Debunking 10 Myths Surrounding Acne Scars
Acne is an extremely common condition, yet it carries many misconceptions about its management, largely due to the varied ways different cultures perceive and treat it.
In this article, we will share some of the most common misconceptions surrounding acne scars and their treatment management, and share some effective acne treatment solutions.
Acne Scars Will Fade Away on Their Own
When it comes to atrophic acne scars, we have to consider both the pigmentary changes and the textural changes. Pigmentary concerns like redness or brown staining of a previous acne lesion can sometimes self-resolve over months to years. However, this is not guaranteed and many patients require therapy to remove the colour from a scar. When it comes to textural considerations, however, these are permanent and do not improve without treatment.
Also Read: Things You Need to Know About Acne Scar Removal in Singapore
Only Severe Acne Causes Scarring
Another myth is that only severe acne causes scarring. The truth is that all acne can result in textural scars.
It is not clearly understood why some patients develop acne scarring and others do not. We know that acne scars are a result of the destruction of collagen fibres caused by intense inflammation from defective wound healing processes. One study suggested that this is a result of defective immune responses from the body, whereby patients who were more prone to scarring developed a weak immune response at the start of acne, but a very strong response after the lesion had subsided, resulting in excessive tissue damage and scarring. Conversely, in patients less prone to scarring, the immune response is strong at the start but quickly subsides after the lesion recovers.
Of course, factors to reduce overall inflammation would help to reduce the risk of scarring. These would include polynucleotide injections, refraining from picking at acne and medications to control the inflammation.
Acne Scars Only Occur on the Face
While the face is the most common area for acne scars to appear due to the prevalence of acne in this region, acne scars can occur anywhere on the body. Interestingly, however, acne marks that form on the body usually take longer to heal. Most would notice that the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation would last a great deal longer on the body than on the face due to slower skin turnover rates.
Tanning Can Make Acne Scars Less Noticeable
Some believe that tanning can help camouflage acne scars, by tanning the surrounding skin to match the acne pigmentation. Although it can briefly give a better aesthetic outcome, this is actually going to worsen the wound healing. Firstly, exposure to UV radiation will result in slower clearance of the pigment left behind by acne. Secondly, UV radiation also causes further collagen and elastin damage, resulting in poorer textural scar appearance.
Acne Scars Will Go Away with Home Remedies Alone
Home remedies are often touted as miracle cures for acne scars. Many revolve around the use of naturally occurring acids and scrubs.
Some naturally occurring acids are useful in improving the rate of scar pigmentation clearance. They are also good at temporarily improving the texture of the scar as they smoothen the epidermis for a short duration. However these must be done carefully and not too often, or the acids may cause more damage than good. As such I recommend most patients to seek professional assistance for acid peels to ensure the best results. Professional acid peels can also use stronger peels, which can have more significant results in a safer setting.
Some use products with antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties such as tea tree oil, honey or aloe vera. However, these do not have significant impacts on acne scars.
The other natural remedy often used is scrubs, which I will address in the next myth.
Also Read: Effective Acne Scar Treatments in Singapore
Scrubbing the Skin Vigorously Will Diminish Acne Scars
Another home remedy often used is scrubs that would use various abrasive agents to “rub out” their acne scars. However, these procedures often cause further skin damage and do not actually have the intended outcome of improving the scarring. In a controlled setting, dermabrasion using high-speed abrasive material can be used to remove the epidermis and some parts of the dermis to improve the appearance of scars, but even in a professional setting, serious risk of severe post-operative scarring, dyspigmentation and milia formation can occur. As such this method of treating acne scars has largely fallen out of favour for much safer and better alternatives like laser skin resurfacing
Acne Scars Only Affect Teenagers
Acne and its resultant scars are often associated with the teenage years due to hormonal changes that occur during puberty. However, acne scars can affect individuals of any age, so long as they experience acne. Adult acne is increasingly common, and with it comes the risk of scarring.
Acne Scars Are the Same as Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
While both acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are forms of skin discoloration that can follow acne, they are not the same. PIH refers to discoloration that occurs after an inflammatory wound, while acne scars involve changes in the texture of the skin, such as indentations or raised areas. Their distinct natures require different approaches for successful treatment.
