while acne can be permanently cleared with appropriate treatment, care and knowledge, acne may however, also lead to scarring and in some cases, disfigurement and physical and psychological discomfort. this results in a loss of self confidence and low self esteem.
early acne scars
as the skin begins to heal after experiencing acne lesions, you will notice a red or hyperpigmented mark on the skin indicative of a post-inflammatory change. this is not a scar and instead marks the beginning of a 6 -12 month period of the skin’s healing process. despite the redness (hyperpigmentation) observed in the skin during this remodeling process, complete and normal healing of the skin occurs when acne lesions cease to develop in the area. permanent defects or acne scars occur only when the skin continues to show signs of colour defects or changes in colour after this period of time.
preventing early acne scars
acne lesions lead to acne scars. thus, preventing the occurrence of acne lesions which result in post-inflammatory changes is one sure way of avoiding early acne scars. acquiring knowledge of factors surrounding the development of acne and the best treatment suited to various acne types is also essential in preventing acne scarring.
treating early acne scars
as the skin heals and recovers from the post inflammatory changes caused by acne, it is handy to know that this healing process is facilitated by available practices and medications which help prevent acne scars.
wearing a good sunscreen is one way of treating acne scars as the healing process is further delayed by skin prone to sun exposure and lack of appropriate protection. thus, the skin’s remodeling process can be helped in two ways; alpha-hydroxy acids speed up this remodeling process as well as aid in healing post-inflammatory changes, while a combination formulae in the right proportions of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) when administered in accurate concentrations and pH levels also aid in healing acne scars.
during the skin’s remodeling process, scabs may form which function to protect the healing process beneath. these scabs should never be picked as premature exposure of the skin during the healing process prevents complete healing of the acne, and also inhibits the development of post-inflammatory changes.
