Types of Acne Scars

Acne is a quite common inflammatory skin condition that occurs in young adults. Acne scars are an after-effect of acne that gives the appearance of marks on the acne area. Different types of acne scars are present. Each type has its respective treatment procedures.

Premium clinics like MedLinks offer high-end acne and scene scar treatment after a thorough examination of the type of scar. Knowing the different types is thereby essential to know how to treat them effectively. This post discusses the same for your benefit.

The Cause Behind Acne Scars

Before delving into the different types, it is important to know what causes them. Acne scars are caused as a result of a natural reaction of the skin to the injury or inflammation. Injury includes the picking or scratching of active acne. Inflammatory acne scars occur as a result of damage to collagen fibres.

Type 1: Atrophic Scars

The first type of acne scar is the atrophic scar. These are shallow and flat depressions that heal under the top skin layer. These are mostly a result of cystic acne. The exact appearance of an atrophic scar varies on the history of the individual with regard to acne. There majorly three major types of atrophic acne scars. These are:

• Ice Pick Scars: These appear like narrow and small indentations that kind of point down to the surface of the skin. Ice-pick scars are seen on cheeks and are quite difficult to treat.
• Boxcar Scars: These have a box-like appearance and are broad with clearly defined edges. These are caused by chickenpox or widespread acne and are usually seen in the jawline or lower cheeks.
• Rolling Scars: These are different levels of depth and have a sloping edge. This gives the skin an uneven and wavy appearance.

How to Treat Atrophic Scars

Atrophic acne scar treatment includes two stages. The first is focused on lowering the scar depth. Most of these treatments target the production of collagen as the latter helps reduce the depth of acne scars. The common treatments availed during this stage are:

• Chemical peels: Salicylic acid or glycolic acid removes the outer layers of the skin. It is not suitable for extremely deep scarring.
• Dermabrasion: Here, specialised equipment sands down the skin layers to make a boxcar become shallow. This requires a number of visits to the clinic.
• Laser therapy: In this, high-energy light is used to remove the skin’s outer layers. This facilitates the collage production of the inner layers.
• Microneedling: In microneedling, small injuries are made with needles across the acne scar. This creates healing pockets along with the production of collagen.

The second stage of treating atrophic scars is to get rid of discolouration. This may include laser therapy, chemical peels, or a few basic lifestyle changes.

Atrophic scars can also be treated at home with some topical medications containing retinoids. Retinoid is known for its collagen-forming benefits. It also helps make the skin pigment appear even. Always be careful not to use chemical peels at home as they can cause further damage if you are not careful. You can also look for natural acne scar remedies.

Type 2: Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

These are the exact opposite of atrophic scars and have a raised appearance, like lumps of the tissue of the scar. Keloid and hypertrophic scars occur when the scar tissue accumulates. The size of hypertrophic scars matches the acne that caused it. Conversely, keloid scars are a bit bigger and grow well beyond the original acne spot.

Keloid and hypertrophic scars are mostly seen in the chest, shoulder, jawline and back. These are also most common in people with darker skin tones and more melanin.

How to Treat Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

The treatment process for these scars focuses mainly on lowering the bump or, rather, the height of the bump. This way, the skin gets a smoother appearance. Intensive dermatological treatments include steroid injections that are applied to soften the tissue of the scar. As a result, the height gets lowered.

In some cases, surgical removal is also recommended. These can also be treated through nonablative and ablative laser therapy. If you want to go the natural way, then you can apply a good-quality bio-oil and massage it on the affected areas. Proper massage weakens the scar tissue and lowers the scar height. There are also a number of homemade masks and natural remedies you can try.

Type 3: Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

These occur when the acne heals and leaves a discoloured, darker patch behind on the skin. Hyperpigmentation is not exactly a scar and often resolves with good skin care. Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is severe acne damage on the skin, or you have scratched or picked at your active acne.

How to Treat Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation caused by acne can be treated at home or at your dermatologist. The main goal is to prevent darkening and facilitate the natural recovery of your skin. Common dermatologist-recommended treatments are:

• Hydroquinone
• Chemical peels
• Laser therapy
• Topical medications like retinoids

At-home treatments include using a good quality sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. You can also apply cucumber masks or cucumber juice to soothe the area and help the skin recover.

Final Words

Acne can happen to anyone and at any time. Acne scars are also quite common and nothing to worry about. The types of acne scars, as discussed above, vary based on the severity and type of acne. The treatments vary as well. Consult with your dermatologist to acquire the best treatment and optimal results.

FAQs

1. What type of acne scars the most?

Any acne type can leave behind a scar. But in general, scarring occurs if the acne penetrates deep within the skin.

2. What are the types of acne scars?

There are two main types of acne scars. These are atrophic, hypertrophic, and keloid scars. There is also a post-inflammatory pigmentation that occurs.

3. Are acne scars normal?

Yes. Acne scars are a natural part of the acne healing process and are nothing to be highly worried about. It is the skin’s effort to repair the damage caused by the acne.