For many, acne scarring can be a huge source of anxiety and frustration keeping them from the smooth complexion they seek. It can be a challenge dealing with the remnants of acne, even years after the breakouts have healed.
Acne scarring can present as darkened areas, enlarged pours, or ice pick scars. (Ice pick acne scars are a form of atrophic scarring. They’re deep, pitted scars that can linger long after the acne itself subsides).
If you deal with acne scarring and are searching for ways to resurface your skin, here are three methods that may be effective in helping you!
It is important to note: These treatments vary in terms of how aggressive they are. Our treatments will be tailored to you and your skins needs. Current acne breakouts, sensitive skin, skin tone and texture are all items that we will be considered as we work with you to establish your treatment plan.
These treatments combined with a well-designed and established home skincare program will put you on the path to a new and improved appearance.
Methods for Addressing Acne Scarring
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a great option for brightening and resurfacing the skin. Chemical peels vary in strength and effectiveness since they can be tailored to your specific needs. They are a great option for those with sensitive skin and safest to use on people with darker skin tones.
Here at Allure, we offer a variety of peels that specifically target fine lines, wrinkles, active acne and acne scarring. These treatments fall into the medium to deep peel category. As we’ve discussed on the blog before, more intense peel treatments should be performed with less frequency than light peels. Over utilization of chemical peels can result in increased skin sensitivity and may lead to hyperpigmentation in the skin. Also keep in mind that while chemical peels are generally safe for those of us with darker complexions, there is still a risk of hyperpigmentation. At your private consultation the type, depth and frequency of your chemical peel treatment plan will be explained, discussed, and tailored just to you.
Microdermabrasion
This treatment is best for treating mildly raised scars. You won’t see the same kind of positive change for pitted scarring such as ice pick scars.
Microdermabrasion is a form of exfoliation. This treatment promotes skin healing by sloughing off the top layer of skin, allowing new skin to surface. This is a fabulous add-on to your regular skincare treatments and promotes many advantages. While at-home treatments exist, they cannot match up to the quality of this professional treatment. Microdermabrasion treatments received in a medispa or medical clinic with specially trained staff can ensure you receive the most effective treatment possible. This also curbs the risk of over-exfoliation, which can leave your skin more damaged than before.
This treatment is best for treating skin that has healed and isn’t experiencing an active breakout. If you are actively breaking out, microdermabrasion may upset your skin even more, and may be counterproductive for treating scarring.
For more information about acne and microdermabrasion, check out our blog “Is Microdermabrasion Safe for Acne-prone Skin”?
Laser and Intense Pulse Light Treatments
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment is powerful light-based treatment that can safely lighten acne scarring. IPL smooths the skin, improves texture, and evens out complexion. It also provides bacteriostatic properties which kills the acne producing bacteria on the skin.
Red base acne scarring can also be treated with by utilizing a specialized Vbeam laser for safe and effective results. The most aggressive form of skin resurfacing treatments utilizes a fractionated CO2 or Erbium laser alone or in conjunction with a medium depth peel provide.
This blog is a great resource for learning more about IPL
The above treatments can also help treat fine lines, sun damage, and facial redness due to vascular conditions. Communicating your skincare goals with our esthetician/ skincare specialist can ensure that mutual expectations can be achieved, and an appropriate, tailored treatment plan will provide desired objectives with positives results. Our goal is to promote healthy cells, because healthy cells behave like young, youthful cells—a uniform complexion with a fresh, radiant glow! Who wouldn’t want that?
These treatments are all available at Allure Laser Center & Medispa. If you have more questions about our acne scarring treatments at Allure Laser Center & Medispa, contact our team today.