Acne scars are a common aftermath of acne breakouts, and while they don't pose a health risk, they can be a source of self-consciousness. Here's a breakdown of the different types of acne scars and what they look like:

• Atrophic Scars: These are indented scars that form when there's a loss of collagen in the skin. They can be:

  • Ice pick scars: Narrow, deep, and pointed, like the tip of an ice pick.

  • Rolling scars: Wavy depressions that give the skin an uneven texture.

  • Boxcar scars: Sharply defined, round or oval depressions with vertical edges.

• Hypertrophic Scars: These are raised scars that form due to an overproduction of collagen during healing. They typically stay within the boundaries of the original pimple.

• Keloid Scars: Similar to hypertrophic scars, but they extend beyond the original pimple site and can continue to grow over time. These are less common.

Causes of Acne Scarring:

Several factors can influence the development of acne scars:

• Severity of Acne: The deeper and more severe the acne breakouts, the higher the chance of scarring.

• Picking and Squeezing: Inflammatory acne that's picked at or squeezed can worsen existing inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.

• Skin Type: Oily skin is more prone to developing acne and potentially scarring.

• Genetics: Some people are simply more predisposed to scarring than others.

Addressing Acne Scarring:

While completely eliminating acne scars might not always be possible, there are various ways to minimise their appearance:

• Over-the-Counter Products
  Products containing ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid can help improve skin texture and reduce the visibility of mild scars.

• Facial Treatments
  Chemical Peels
  Exfoliate the top layers of skin, promoting cell turnover and improving overall texture.

  Microneedling
  Creates tiny punctures in the skin, stimulating collagen production and encouraging scar healing.

Professional Options:

In some cases, professional treatments may be considered, and one of our health professionals may discuss these options in a consultation.