Acne is quite a normal skin condition that usually affects younger adults. However, while acne may go away with time, it often leaves behind scars. Moreover, many people pick their acne, which also causes scars. Acne scars are, however, treatable in some ways. Premium clinics like MedLinks offer medical treatments for acne.
There are also homemade remedies and OTC treatments. But how long does an acne scar take to fade? This article discusses all about acne scars and the time they take to finally disappear.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Before knowing about acne scar fading, it is important to know what causes the scarring in the first place. When you have acne, the skin underneath gets inflamed, which causes damage to the skin tissue. This damage causes scarring.
There is a discoloration scarring, which makes the affected area darker. There is also indented scarring, which causes an uneven, indented appearance on the skin. Acne scars can occur even if you do not pick your active acne.
Acne Scar Treatment
Acne scars, irrespective of the severity, can be treated. The treatment procedure depends on some factors:
- Skin type
- Acne severity
- Acne scar type
- Acne scar severity
There are mainly two types of acne scars. One is atrophic acne scars, which include boxcars, rolling, and ice pick scars. The second is hypertrophic and keloid scars, which are raised scars. There is also post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Common treatments for acne scars are:
- Chemical peels
- Microneedling
- Retinoids
- Dermal fillers
- Laser treatment
- OTC topical medications
- Home Skincare
Acne scars fade with time and can take anywhere between a year or more. But if acne scars are not treated, they can become permanent.
Acne Scar Fading Time
The following sections will detail the acne scar fading time, based on the type of scar and treatment.
Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars take a long time to fade. These scars usually occur due to the loss of collagen. In very severe cases, treatment can minimise the appearance but not fully get rid of the marks. Some options are:
- Microneedling: Here, tiny needles are used to puncture the skin surface around the affected area to facilitate collagen production. It usually shows results after three to six months. It also needs several sessions.
- Chemical Peels: These resurface the skin and help in the growth of new skin tissue. As a result, the acne scar fades. Chemical peels also take around three to six months to show results.
- Laser Treatment: This also focuses on collagen production and smoothening of the skin surface. Laser treatments take at least six months to show visible results.
- Dermal Fillers: These are injectable fillers whose results last from six months to a year.
Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars
These have a raised appearance and take longest time to fade. Most keloids and hypertrophic scars do not fade without proper treatment. Laser treatment is a common treatment procedure for these scars and takes anywhere between six months to a year to show results.
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
These are not exactly scars but dark spots left behind by acne on the skin. These can heal naturally but take anywhere between three months or even two years. The time depends on your skin type and intensity of pigmentation. Topical medicines and chemical peels can help fasten the process of fading.
Topical treatments include products with retinoids, niacinamide, and Vitamin C. You can also opt for chemical peels like salicylic acid peels, azelaic acid peels, and AHAs that help reduce hyperpigmentation. It also helps in new cell growth. Both topical treatments and chemical peels take over three to six months to show visible results.
Many items. Laser treatment is also recommended for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and is a quicker way to see results. This helps see results in just a few months.
Tips to Prevent Acne Scars
There are treatments for acne scars, but knowing how to prevent them is also essential.
- Don’t Pick It: One of the major causes of acne scarring is when you pick an active acne. Control the urge and leave it as it is. Picking acne can also lead to skin infections.
- Be Knowledgeable: Be clear about the different types of acne scars. This way, you can treat them correctly. For instance, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cystic acne are all different.
- Begin Early: If you are prone to acne, then start your acne treatment well in advance. Adopt a proper skincare regime and a healthy lifestyle. The type of treatment depends on your skin type, so consult a doctor for suitable products.
- Consult a Dermatologist: Taking professional help is always the best thing to do. They will guide you in the right way in terms of both home and medical remedies for optimal results.
Final Words
Acne scars require proper care and treatment to go away completely. The exact fading time depends on how severe the scarring is and also on your skin time. It also depends on the treatment you are undertaking. The average time ranges from three months to a year. It is best to consult a dermatologist to see quick and effective results.
FAQs
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Do acne scars go away on their own?
Acne scars usually do not fade completely on their own and require several treatments for complete fading. These can be laser treatments, dermal fillers, microneedling, chemical peels, and topical medications as well.
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Are acne scars permanent?
Acne scars can become permanent if not treated properly and on time. Even when they are treated, they take a lot of time. While there is no full guarantee that a treatment or procedure will show you 100% results, you can expect a visible reduction in the appearance of the scars.
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Do dark spots caused by acne go away?
Dark spots caused by acne are not indentations or raised scars. They also do not indicate long-term damage to skin pores, follicles, or skin cells. They lighten with time and completely disappear. The time depends on how intense the dark spots are. You can use ITC creams and products to speed up the process.
