How to get rid of acne scars is a question that plagues people of all ages. Whether you’re in your early 20s or late 50s, acne scarring doesn’t discriminate. If you, like us, aren’t part of the lucky ones who can escape from a breakout without a trace, read on!
Types Of Acne Scars
Before tackling how to get rid of acne scars, we must first understand the different types of scars acne can leave. Since certain treatments suit certain types of scars better than others, it’s important to know which type of acne scarring you have.
Ice pick scars
Ice pick scars are usually deep and very narrow. The skin might look like it’s been pierced by an ice pick, hence the name. These scars can also sometimes look like open pores.
Boxcar scars
Boxcar scars are round or oval in shape and are characterised by sharp vertical edges. They can be shallow or deep and are most often found on the cheeks and temples.
Rolling scars
Rolling scars have a wave-like appearance and make the skin look uneven. They’re most often wide and shallow.
Hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised and firm. They can be skin-coloured, lighter or darker. You’ll find them mostly on the chest and back but they can also appear on other parts of the body and the face.
Dark spots
Dark spots, also called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, aren’t considered acne scars. They’re discolourations left after pimples have healed, which usually lighten over time on their own. However, the treatments we mention can also speed up this lightening process.
How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars
Because of their depth and texture, acne scars are impossible to treat at home. Home remedies and skincare containing salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids or lactic acid can sometimes help. However, while you may see a slight reduction in discolouration, the concentration of these active ingredients isn’t large enough for a dramatic change. Still, skincare at home can be useful to maintain results after professional treatments.
So, how to get rid of acne scars for good? Get one of the following professional treatments and you’ll see a more dramatic and lasting improvement in the appearance of your acne scars.
Microneedling
Microneedling creates tiny superficial punctures in the epidermis, which triggers the skin to produce more collagen to repair itself. This new collagen plumps up the skin, reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Best for: all types of scars on any skin tone
Read more about Microneedling here, including the cost, treatment length, downtime, etc.
Laser Skin Resurfacing with DeepFX
As its name suggests, this resurfacing laser treatment penetrates deep into the layers of the skin by performing thousands of tiny perforations. This triggers the body’s natural healing process, which accelerates the production of collagen. While perforating your skin may sound scary, it is one of the most effective and long-lasting treatments for acne scarring. New collagen quickly repairs the damaged areas, including the scars, and leaves the skin plumper and more even.
Best for: deep scars on lighter skin tones.
Read more about Laser Skin Resurfacing here, including the cost, treatment length, downtime, etc.
TCA Chemical Peel
The TCA Chemical Peel uses Trichloroacetic Acid to lift the surface layer of the skin. After this layer separates and peels off, a new smooth layer of skin appears underneath.
Best for: shallow scars, but all types of scars can benefit.
Read more about the TCA Chemical Peel here, including the cost, treatment length, downtime, etc.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser Skin Rejuvenation works similarly to Laser Skin Resurfacing but is much gentler. Indeed, the perforations aren’t as deep and the recovery time is quicker. This treatment would then be better suited for someone with more sensitive skin.
Best for: all types of scars on most skin tones
Read more about Laser Skin Rejuvenation here, including the cost, treatment length, downtime, etc.
ICON IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
The gentlest of all treatments, this light-based laser therapy works mainly on the surface of the skin. While it may reduce the appearance of shallow scars, it will mostly lighten the hyperpigmentation left after an active breakout has healed.
Best for: Dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Read more about ICON IPL here, including the cost, treatment length, downtime, etc.
There you have it! This is how to get rid of acne scars: a professional skin treatment followed by at home care to maintain the results. If you’re interested in any of these treatments, call one of our clinics to arrange a consultation with our expert therapists!
Dublin: 01-6766527
Mullingar: 044-9347800
Athlone: 090-6498839
