Around 80 percent of people ages 11 to 30 years old have acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Acne can start in early teens and continue throughout your entire life, even into your 40s. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, in most cases healed acne does not leave scars, but there's no sure way to predict who will have scars and who will not. The AAD states that cystic acne will always leave scars behind.
Types of Acne Scars
There are two types of scars acne can leave behind, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Acne scars can form from increased tissue formation or from the loss of tissue. Increased tissue formation scars are caused by collagen buildup in the skin, also known as keloid scars and hypertrophic scars. The American Academy of Dermatology states that African-Americans are predisposed to keloid formations, while some families tend to form hypertrophic scars, which are thick scars. The AAD states that both types of scarring are caused by a genetic predisposition. Scars resulting from skin tissue loss are more common than increased tissue formation scars. Fortunately, there are a variety of methods to reduce or remove acne scars.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can improve some larger acne scars as well as small, depressed scars. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, chemical peels may be effective in treating blackheads and whiteheads. Chemical peels are not effective in treating deep fibrotic scars, ice-pick scars or keloids. Repeat peels and deep peels may be required to improve extensive scarring.
Dermabrasion
You may have heard of going to a spa for a dermabrasion to pamper yourself but dermabrasion was originally developed, and still is used today, to treat acne scars. Dermabrasion can reach deep layers of the skin, unlike chemical peels, and can treat deep and thick scars. Ice-pick scars can also be treated with dermabrasion when used in conjunction with "punch" excision of scar tissue.
Light and Laser Therapy
Laser and light treatments work by reaching deep layers of the skin using various energy and tissue penetrating power to treat complex scars. According to MayoClinic.com, light and laser treatments may be uncomfortable and can mimic a sunburn. Because of the imitation of a sunburn, this can leave behind skin redness, blisters and peeling.
Cosmetic Augmentation
The loss of tissue can be corrected by soft-tissue augmentation. Your dermatologist will inject collagen or subcutaneous fat beneath the scars to elevate the scar to match the rest of the skin's surface. This type of procedure may need to be repeated periodically as the collagen can deplete, leaving the tissue depressed as it once was.
Warnings
Picking, squeezing or popping your acne can cause scarring to occur, according to MayoClinic.com. Avoid scrubbing or excessive washing as this can irritate your skin, causing acne to become worse, which can lead to scars. Seek care from your dermatologist if over-the-counter treatments are not effective in treating your acne, as untreated acne can lead to developing scar tissue. If scar tissue has already occurred, your dermatologist can recommend the proper treatment to diminish scars and make your skin healthy.
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