Skincare is often the first line of defence for those affected by acne scars. Many turn to various products and routines to get rid of these scars and achieve smoother, clearer skin.
However, while skincare can offer some improvement, it has limitations. This guide will explain just how far skincare can go in removing acne scars while also detailing the role of professional treatments.
Skincare, when used properly and consistently, can help improve skin texture, promote healing, and prevent the formation of new acne scars. It should be noted, though, that the results can vary across products and skin types.
Cleansing is the foundation of a good skincare routine. Keeping the skin clean and free from grease, dirt, and bacteria is crucial in preventing acne flare-ups that can lead to scarring.
A gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils can help maintain a healthy skin barrier, reducing the likelihood of irritation and inflammation that often precede acne scars.
Regular cleansing also ensures that other skincare products, such as serums and moisturisers, can penetrate the skin more effectively, enhancing their benefits.
Exfoliation is another key step in improving the appearance of acne scars. By removing dead skin cells from the surface, exfoliation encourages cell turnover and reveals fresh, healthy skin underneath. This process can help reduce the appearance of shallow scars and hyperpigmentation over time.
Exfoliation is of two types: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants use small particles to manually slough away dead skin particles, while chemical exfoliants dissolve them with acids like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
Toning is often overlooked in skincare, but it can benefit those dealing with acne scars. Toners help restore the skin’s pH balance after cleansing and help the skin to better absorb subsequent products. Some toners contain ingredients that can soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and promote healing.
Look for toners with ingredients like witch hazel, which can calm the skin and reduce the look of scars, and niacinamide, which minimises the look of scars and lightens skin by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
Serums are skincare products that deliver active ingredients directly into the skin. Serums with ingredients like vitamin C, retinoids, and hyaluronic acid can help with acne scars.
Moisturising will support the natural repair processes. Well-moisturised skin is more resilient, less prone to irritation, and better able to heal from damage.
For those with acne scars, a moisturiser containing ingredients like ceramides, peptides, or aloe vera can help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and support the skin’s barrier function.
A good moisturiser will also help lock in the benefits of other skincare products, ensuring that the active ingredients in serums and treatments can work effectively.
A moisturiser can also help your skin tolerate acne treatments that dry and irritate the skin, like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, tazarotene, tretinoin and Isotretinoin.
Sun protection is not to be missed in any skincare routine, particularly for those concerned with acne scars. UV exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation and make scars more pronounced.
Applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or more daily, can help prevent new scars from developing and existing scars from darkening. Sunscreen also protects the skin from further damage, letting the skin heal and regenerate more effectively.
A study has shown that sunscreen with anti-inflammatory properties can aid in laser treatment, too, by reducing the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after treatment.
While a consistent and well-thought-out skincare routine can do wonders for your skin, you should understand its limitations. Skincare products are effective in improving the texture, tone, and overall health of the skin, but they often fall short when it comes to removing deeper, more severe acne scars.
This is because skin care products typically work on the top layer of the skin, and may not penetrate deeply enough to address the structural damage causing deep scars.
Those with deep or persistent acne scars may need professional acne scar removal treatments to achieve the desired results. Dermatological procedures such as fractional radiofrequency microneedling, pico laser, CROSS, and subcision can target deep layers of the skin and encourage collagen production, dramatically improving the appearance of scars.
These treatments are often more intensive and require the expertise of a skincare professional. They can be tailored to the individual’s skin type and specific concerns, providing a more personalised and effective solution for removing acne scars.
If you’re struggling with acne scars and want to explore more effective treatment options in Singapore, 1Aesthetics offers a range of acne scar removal treatments designed to address various types of scars.
We will work with you to develop a customised treatment plan that targets your unique skin concerns and helps you achieve clearer, smoother skin.
Book an appointment for acne scar removal today.
References
Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J, Chhoa M, Matsubara A, Miyamoto K, Greatens A, Hillebrand GG, Bissett DL, Boissy RE. (2002.) The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. British Journal of Dermatology. Jul;147(1):20-31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/
Leyden J, Stein-Gold L, Weiss J. (2017.) Why Topical Retinoids Are a MainstayAre Mainstay of Therapy for Acne. Dermatology and Therapy. Sep;7(3):293-304. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/
Moisturizer: Why you may need it if you have acne. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/moisturizer
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