Scarring from acne is a point of frustration for many people who have suffered, or still suffer, from acne. While the majority of people suffer from acne at some point in their life (a common estimate is 80%), many of those people clear up with no long-term effect. But for others, acne can cause scars and imperfections that take years to clear up, or may never clear up at all.
Knowing how and why acne scars form is the best way to avoid them. Let’s look at what causes acne scarring in the first place, and what you can do to make it better.
What causes acne scarring?
When the skin heals from acne-related abrasions, it takes time for new skin to form and work its way to the top. If you let a blemish heal naturally, there may be a pink mark for up to a year later while the skin heals itself. This is not a scar and will likely fade over time.
However, scarring can occur if you irritate the skin and disrupt the natural healing process, or for some blemishes that are exceptionally severe. Picking at scabs on the face, just like with any other part of the body, can cause the skin to scar. A scab is the body’s way of protecting the skin while it heals, so picking a scab will expose skin that is not ready to be exposed, and can cause scarring.
Other skin damage can increase the likelihood of scabbing. A good example is sun exposure, which can cause even more damage to your skin and slow the healing process down, increasing the risk of scarring. There are plenty of oil-free, face-friendly sunscreens available.
How To Prevent and Treat Scarring
Of course, the best way to reduce the risk of scarring is to reduce your acne in general. Learn about face washes and scrubs that can help your skin stay clean, and make sure you are eating a healthy diet and are otherwise healthy. If necessary, see a dermatologist. Keeping your acne in check is the first step to prevent scarring.
Treating the skin with appropriate ointments or medications can help it heal faster. Alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy, and tretinoin are all chemicals that may help your skin stay healthy. Ask a dermatologist to find a treatment with the right levels for you.
If your acne is no longer active and your scarring has persisted, there are a number of procedures that can be done to help reduce your scarring. Skin surface treatments that can help improve scarring include laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and other procedures. Talk with your doctor to see what will be most appropriate and effective for your specific scar types.
