Acne Scarring

Acne is more likely to scar form the larger more serious types of spots like nodules or cysts, however this is not always the case as any spot has the potential to scar. Scaring is more likely to occur when a burst lesion damages the surround skin, particularly the deeper dermal layer of the skin, it can also be exacerbated by picking of the spots. Post acne trauma to the skin, a biological process is triggered to repair the wound, this is part of the natural healing process. When the skin receives a trauma it rapidly produces excessive amounts of Collagen. As the body’s priority is to heal the lesion quickly it does not allow for the skin to regenerate naturally back to its previous condition – and this therefore leads to the development of a scar. The collagen that is produced during scar formation is composed differently to that of normal skin, lacks elasticity and is more fibrous. These Collagen fibres can overextend the skin surface resulting in a raised hypertrophic or keloid scar, or fail to extend resulting in a flat or sunken atrophic scar. Around 30% of people who suffer acne will a some degree of acne scarring.

Acne scars can be classified as the following:

• Ice-Pick scar – small, deep, narrow, sharp indentation in the skin.
• Rolling Scars – uneven, rolling appearance with broad depressions of varying depths with a sloping edge.
• Boxcar Scar – wider than an ice pick scar, broad depression with a sharp, well defined edge.
• Other types of scarring can be keloid or hypertrophic, these are more so common on the body.

There are a number of treatments that can be very effective for acne scarring. The treatment will depend on the type of scarring and severity and in some case combination treatments may be required for optimal results. If your scarring is raised or keloid then we advise you see a dermatologist for a course of steroid injections, that we do not currently do not offer in clinic. For all other types of scarring, some of the treatments that may be advised following an assessment include:

1. ResurFace: This is an effective treatment for all types of acne scarring and where a deeper skin resurfacing is required. The treatment will cause tiny columns of thermal damage. The skin will start to peel and exfoliate over the following days, the skin cell turnover will improve and collagen will be stimulated for deep resurfacing results and following a course of treatment the skin will become much smoother and scars will be visibly reduced.
2. Plasma – A treatment option for box and ice pick scars that have clear marked borders. The Plasma IQ safely uses the scientific process whereby plasma is generated through focused, targeted micro beams to cause sublation of the tissue stimulating a collagen remodelling through a process known as Fibro blasting. Through the creation of many tiny wounds to the skin, this initiates the body to stimulate a wound healing process stimulating the cells to produce collagen and elastin to rejuvenate deeper scarring. A number of sessions will be required to achieve maximum results, this treatment can be used in combination with Resurface or prior to.
3. Electronic Derma Stamp (EDS) Electronic Derma Stamp (EDS) is a gold award-winning professional micro needling treatment clinically proven to rejuvenate the skin for a number of concerns including acne scarring. EDS is a CE marked, medical grade device that penetrates the skin creating thousands of tiny wounds. This controlled injury to the skin stimulates a wound healing cascade, resulting in new collagen and skin cell formation and an enhanced bold supply, giving the skin a healthy, brighter, rejuvenated complexion while softening unwanted acne scars.
4. Obagi Nu Derm – A great treatment option if the scars are pigmented as opposed to indented or to work in combination with all other treatments to maximise your results. Obagi is the world’s leading prescription-strength skincare range, and is only available from a qualified medical practitioner. Obagi Medical have been specifically formulated to safely transform the skin from and visibly reduce pigmentation concerns. This is an 18 week topical programme that you will do at home AM and PM can be used alongside other treatment options.

Your treatment outcome will depend on the type and severity of scarring and the treatment method used. Scarring is unlikely to return following treatment, however it is important that acne remains under control as if not, this may lead to the development of new scarring.

ZO Principles of Skin Health Restoration specifically focus on restoring skin’s strength and optimizing cellular functions to provide the best treatment outcomes and achieve overall skin health restoration. Skin should be fortified to renew, protect and strengthen itself to maintain healthy skin for life. From correcting and management of skin that requires textural improvements as a result of acne scarring ZO has your skin health covered with its clinically proven, medical skin care brand that will target the deeper dermal layers of your skin to target the scarring. Only the highest quality active ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid and more. Following a consultation a prescribed regimen that works to improve your skin concern alongside its texture, repairs your skin barrier and restores a healthy, youthful appearance to your skin will be prescribed.