An acne breakout can vary in severity from comedones (blackheads or whiteheads) to acne cysts and nodules. Comedones rarely leave scars, unless picked at or popped incorrectly, but acne cysts and nodules can often leave scar tissue behind long after they have healed. Although the depth of the scar my affect the overall results, most acne scars can at least become less noticeable through acne scar treatment.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that works as a gentle chemical peel. When applied to an acne scar, salicylic acid accelerates the shedding of the scar tissue cells, revealing the new skin cells beneath. This action can help reduce the appearance of an acne scar, depending on how deep the scar is.
Dermatology Chemical Peels
When a stronger chemical peel is needed than salicylic acid, a dermatologist or other trained professional can use other acid types for a stronger result. Common chemical peel ingredients include glycolic acid and trichloracetic acid. Like salicylic acid, these chemical peels accelerate the shedding of scar tissue cells.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a common acne scar treatment that uses a rotating refinishing tool (similar to sandpaper) to scrape the outer affected layers of skin. This method is more invasive than others at treating acne scars, but can also reach deeper scar tissues than treatments such as salicylic acid.
Microdermabrasion
Less invasive than traditional dermabrasion, microdermabrasion uses a wand tool to propel sand-like crystals (such as zinc or aluminum oxide crystals) at the acne scar tissue. The abrasive action of the crystals removes the outer layers of the scar tissues, allowing new healthier tissue to replace it.
Retinoids
Topical retinoids, such as Adapalene or Tazarotene may also help reduce the look of an acne scar. Topical retinoids are derived from vitamin A and work by increasing the turnover rate of skin cells. The faster scar cells turn over, the faster new skin healthy cells are revealed.
Subcision
Subcision can also be used on acne scars. Subcision consists of surgically detaching the scar from the tissue beneath. This allows blood to pool beneath the scar, providing the necessary environment for new connective tissue to form beneath the scar. This connective tissue can help raise inset acne scars level with the surrounding skin tissue.
Punch Replacement
Punch replacement involves taking small areas of the scar and removing deep punch-hole like sections of scar tissue. The tissue is then replaced with graft tissues from other areas of the body, such as behind your ears. This is usually reserved for pitted acne scars.
Saline Injections
Pioneered by Dr. David Sar, of the Advanced Skincare MedCenter in Orange County, California, saline injections introduce saline into the tissue beneath the acne scar and activate the production of collagen. The collagen growth can help shallow atrophic acne scars raise to even with the surrounding skin.
Augmentation
Augmentation uses the aid of dermafillers (such as collagen) to raise scars even with the skin. In this process, the dermafiller is injected directly below the scar, forcing the scar tissue to raise even with its surroundings.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a newer addition to the acne scar treatment market and uses lasers to remove the outer layers of scar tissue from the skin. This encourages the growth of new skin cells to replace the scar tissue. Laser resurfacing tends to be one of the more expensive scar treatment options.
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