Three dermatologists share their tips on how to treat acne scars and discoloration, and (spoiler alert!)
it’s never too early to start.
But when exactly does that process begin?
And how soon is too soon to start treating acne scars?
Read on for what they had to say.
What, exactly, are acne scars?
board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness in Birmingham, Alabama
The term acne scar generally conflates two different phenomena: long-lasting stains and permanent scars.
Long-lasting (but not permanent) stains refer to post-acne hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
According to Dr. Zeichner, the skin often develops red or brown marks after pimples heal.
Post-acne red marks, called persistent erythema, are more common in people with lighter skin tones.
Both post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and persistent erythema do improve on their own over time.
However, it can take weeks or months for them to fade.
Unlike red or brown blotches, these scars do not go away on their own.
What are the ages, or phases, of acne marks?
Textural scarring
There are three main phases of textural acne scarring.
board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness in Birmingham, Alabama
The first is theinflammatory phase, during which the skin tries to heal itself by triggering an inflammatory response.
During this time, damaged tissue is repaired and new collagen is produced.
When and how should someone start treating an acne scar?
That can help treat scarring immediately, says Dr. Hartmen.
Then you’re able to treat older acne scars all at the same time.
For hypertrophic scars and keloids, dermatologist-administered cortisone injections can significantly flatten out raised scars.
Once the scar is formed, it takes a procedural approach to improve its appearance, he says.
This can be accomplished with chemical peels, microneedling, lasers, and energy-based devices like radiofrequency.
According to Dr. Hirsch, the real answer tends to be a combination of several techniques and products.
When and how should someone start treating post-acne discoloration?
you might, and should, start treating post-acne hyperpigmentation right when you see it.
Though if you have post-acne hyperpigmentation from the past, its not too late to treat it either.
Meanwhile, persistent erythema (red marks) are best treated by continuing to use your acne treatment.
In both cases, Dr. Hirsch says its easy to overdo treatment so the key is to proceed gently.
However, there can be points when a topical treatment alone will not be enough to reduce hyperpigmentation.
He adds that many patients have success combining in-office treatments and at-home topicals.
Now that youre armed with this information, youll be equipped to battle whatever your breakouts leave behind.
For more information on how to deal with all kinds of acne scarring, check out the video below.
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