Acne is a stubborn inconvenience that affects almost everyone at some point in their lives, often making them feel unattractive, embarrassed, or self-conscious.
The main cause of acne is often clogged hair follicles or pores (from either oil or dead skin cells) which form comedones. Bacteria will then start to grow, causing inflammation.
Acne can be mild, moderate, or severe in nature. Mild acne often causes less-irritable whiteheads or blackheads, moderate acne tends to cause red bumps or pus-filled pimples, while severe acne – also called cystic acne – is the most likely to leave scarring.
Scars from severe acne will fade over time but are unlikely to go away independently. There are however both home remedies and dermatological treatments which can help lighten or reduce their appearance.
Home remedies for acne
Many home and over-the-counter remedies for acne scarring are available to purchase, however, there are a few proven methods that can produce greater results.
Vitamin C serums
A good vitamin C serum offers a potent antioxidant that can help minimise skin discoloration and reduce acne lesions with its anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen growth (which helps generate healthy new tissue) which can help minimise the look of acne scars.
Home chemical peels
Chemical peels work by removing the top layer of skin, revealing new, healthy skin below. A chemical peel is more effective than physical exfoliators such as topical scrubs and can provide a smooth texture to your skin, lighten dark spots, and unclog pores to prevent future breakouts.
Retinoids
Retinoids are an increasingly popular method of acne control as they offer anti-inflammatory properties, promote the exfoliation of dead skin cells, and boost the production of new ones. Retinoids can be bought over the counter or prescribed at a higher dosage via a dermatologist.
Dermatological remedies for acne
A dermatologist is a medical professional who specialises in diagnosing, treating, and preventing skin conditions. A dermatologist may treat conditions such as skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, or warts, as well as acne.
A dermatologist is in the best position to understand you and your skin and can provide advice and expertise on dermatological remedies.
Resurfacing procedures
Laser therapy, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and dermatological chemical peels are all resurfacing procedures that can help improve acne scars that are not considered ‘deep’. As with many of the other remedies, these procedures will remove layers of skin and encourage new cells to grow.
Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a microneedling pen containing rotating needles. Microneedling is a particularly good option for depressed acne scars. The needle is pressed into the depressed scar to stimulate collagen production.
Fillers
Another good option for shallow scars is fillers. A dermatologist can fill in the scars with substances such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, or your own fat, with results often lasting up to a few months – in some cases, it can even be permanent!
Radiofrequency skin tightening
Radiofrequency skin tightening or therapy is a non-surgical method of tightening your skin. Energy waves heat the deep layer of skin known as the dermis to over 115°F for approximately three minutes, which stimulates the production of collagen. The therapy takes about an hour to complete and should be nearly painless.
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Cortisone injections
For those with hard, raised scars, cortisone injections can help. These types of injections can help soften and flatten raised scars but may require multiple injections to remain effective.
Subcision
Subcision is a minor procedure that can diminish the appearance of an acne scar by inserting a sterile needle under the skin and using it to disrupt the fibrous scar tissue. This can ‘loosen’ the depressed scars and help reduce their appearance.
Surgery
Straight-up surgery involves raising tissue or breaking up tissue to reduce the appearance of depressed acne scars. For raised acne scars, cryosurgery can freeze them off, but it is not recommended for those with darker skin.
Reducing or fading your post-acne scars is not an exact science, with different skin types reacting to varying remedies in many different ways. Introducing vitamin C, retinoids, and home chemical peels into your skincare routine has benefits beyond that of reducing the appearance of acne scars so it is never a bad idea, but seeking the advice of a dermatologist can help provide additional context and expertise on the best approach for your skin.
