Overview
Acne affects almost everyone: About 85 percent of all people suffer from pimples during their lifetimes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Although not everyone winds up with permanent scarring as a result of their teenage acne, the AAD also estimates that some 40 percent of all teenagers have scars that require treatment from a dermatologist by the time they’re 15 years old. Fortunately, dermatologists offer a variety of effective skin treatments for acne scars.
Significance
Acne stems from three main causes: excess sebum, or oil, produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin, dead skin cells that irritate hair follicles at the skin’s surface and bacterial overgrowth, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the excess sebum combines with the dead skin cells, the combination can clog pores, providing bacteria with an ideal atmosphere in which to grow. Acne scars result when the pockets of bacterial infection clear.
Function
Generally, dermatologists classify acne scars in one of three categories, according to the AAD. Depressed scars, the most common type, often are called “ice pick” or “pock mark” scars, and look like depressions in the skin’s surface. Raised acne scars, also known as keloids, are less common but more severe; these scars can be especially painful and unsightly. And acne also can leave behind red, pink, purple or brown spots; these spots aren’t really scars, and patients will find they fade in time. But treatment can hasten their departure.
Topical Treatments
Many people with acne scars start out by trying over-the-counter treatments, which most often contain glycolic acid, vitamin C or retinol as their active ingredients. However, the AAD warns that these creams or gels aren’t likely to do much good, although they may slightly diminish some scars. In the case of colored spots, dermatologists can prescribe a cream containing the ingredient hydroquinone, which can be effective in bleaching out those spots. For raised acne scars and depressed scars, prescription tretinoin can help renew skin and reduce the scars’ appearance. However, severe depressed scars likely will require a visit to the doctor.
Surgery and Microdermabrasion
Acne scar surgery, in which the dermatologist literally cuts out scars with a punch and grafts in new skin, treats scars very effectively, the AAD says. Dermatologists generally perform the surgery in their offices, and patients often have some recovery time. Other procedures used to treat acne scars include laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion and chemical peels. In addition, dermatologists can temporarily “plump up” depressed acne scars using collagen fillers that are injected under the skin; this usually lasts for up to six months.
Considerations
Since acne scars are particularly stubborn to treat, patients need to be prepared to spend the time, energy and money it takes to get the results they want. Some options, such as laser therapy, may require multiple treatments for the best results. In addition, dermatologists may recommend more than one type of treatment; for example, surgery might be combined with laser treatment for the best results. The AAD recommends consulting a physician to determine the best individualized approach for acne scar treatment.
