South Korea’s beauty industry.
Dr. Lee’s approach to skincare is not only professional and science-based but also compassionate. He believes that everyone deserves to have healthy, radiant skin, which is why, despite the commercial nature of the beauty industry in South Korea, he strives to offer honest and effective skincare advice. Dr. Lee’s YouTube channel, which has gained over 700,000 subscribers, shares his skincare tips with people not just in Korea but all over the world. His goal is to provide safe, reliable, and accessible skincare advice, focusing on home care methods and when it’s necessary to seek professional treatment.
Can Acne Scars Be Improved?
Acne scars, particularly the pitted type, are difficult to treat, but there is hope. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate these scars, it’s possible to significantly improve their appearance. With the right treatments, you can make your skin look smoother and more even, which is often enough to boost your confidence.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Not all acne leads to scarring. Generally, smaller, less inflamed pimples heal without leaving a trace. However, larger and more inflamed breakouts can result in deep scars. This happens when the skin experiences significant damage during the healing process, especially in areas where the acne is more severe or long-lasting.
The key factor in scarring is inflammation. When the body fights off infection, white blood cells are deployed to destroy bacteria. Over time, if the acne inflammation lasts for a long period, the skin becomes damaged, resulting in scarring.
How Much Improvement Can Be Expected?
While 100% scar removal is not possible, significant improvements are achievable. You may not be able to completely restore the skin to its original state, but a 50-70% improvement in the texture and appearance of your scars is realistic.
The result will vary based on the severity of the scarring, the treatment methods, and your skin’s response to those treatments. For most people, with the right care, their acne scars can be improved enough that they no longer feel self-conscious about them.
Can Home Care Improve Acne Scars?
Unfortunately, home care alone will not be enough to fully treat pitted acne scars. While topical creams and treatments can help with skin texture, they cannot “fill in” deep acne scars or stimulate the deeper layers of skin regeneration.
However, preventing new scars is something you can control. The best prevention for acne scars is to treat acne as soon as it appears. Using treatments like steroid injections or topical medications to reduce inflammation can prevent acne from becoming deep and scar-inducing.
Helpful Home Care Tips for Acne Scars:
- DuoDerm Acne Patch: This healing patch can help with the recovery of acne spots by maintaining a moist environment. Moisture is crucial for skin regeneration. However, it’s important to use the patch correctly. If the acne is painful or still active, it’s best to avoid the patch because it could trap bacteria and make the situation worse. But if the acne is not inflamed, using the patch can provide soothing relief and help with recovery.
Do Scar Creams Really Work?
Many over-the-counter acne scar creams claim to reduce scarring, but their effects can be limited. These creams often contain ingredients that help with inflammation and regeneration. However, they are typically preventive rather than curative. In other words, they will not make deep scars disappear but can help prevent further damage and assist with the healing of minor scarring.
Dr. Lee’s Recommended Scar Creams:
Dr. Lee emphasizes that no cream will completely fill in deep acne scars, but certain products may help reduce the appearance of scars and prevent new ones from forming.
- Noscana Gel: A safe option for those with acne scars, this gel contains ingredients like heparin, panthenol, and allantoin that provide hydration and promote skin healing. It can be safely used even if you still have active acne, as it won’t exacerbate inflammation.
- Dermapix Ultra: This product is less safe for active acne since it may inhibit collagen production. This can slow down the healing process for active acne, so it’s best to use it only after inflammation has subsided.
Remember, the key to treating acne scars is not just topical treatments but active prevention and seeking professional help when necessary.
Professional Treatments for Acne Scars
If home care isn’t enough to tackle your acne scars, there are several professional treatments that can help. These treatments are more effective because they target the deeper layers of skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin regeneration.
1. Chemical Peels (Dot Peeling):
In the past, treatments like dot peeling were commonly used for acne scars. This treatment involves applying a chemical solution to the skin that promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, allowing fresh skin to regenerate. While this method can be effective, it requires careful application and is not commonly used anymore due to the availability of more effective and less risky treatments.
2. Subcision:
Subcision is a physical method that uses a needle to break up the fibrous tissue beneath acne scars. This allows the skin to rise and fill in the indentations. Subcision is often used for rolling scars, which are characterized by wide, shallow dips in the skin.
3. Laser Treatments:
Laser treatments are among the most effective options for treating acne scars. Two common laser treatments are:
- Fraxel Laser: This laser resurfacing treatment helps remove damaged skin layers and stimulates collagen production in the dermis, leading to smoother skin over time. Multiple sessions are often needed for significant results.
- Mirajet Laser: This newer treatment combines fractional laser technology with subcision to target both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. This treatment works well for deep ice-pick scars, providing significant improvement over time.
Dr. Lee typically recommends a combination of Fraxel and Mirajet lasers for patients with more severe acne scarring. He suggests at least 3 treatments to achieve a 35-40% improvement in skin texture and appearance. The treatments are spaced several weeks apart, and patients can expect to see noticeable improvements after a few sessions.
Conclusion: Acne Scars Are Treatable, But Patience Is Key
Treating acne scars is a complex process that often requires a combination of home care, professional treatments, and a lot of patience. Topical creams, while useful for preventing further damage, cannot solve deep scarring issues. Professional treatments like laser therapy, subcision, and chemical peels are often the most effective ways to address pitted acne scars.
However, Dr. Lee stresses the importance of seeking professional advice before starting any treatment. Acne scar treatments are highly individualized, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s crucial to work with an experienced dermatologist to determine the best treatment plan for your skin.
Dr. Lee’s final advice: Take your time and be patient. With the right treatment plan, you can significantly improve the appearance of your acne scars, boosting both your skin and your self-confidence.