Acne scars only affect people with oily skin
It’s a common misconception that acne scars exclusively afflict those with oily skin, but the reality is that these lingering marks can impact individuals regardless of their skin type.
While it’s true that oily skin tends to be more prone to acne breakouts due to increased sebum production, acne scars are not discriminatory. People with dry, combination, or even normal skin can develop acne scars.
Acne scars are just a cosmetic issue
While acne scars may seem to be solely a cosmetic concern, the truth is that their impact goes beyond mere vanity.
While it’s undeniable that acne scars can deeply affect an individual’s self-esteem and confidence, it’s important to recognize that their effects extend beyond the surface level.
Professional Acne Scar Removal and Results You Can Expect
Aesthetic treatments offer a variety of solutions, each suited to different types of scars and skin conditions. These treatments are designed not only to reduce the visibility of scars but also to promote the health and resilience of the skin.
Fractional CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 laser therapy stands out for its proven effectiveness in treating broader scars. The laser causes safe micro-injury to the skin, stimulating the body to produce collagen beneath the scar and improving the scar’s appearance as a result. The laser is also highly effective in improving the overall textural irregularities of the skin and as a result, the rest of the face is often done with the scar region to get a smoother complexion overall as well. Patients can expect a significant improvement in skin texture after a few sessions. Click this link for more in-depth information.
Polynucleotides are building blocks of DNA. They are increasingly used in conjunction with energy-based devices for the improvement of acne scars. These are injected into the skin to soak the skin cells in a broth of polynucleotides to promote natural collagen and elastin production and optimal scar and wound healing. It also has a milieu of other skin benefits, which can be explored in our link below.
We have various products available. Some popular brands include Plinest which is pure polynucleotides from Italy. Some other products include popular South Korean brands like Rejuran Healer or Rejuran Scar
RF Gold Microneedling
RF Gold Microneedling involves injecting many gold microneedles [Inert material to reduce risk of allergies] with precise and controlled radiofrequency released from the needles to promote potent collagen production. It is a modality with many applications depending on the settings used and is a highly effective means of treating acne scars, especially in darker-skinned individuals who may not tolerate laser modalities as well as lighter-skinned patients. It is also ideal for those who wish to have a shorter duration of cosmetic downtime [Period of expected red or brown marks on the skin immediately after the procedure], or for those with more sensitive skin types.
Sofwave is an ultrasound energy-based device that triggers broad and uniform skin heating and stimulates cells to produce more collagen, effectively smoothing out acne scars. There is zero downtime and no risks associated with other energy-based treatments, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Subcision is a specialised procedure aimed at treating rolling scars, which are usually shallower, broader [4-5mm] scars that produce a wave-like appearance on the skin’s surface. This wave pattern is caused by abnormal fibrous attachments from the dermis to the subcutis. Hence although resurfacing is able to improve the appearance of the scars, to get optimal results, the fibrous bands have to be released via subcision. Subcision involves the use of a small needle to manually break apart the fibrous bands of tissue that pull down on the skin.
By releasing these bands, the skin can lift and fill out, resulting in a smoother surface. For optimal results, however, subcision is often required to be combined with other treatments, such as fillers or laser therapy.
The TCA Cross method involves the careful application of a high concentration of trichloroacetic acid directly into the scar tissue. This chemical reagent induces a controlled injury to the skin, prompting the natural healing process and leading to the formation of new collagen fibres.
The treatment is highly effective for ice-pick scars, significantly reducing their depth and improving overall skin texture. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results. Click this link for more information.
The Picosecond laser uses ultra-short pulses of laser to produce a few effects.
Its most notable effect would be to reduce the pigmentation in a scar by blasting melanin into smaller pieces that the body can reabsorb and take away. This usually requires a few sessions and is usually done before textural adjustments are made.
The Pico laser also has a mode known as the MLA mode which is able to stimulate collagen production under the skin. This mode can be done after removal of pigmentation in the skin. It does however also have a period of downtime that can last from 5-7 days depending on skin types and settings used.
Click this link for more information
Acne Scar Removal in Singapore
Your unique acne scars, influenced by your skin type and condition, require a personalised acne scars treatment plan for effective removal.
With our highly trained team of doctors, up-to-date and evidence-based treatments and many conveniently located clinics, SL Aesthetic Clinic is here to help you. Assess and treat your acne scars, and look your best with us today. Book a consultation with us now.
