Having acne scars on your face, back and chest area is very common. In order to reduce the appearance or remove these scars completely, it is best to undergo an acne scar treatment.

Acne scars appear due to the acne blemishes becoming inflamed. The pore of the acne becomes swollen and a breakdown ensues within the wall of the pore.

This is mainly because of clogged pores. Oils, germs, and dead skin clog your pores, causing them to become inflamed. It is also possible that you may have a hereditary tendency to acne.

However, not all acne will turn into scars. Even if you face acne scarring, not all scars are permanent and there are also plenty of treatments to help reduce or remove them.

In this article, we will explain to you the different types of acne scars as well as some of the best forms of treatments to help reduce and remove them.

Stick around to find out more!

Types of Acne Scars

Acne scars are type of scar that form when the skin is damaged by acne. They can appear on the face, back skin, chest and other area of the body. 

In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary to reduce the appearance of acne scars.

You’re likely to develop more than one sort of acne scars if you have acne. Each type of acne scar can be successfully treated to varying degrees.

• Rolling scar

A rolling scar is a form of atrophic or in other words, a depressed acne scar. This type of scar forms an indention on your skin, creating small holes.

Rolling acne scars are commonly found at the areas of your face where the skin is thicker such as your jaw area and lower cheeks. They have sloping edges which makes the skin look uneven.

•  Boxcar scar

Another type of atrophic acne scar is the boxcar scar. These scars have indents in the skin with sharper edges which pierce the skin deeply.

Boxcar scars are also commonly found at areas where your skin is much thicker such as the jaw area and lower cheeks.

• Ice pick scar

This acne scar is also a type of atrophic scarring and resembles the shape of an ice pick. It has a wide hole at the top which then narrows to a point as it penetrates the skin deeper.

This form of atrophic or depressed scarring is very common and is one of the scars that is most difficult to heal. These scars can be found on areas on your face where your skin is thinner.

These areas include your forehead and your upper cheeks. Hence, if you have acne in these areas, you should be extra careful.

• Keloid or hypertrophic scars

These scar tissue lesions protrude from the skin. They occur when fibrous tissues, such as collagen, in the skin’s area overgrow.

These scars are commonly found at areas other than your face such as the shoulders, chest and back. They also tend to be very tender, painful and itchy.

Important Ingredients In Acne Scar Treatment

In this section, we will suggest to you a few treatments and remedies that you can do to help treat acne scars, both at home and in-office procedures.

• Salicylic acid

There is a good chance you have tried salicylic acid to treat your acne before. It is in just about every type of acne scar treatment these days, from spot treatments to pads, face cleansers to lotions.

When used topically, salicylic acid clears pores, decreases swelling and redness, and exfoliates the skin. It is regarded as one of the most effective forms of acne scar treatment out there.

It can also cause irritation or dryness. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to use the cream less frequently or try spot treatment.

When using salicylic acid, it may take a few weeks to notice an improvement. You can incorporate salicylic acid products into your regular routine. This product is suitable for all types of scars.

• Retinoids

Another acne treatment with scar-smoothing properties is topical retinoids. Skincare products containing retinoids can be found in over-the-counter lotions and serums.

Retinoids can help minimise discolouration and make scars less apparent in addition to speeding up cell regeneration and enhancing skin texture.

Retinoids, however, can make your skin more susceptible to the sun. Therefore, when applying anything that contains retinoids, make sure to use sunscreen every day.

If you are looking for retinoids, look for retinol as one of the active components in the skincare product. Retinoids are suitable in treating atrophic or depressed scars.

• Alpha hydroxy acids

Alpha hydroxy acids, also known as AHAs, are commonly found in acne-treatment products because they aid in the removal of dead skin and the prevention of clogged pores.

Applying AHAs on your skin can also help reduce the visibility of acne scars. The mild acid helps to erase discolouration and rough skin by exfoliating the outer layer of the skin.

There are plenty of skincare products that contain alpha hydroxy acids and this acne scar treatment is suitable in treating all kinds of acne scarring.

• Microneedling

In the case that at-home remedies are not working for you, microneedling is an acne scar treatment that can help treat acne scars professionally.

On the surface of the scars, a small, handheld, needle-studded roller or hand-held “pen” is used. The needles pierce the numbed skin and collagen is produced while the skin heals.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, data suggests that microneedling can help reduce the depth of acne scars, but results can take up to 9 months.

It’s a safe procedure that works for all skin tones, and is best used to treat acne scars that are atrophic or depressed.

• Chemical peels

A chemical peel is an acne scar treatment that is done by professionals. A powerful acid is used to remove the top layer of the skin in order to decrease deeper scars.

Some chemical peels are gentle enough to employ at home, but your healthcare expert can recommend a stronger solution that will provide more profound results.

Chemical peels come in a variety of forms, so it’s crucial to discuss which one is suitable for you with your healthcare professional. This treatment is often used for deeper scars.

In conclusion, there are many types of acne scars and plenty of acne scar treatments that you can try to help reduce and remove them.

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CosmoGlam is a group of aesthetic centers owned by Dr. Siti Zubaidah, an experienced Doctor in the field of aesthetic, beauty, cosmetic medical and laser.

We have now owned 2 branches in peninsular Malaysia, run by certified aesthetic doctors.

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Furthermore, other list of services offered at CosmoGlam also includes:

•   Laser
•   Skin
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“Very comfortable environment, friendly staff and nice services. Will visit again” – Sandy 

Till this day, CosmoGlam has helped over 200,000 satisfied customers in gaining real self-confidence through our treatment and therapy.

Find out more on our official website and Facebook page. 

Let CosmoGlam help treat your skin concern and boost your confidence!