Acne scars: What can I do to remove them?

During adolescence, severe acne in some patients leaves severe skin lesions. These scars are mainly located on the forehead, temples, cheeks, corners of the mouth, chin, and sometimes even the neck.

Acne scars appear when it goes away, i.e. When it is no longer at the inflammatory stage (pimples and cysts). These are therefore traces of a wound when it is removed.

Acne scars are visible because the skin on the face is blistered and rippled. Irregular furrows form. These scars can cause significant aesthetic discomfort for patients with scars and can even affect their psychological well-being.

When the acne healing occurs naturally, there is stimulation of blood vessels that involves the release of various growth factors as a result of inflammation. This triggers the process of collagen production and breakdown; leaving a depression called an acne or pimple hole. There are different type of acne holes based on their appearance leading to specific treatments.

It is important to note that acne scars have no effect on your physical health.

Acne scars: what are the causes?

At the time of adolescence, around 12-15 years of age, young girls and boys gradually go through puberty. Hormone activity is intense to allow the body to develop. These physical changes are accompanied, for many teenagers, by the onset of acne.

The sebaceous glands are glands that are present in the dermis, and attached to the hair implantation, which secretes sebum. This natural substance moisturizes the skin, protects it against certain bacteria and lubricates the hair. In some adolescents, the activity of the sebaceous glands is particularly intense. Acne can be severe and cause a profusion of skin inflammations (pimples).

When puberty ends, acne can be so severe that it has distorted the skin and created relief.

Acne scars: what are the treatments?

In aesthetic medicine, there are treatments available to overcome any insecurity you have about it. All treatments are prescribed once the skin has stabilized.

Mild acne scars can be treated with chemical dermabrasion. This process, also known as "peeling", involves applying an abrasive substance locally to the face to break down the surface layer of the skin. This treatment is progressive and requires several sessions before the skin is smooth again.

Another possibility when the scars are shallow is the micro-needling technique.

If acne scars are deep and the skin very damaged, other medical techniques such as lasers or devices based on radiofrequency, ultrasound or plasma energy should be considered. These different energies cause a thermal reaction when in contact with the skin that abrades the first layer of the dermis and gradually eliminates scars as the skin regenerates.

Acne holes or pimple holes look like depressions on the skin’s surface.They occur when the deeper layers of the skin become damaged. As these deeper layers heal, extra collagen is produced.

It usually is a result of severe acne that occurs during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, or due to hormone imbalances.

There are plenty of professional treatments available at Clinique des Champs Elysées New York to minimise their appearance.