Acne scars can be a persistent reminder of previous breakouts, affecting one's confidence and quality of life. Luckily, various treatment options exist to help reduce the appearance of acne scars, ranging from topical creams to advanced medical procedures. 

As per Dr. Rasya Dixit, a dermatologist at Dr Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic, "DIY treatments available for acne scars can be done at home. However, getting the best treatment for acne scars often requires a deep knowledge of how they develop, their types, and the best treatments for them. That's why it is recommended to consult a dermatologist with complete knowledge about acne scar types and treatment. A dermatologist will develop a personalised plan for Acne Scar Treatment in Bangalore for people suffering from acne scars". 

Seeking the best acne scar treatment? Let us first discuss acne scars and their types and then learn about the best treatment options. Read this article by our expert dermatologist, Dr. Rasya Dixit, to learn about acne scars and their treatment.   

What are acne scars?

Acne scars result from the body's normal healing process following severe acne outbreaks. When the skin's tissues are damaged by deep pimples or inflammatory acne, the body produces collagen to repair the injury. However, the body's response to inflammation and the amount of collagen production can sometimes lead to irregular skin healing, resulting in different types of scars.

What are the different types of acne scars?

Acne scars can appear in different sizes and shapes, depending upon the collagen production at the healing site. Here are the three major kinds of acne scars:

• Atrophic/ Depressed acne scars: These are depressions or indentations in the skin caused by too little collagen production when the acne clears. They can be of three types: Icepick, Boxcar, and Rolling scars. Icepick scars are small, narrow, pitted shapes in the skin. Boxcar scars are oval-shaped, round skin depressions wider than icepick scars but less wide than rolling scars. Rolling scars are wide and shallow depressions with a wavy appearance. 
• Raised acne scars occur when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process after an inflammatory acne breakout. They are commonly seen in people with dark skin tones. There are three kinds of raised acne scars: hypertrophic, keloid, and papular scars. Hypertrophic scars are formed within the affected area and feel firm, while keloid scars grow larger than the acne breakout. Keloid scars take time to appear, and their first sign is skin thickening. Papular scars are raised bumps that appear skin-coloured or lighter than the natural skin tone. 
• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): When inflammatory acne breakout clears, flat dark spots may appear in the place where the acne was. These spots are not usually acne scars and usually fade out over time. They occur due to increased melanin production in response to inflammation. PIH is a common type of flat spot. 

What are the dermatologist-recommended treatment options for acne scars?

Dr. Rasya Dixit is a popular and Best dermatologist in Bangalore. She is known for providing acne scar treatment only after the patient's acne is under control. The patient should continue to apply acne medication to help prevent new acne breakouts even if seeking acne scar treatment. When it's time to treat acne scars, the patient's treatment plan may include any one or more of the following treatment options:

Topical Treatments

• Retinoids: Derived from vitamin A, retinoids promote skin cell turnover and collagen production, improving the appearance of scars over time.
• Vitamin C: This is a natural antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that can help treat acne scars by removing the top layer of skin through mechanical abrasion. It is particularly effective for superficial scars and can significantly improve the skin's texture and appearance. During the procedure, a dermatologist or trained medical professional uses a specialised device with a rotating brush or diamond-tipped instrument to gently rub the outer layer of skin. This process helps to remove dead skin cells, promote collagen production, and reveal new, smoother skin.

Chemical Peels

Due to their effectiveness and minimal downtime, chemical peels have emerged as a popular treatment option for acne scars. This treatment involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes controlled exfoliation and peeling, ultimately revealing smoother, rejuvenated skin from beneath.

For acne scars, chemical peels remove the top layers of damaged skin, promote cell turnover, and stimulate collagen production. This process helps to reduce the appearance of scars, including shallow depressions and uneven texture associated with acne.

Various types of chemical peels are available, ranging from superficial to deep, with different acids such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or a combination thereof. The choice of peel depends on the severity of the acne scars and the patient's skin type.

Laser Therapy

Both ablative and non-ablative lasers can help treat acne scars. Non-ablative lasers target the dermis without damaging the outer layer of skin, while ablative lasers remove thin layers of skin to promote new tissue growth. Fractional CO2 lasers and erbium lasers are commonly used for acne scar treatment, significantly improving scar appearance with minimal downtime. Fractional laser therapy delivers laser energy to the skin in microscopic columns, stimulating collagen production and remodelling scar tissue.

Microneedling

Microneedling has emerged as a potential treatment for acne scars, significantly changing skin texture and appearance. This minimally invasive procedure involves using a device equipped with fine needles that create controlled micro-injuries on the skin's surface. These micro-injuries stimulate the skin's natural healing process, triggering the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that contribute to skin elasticity and smoothness. As the skin heals, it becomes firmer and more evenly toned, reducing the appearance of acne scars over time.

Injectable Fillers

Fillers such as hyaluronic acid or collagen can be injected into depressed acne scars to temporarily plump up the skin and improve the appearance of acne scars. While results are immediate, fillers are not a permanent solution and may need to be repeated frequently.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

The procedure involves injecting platelets-enriched plasma from the patient's blood into acne scars to stimulate tissue regeneration and collagen production.

Surgical excision

For deep or stubborn acne scars, surgical excision may be required. This involves surgically removing the scar tissue and suturing the skin back together.

Can acne scars be treated with natural home remedies?

While not as effective as professional Acne Scar Treatment in Bangalore, certain home remedies may help improve the appearance of acne scars over time. These include topical applications of honey, aloe vera, coconut oil, and rosehip seed oil. These are known for their skin moisturising and healing properties.

How can I prevent acne scars?

Preventing acne scars is crucial for patients who are prone to severe acne. Several preventive measures can minimise the risk of scarring:

• Early treatment: Early treatment of acne reduces inflammation and lowers the chance of scarring.
• Gentle skincare routine: Avoid harsh products that irritate the skin and worsen acne.
• Avoid picking or squeezing: Picking or squeezing acne lesions worsens inflammation and the risk of scarring.
• Sun protection: UV exposure can darken existing acne scars, so regular sunscreen application and wearing sun-protective clothing is a must.
• Professional guidance: Dermatologists can provide tailored advice and treatment plans to prevent scarring; thus, they must be consulted. 

Acne scars are stubborn and are of various types. Some are deep, and some are raised. They need dermatologist help to get them treated effectively. For more details, book a visit today