Do you have acne scars as an adult that constant remind you of the embarrassing acne you suffered as a teen? While you may have “outgrown” your teen acne, it is important to realize that acne scars will not go away without treatment. However, there is no need to lose hope, a dermatologist can effectively remove your acne scars and give you the clear skin you have always dreamed of. Olansky Dermatology Associates specializes in many types of acne scar treatments, including chemical peels and microdermabrasion for mild acne scarring and Rejuvanpen micro needling treatments or Fraxel laser treatments for more intense acne scars.
Not all acne scars will look the same. In fact, there are misconceptions about acne marks versus acne scars. Acne marks appear as purple or red marks on lighter skinned people as a result of post-inflammatory erythema from a pimple. Darker skinned patients will see a brown mark or hyperpigmentation. Acne marks can be easy to treat at your dermatologist’s office using chemical peels to lighten dark spots.
Acne scars, on the other hand, are what plagues more severe acne sufferers. Acne is a case of cystic pimples that cause inflammation in your skin. Your skin will try desperately to heal itself by forming collagen. An acne scar is formed when your skin is unable to heal correctly and collagen either does not get regenerated or it does so in a disorganized way. Therefore, you are left with an unsightly scar where the acne has eaten away at collagen and elastin on your skin. Acne scars typically have a crater-like appearance on the face, with small indentions similar to an orange peel. Other forms of acne scars include “ice pick” scars where the scar is typically more deep than it is wide and also hypertrophic scarring which appears as thick, raised bumps on the surface of the skin.
Regardless of your type of acne mark or acne scar, there are dermatologic advancements that technology brings us today to help you. Your treatment may be a single, quick chemical peel or you may need a series of laser treatments to erase those years of harsh acne memories. A dermatologist can help you determine exactly what type of procedure is best for you. In the meantime, if you currently have acne, ask your dermatologist about the ways in which you can help prevent future scarring now.
