Can topical treatment alone fix acne scars?


Mahia Afrin | Published: February 22, 2023 17:31:59 | Updated: February 25, 2023 16:52:12


Can topical treatment alone fix acne scars?

Acne or pimples are caused due to access sebum production in the skin. People with oily skin types can face severe acne issues. Due to environmental pollution, this issue is getting worse. 

Acne can be reduced easily, but the scar sometimes is stubborn. Scar treatment depends on the scar type, size, and severity.  

The flat marks are generally known as hyperpigmentation or the red marks left behind after acne. Another type is called a depressed scar. These are holes or pits on the skin. Hypertrophic scars are raised marks left behind after acne healing. Ice pick scars are deep, depressed, pitted like scars and have a narrow base. This is the most common atrophic scar. 

A shallow depression is seen in rolling scars, which are wider than 4-5mm and have sloping edges. 

Box scars have a depression that ranges from round to oval and has distinct vertical edges. Clinically, the surface's width is greater than icepick scars and has a wide base. 

Our skin has a healing system, and sometimes it needs additional support to heal any injury. Acne is also a type of skin injury. Additional support can be required as a topical or oral solution. 

The application of some active ingredients can reduce the scar faster. Ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, glycolic and kojic acid. These ingredients are calming, healing, and nourishing to the skin. 

Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help control excess sebum production and easily fade the scar. Salicylic acid can prevent the growth of acne bacteria too. But sometimes, only applying any product topically cannot help to remove the scar permanently. 

Some acne scar removal treatment options that you can do under the supervision of a dermatologist: 

Radiofrequency micro needling: This technique uses tiny wounds made by tiny microneedles to stimulate collagen formation in the skin. Radiofrequency waves are used in the procedure to speed up the growth of new skin and enhance the effects of micro-needling. This technique tightens pores and lessens the sight of atrophic scars and pigmented scars.

Intradermal radiofrequency: This treatment is for obstinate, adherent, fibrotic scars resistant to standard radiofrequency and laser treatment. Intradermal radiofrequency can heal acne scar tissue by applying heat to the dermis, which is located right beneath the skin's surface.

Nonablative lasers: Vaporising the damaged skin and inducing new collagen improves the texture of the skin and acne scars. This method for treating acne scars has been around for ten years.

Dermal fillers: Hyaluronic acid fillers, or dermal fillers, are injections that help raise depressed scars and even out the skin's texture. It is not a permanent treatment like a laser; the results persist for around a year (sometimes less).

Contact your dermatologist as soon as possible to discuss the best course of action for your specific acne scars and skin type. Only topicals won't repair acne scars, especially if they're pitted, depressed, or raised; instead, a combination of ingredients and the sort of treatment you choose will entirely depend on the outcomes you want and whether you still have active outbreaks. 

You should speak with your dermatologist and make an informed choice because there are so many things to consider. 

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