Acne Scarring FAQs
Acne scarring requires medical treatments to resurface and retexture the skin’s surface, fractional and microneedling and the best way to reduce and remove scarring.
No, they will not fade by themselves. As we age skin loses collagen and makes the appearance of scars more visible, however there are medical grade treatments that are performed in a clinic which can reduce scarring visibility such as Microneedling or fractional treatments.
If the scars are mainly PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) then it can take around several months for them to fade, without medical intervention depressed scars (which appear as pits or craters) are permanent and will not fade on their own.
Yes, as acne scarring is a change in the skin’s texture. Depressed scarring is permanent because collagen fills in damaged skin areas, it binds the skin and also pulls the skin down and contracts it. This changes the skin’s texture permanently without the intervention of treatment.
Ablative treatments of microneedling are the best recommended treatments as they are strong enough to diminish old scar tissue and increase natural collagen production.
Fractional laser treatments or microneedling are the most effective and most recommended treatments to improve the appearance of acne scars. Our skin specialists will assess the scar severity, age and colouring to determine which treatment is best for you.
Yes, having a regimented skincare routine, with products that contain Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and Retinoids can help improve the appearance of acne scars if they are red in colour. If acne scars are pigmented then additional pigment controlling products will be required to even the skin tone. For the best results skin treatments such as microneedling are recommended alongside a cosmeceutical skincare routine to get the best, most long term removal of scarring.
Acne marks also known as PIH (post inflammatory pigmentation) appear as flat, brown or red and can fade on their own within a few months. Acne scars appear either raised or indented and are permanent.
Yes, as it works both on the epidermis (top layer of skin) and into the dermis (middle layer) to unclog pores, improve the skin texture and tone. The sort of retinol you are using is important to consider, high street ranges tend to have much lower levels of retinol and will not make any visible difference to scarring. Cosmeceutical or medical ranges are advised for the best results.
They can become inflamed if the skin is irritated, weather and temperature fluctuations can also play a part. Eating or drinking certain products can also cause inflammation.
- Don’t pick your pimples
Don’t squeeze your spots when they don’t have a white head as this increases infection and scarring - Don’t conceal acne with cosmetic products
- Do use acids AHA’s that exfoliate away dead skin cells
- Do use a high strength cosmeceutical retinol
- Do wear spf
Depressed acne scars, also known as atrophic acne scars, are small visible indentations to the skin. The skin that has had trauma can not regenerate enough tissue to even out the epidermal layer leaving an indented (depressed) scar.
Fractional laser treatments or microneedling are the most effective and most recommended treatments to improve the appearance of acne scars. Our skin specialists will assess the scar severity, age and colouring to determine which treatment is best for you.
There are a few types of scarring:
- Acne marks – Acne marks also known as PIH (post inflammatory pigmentation) appear as flat, brown or red and can fade on their own within a few months.
- Rolling scars – Broad indentations in skin, have rounded sloping appearance.
- Boxcar scars – Steep, defined edges that can resemble of a print left from pushing a finger nail into the skin.
- Ice pick scars – Deep and narrow, usually less than 2mm in diameter, resemble to that of a large empty pore.
- Raised acne scars – Less common than depressed acne scars. Bumpy, uneven surface that catches the light. There are 2 types of raised scars, keloid scars and hypertrophic scars.
Do not squeeze or pick spots if they do not have a white head and your skin has not been properly prepared for extraction.
Make sure you’re using the correct skincare to target, treat and repair your breakouts,
Avoid scrubbing skin with harsh skin products to avoid spreading bacteria.
Wear an Oil free SPF 50 daily, ensure this is a stand alone product, having SPF in your makeup or other products will not give you the best protection.
Prices will vary based upon your location, the quality of the machine being used and the experience of your practitioner. Head to our price list to see pricing of our eTwo sublative and Exceed microneedling treatments which are the most commonly recommended treatments for acne scarring.