Acne scarring seems like double punishment: first you have to deal with having acne and then you’re blessed with the scars as a reminder. On top of that, not all  acne scarring can be covered or minimized with makeup. If you’re uncomfortable with the appearance of your skin, learn more about acne scar treatment below.

Types of Acne Scars

In order to figure out the best treatment for your acne scarring, it helps to first understand acne and the different types of acne. For starters, acne occurs when your pores get clogged and oil is trapped in the glands under the skin. This oil allows bacteria to grow, creating the pus filled bumps we know as pimples.

The mildest form of acne is non-inflammatory, resulting in blackheads or whiteheads. This type of acne does not usually cause much scarring – unless you have been interfering with it (i.e. trying to extract or squeeze it) and damaging the skin in the process. The most serious acne scarring is caused by inflammatory acne. This type includes papules, pustules or nodules, which are painful, pus-filled cysts under the surface of the skin.

The type of acne scar will depend on the damage done to the skin and how the skin has healed afterward. Some people experience more than one type of acne scarring, such as:

• Ice pick – visible deep hole in the skin, usually the result of cystic acne
• Boxcar – depressed, round scar
• Rolling – bumpy or wavy skin surface
• Hypertrophic – raised, thickened lump
• Skin discolouration – reddish or brownish marks

Acne Scar Treatment

The best approach to acne scarring is prevention: seek treatment for your acne as soon as a breakout appears in order to prevent it from getting worse and potentially leaving behind scarring. Your acne must be under control before any scarring can be treated, so early intervention is really the best acne scar treatment around.

For the most part, any residual skin discolouration eventually fades and won’t require treatment. Other acne scarring that actually changes the texture or the volume of the skin unfortunately won’t disappear with time. Successful acne scar treatment options available at Lougheed Laser include the Fraxel^® Laser and dermal fillers.

If you would like to learn more about the acne scar treatment, please contact us. We’d be happy to answer your questions or book a consultation with one of our doctors.