CAN ACNE SCARRING BE REVERSED?
January 20, 2016 by Yvelette Stines.
Whatever its cause, acne can become a life-long issue when scarring occurs.
Generally, acne scarring happens when inflammation related to breakouts repeatedly occurs in the same area. People who experience overlapping breakouts without “clear” periods of healing between are more likely to develop scar tissue as an immune response to ongoing infection and continual inflammation in the follicles, resulting in lingering visual reminders of their blemishes.
Although there are options to cover up acne and acne scars, such as cosmetics, these solutions may actually irritate the skin and make its condition worse.
WHO GETS ACNE AND WHY?
We understand that the hormone fluctuations associated with puberty are a major contributor, but acne does not just happen to teenagers. Menopausal changes, birth control, stress, and medication are the most common causes of acne in adults.
Acne-prone skin can be hereditary as well. According to Dr. Meryl Blecker Joerg, assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital and dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology in New York City, “A lot of it is genetic. There are genes for acne, but there are a lot of things we can do to prevent it from flaring up, such as eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, and minimizing sun exposure, [because] mild sunburn can cause acne to start, too.”
Every day, we are shedding skin. “Sometimes you get dead skin clogged in a pore and sebum buildup behind the clog. Bacteria loves sebum, and your body will, in turn, cause inflammation. This is what essentially causes acne,” explains Dr. Joerg. Hereditary oiliness and a genetic condition called retention hyperkeratosis that can lead to more easily clogged pores (follicles) that contribute to acne.
Once skin is inflamed, little red bumps or whiteheads may appear.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT SCARRING? CAN ACNE SCARRING BE REVERSED?
When it comes to the effects of acne, there is a difference between hyperpigmentation and scarring. Hyperpigmentation, which is spots or patches of darker color than the surrounding skin, is easier to obscure than texture concerns like bumps or craters.
“The discoloration we see from acne is called ‘hyperpigmentation,’ and we don’t consider it scarring because it will [eventually] go away. Anything we consider ‘scarring’ doesn’t go away by itself,” Dr. Joerg clarifies.
To combat serious hyperpigmentation, there are prescription formulas with ingredients such as retinol, kojic acid, and azelaic acid.
Chemical peels are used sometimes and LED can be useful, but treating acne scarring–especially hyperpigmentation–is nuanced. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment.
An esthetician may recommend some solutions for minimizing the appearance of acne scars and creating a good environment for natural healing. For example, using the right skin care products alongside a medical treatment may be suggested. Make-up can be helpful for covering hyperpigmentation while it fades, but it is important to remember that those with acne-prone skin may trigger or perpetuate the issue if the cosmetics are not well-suited to their skin.
A quality esthetician can provide guidance for getting mild acne under control and downplaying the visible signs of scarring, and they should refer you to and work in tandem with a dermatologist when necessary. (Certain types of acne, like cystic acne, are out of the scope of esthetics and cannot be treated by an esthetician.)
If you feel you have tried everything and want greater results, according to Dr. Joerg, laser treatments are a more aggressive option to address texture issues like pitting and bumps. This contributes to a renewed skin surface by using the laser to directly stimulate collagen-producing fibroblasts. Generally considered safe for all skin types, laser treatments must be performed by a qualified professional since it requires calibration to skin type and level of pigmentation as well as consideration of skin concerns and the patient’s overall health.
With these (or any other) course of treatment for acne scarring, it is imperative that you consult with, are treated by, and follow the regimen protocols provided by a board-certified dermatologist and/or cosmetic surgeon. We also recommend consulting with a trusted licensed esthetician for a full skin analysis.
PROVIDING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR OPTIMAL HEALING
Yes, there are options to help address visible signs of acne scarring. Whether or not you consider invasive options, remember the importance of supporting your body’s natural healing processes from the inside with smart lifestyle choice.
For example, diet plays a big part when it comes to the appearance of our skin. Foods that are commonly cited as causes of inflammation include carbohydrates and sugar. Dr. Joerg suggests eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean white meat (and less red meat) to reduce inflammation. “Anything that causes inflammation in the skin can make acne worse,” she says.
Also, the skin of smokers generally does not heal as well as the skin of non-smokers.
Dr. Joerg suggests the following tips to keep your skin as healthy as possible and avoid acne scars.
» Eat a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet.
» Exercise to give your skin a brighter, more radiant appearance.
» If you do have a few acne lesions, wash your face two times a day with a gentle cleanser or as recommended by your licensed esthetician or dermatologist.
» If you have mild acne, be extra gentle. Harsh abrasives can break apart acne and cause scarring.
» If you feel your acne can’t be controlled, it is time to see a dermatologist.
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http://www.cosmedicine.com/blog/can-acne-scarring-be-reversed/