Acne can be a real pain. They’re not just unsightly, but can also make you feel less confident in your own skin, especially when they leave scars behind. Now, most of the time, acne is hormonal. But the thing we should really focus on is the scarring that can remain after the acne clears up. Some people are lucky and don’t get scars, while others have to deal with this extra problem. Here’s what you need to know about acne scars: who gets them, why they appear, and how you can prevent and treat them.
What causes acne scars?
Acne develops when certain hormones cause your glands to produce an excess of sebum, an oily substance. This can cause skin cells to break down, allowing bacteria to get in, which leads to an infection. The infection, in turn, damages the skin tissue. When your skin starts to heal from this, it produces a protein called collagen. If your body makes the right amount of collagen, your skin will heal well. But too little collagen can result in pitted scars, while too much can lead to raised scars. It really depends on your skin type and how it reacts.
Who gets acne scars?
Anyone suffering from acne must ensure that they’re getting the right treatment. Acne can range from mild, where you’ll mainly have black and whiteheads, to severe, which involves painful, pus-filled cysts under the skin. Those who try to squeeze or pop their pimples, or who don’t keep their skin clean, stand a higher chance of lasting acne scars. Improper care allows more bacteria in, leading to more damage and resulting in scars.
How to prevent them?
The key to not having acne scars is to treat your acne consistently and patiently. Acne heals slowly, so the best way to steer clear of scarring is to visit a dermatologist who can help you with treatment. As your acne improves, make sure to keep your skin moisturized and drink lots of water. Trying home remedies like raw potato face masks and using specially formulated creams can keep your skin supple and less prone to scarring.
How can you treat scars?
Even if you’ve done everything to prevent them, there’s still a chance that acne scars can form due to hormonal reasons, even with great skin care. If this happens, don’t panic. There are lots of options available! Using a good concealer can help make them less noticeable. There are creams that can help lighten scars, and for more severe ones, dermal fillers can be used. Laser acne treatment is also a great solution for improving the skin’s appearance.
In conclusion, prevention is always better than cure. So, it’s important to tackle acne head-on to prevent scarring. But if scars do pop up, don’t fret. There are always options available so you don’t have to face this skin issue alone.
