How To Remove Every Type Of Scar, From Acne To Hyperpigmentation

Scars are more than just the tissue left behind after an injury or illness. They are physical memories etched into skin. A reminder of a journey taken, these skin anomalies expose our stories: the pain our bodies have endured, the mistakes we’ve made, the fights we won (or lost). While it’s not possible to completely remove scarring from the skin – either by holistic treatments or advanced medical methods such as laser treatment, which, if done too early, can lead to worse results in the long term – you can still guide a scar to become a “good” scar without the need for invasive treatments.

The right mix of at-home care and/or skin spa/in-clinic treatments can help get rid of nearly any dermal imperfections. Here’s our complete guide to banishing the most common scars.

Skin conditions like chronic acne are frustrating to deal themselves, but the scarring after can affect people’s self-confidence and mental state. While a lot is being done by the new crop of influencers who are normalizing scars of every kind, from stretch marks to acne pits, for many people, eliminating them is a significant priority. While small wounds and mild acne can clear out on their own in time, others may require expert intervention. Here we will cover the best way to bid goodbye to these persistent scars.

How to tackle acne scars

Acne scars are indentations on the skin which tend to deepen with age because of loss of collagen. There are different types of scars like open [enlarged] pores, rolling scars (formed if you are prone to scarring or pick on your acne too much while it heals), box scars (red and brown marks) and ice pick scars (caused due to a deep acne cyst or pustule). With the advancement of technology there are several options to treat scars safely and effectively with minimum downtime. While there are a number of at-home ways to treat active acne, there aren’t any effective home treatment methods to tackle deep rooted scars that have been on your skin for a long time. Let’s explore the best in-clinic options below to vanish the marks for good, once and for all.

Use a dermapen

Dermapen is an advanced technology for non-surgical remodeling, reduction and removal of acne scars. Rejuvenating fractional micro channels are formed in the skin that actively break up existing scar tissue. This encourages the production and distribution of new collagen that will work to build healthy, thicker and firmer skin in the scarred region. You will notice your skin becoming smoother and far more even with the treatment. Click here to learn more about dermapen microneedling including the more advanced Collagen Induction Therapy, also known as PRP Microneedling.   

Microneedling RF

Microneedling RF is a technology for acne scars, skin tightening and rejuvenation by utilizing minimally invasive micro-needles to deliver controlled radio frequency (RF) energy directly into the various layers of the skin. The RF energy heats the tissue and stimulates new collagen, promotes skin re-modelling and effectively breaks the scar bands improving skin collagen and reduction of acne scars.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels are effective to get rid of dead skin cells and create space for younger cells to penetrate the upper layer. There are different types of chemical peels such as alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, omega-hydroxy acids and glycolic acid and are useful for removing deep rooted acne. Medium to high level peels needs to be used under the guidance of a dermatologist for acne scars. Click here to learn more about chemical peels including which ones are the most effective in the treatment of scars. 

Dermal fillers

Dermal Fillers are a minimally invasive way to achieving smooth, voluminous, more youthful skin. Also referred to as facial fillers or injectables, they serve as a nonsurgical option to add fullness, softening lines and creases, but they can also improve the appearance of scars including those caused by acne. Click here to learn more about dermal fillers including which ones are the most effective in the treatment of scars. 

Light therapy

Dermatologists and estheticians use two types of light therapy—red and blue. Blue light therapy helps to kill the bacteria that causes acne. There is hardly any recovery time needed after the treatment and no side effects have been reported from this acne treatment. Red light therapy is used for treating inflammation and redness caused by acne, as well as reducing the size of pores, balancing skin tone, fading stretch marks and scars. It is a non-invasive and safe acne treatment as it reduces the size of painful zits and stimulates energy cells of your skin. It also reduces oil production in your skin. Click here to learn more about light therapy treatments and their benefits. For at home treatments we recommend the iRestore Illumina LED range of products for the treatment of the face, neck and chest, and/or the Joovv Range of Full Body LED products.

Laser skin resurfacing

This is a laser treatment where the top layer of the skin is removed to reveal the younger skin cells underneath. It helps to increase the production of collagen to make your skin look healthier and younger. Treatment for acne on the affected areas may take about 30 mins to 2 hours, depending on your individual skin. Moreover, this treatment helps to effectively remove acne scars, but is not for all scar types. This treatment needs to be used with caution as the downtime is much longer in comparison to other acne-clearing treatments, standing between 10 to 21 days. Also, it’s very important to protect skin from the sun and application of sunscreen is a must. There are high chances of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation as well—transparent consultation with your dermatologist is very important.

How to treat keloid scars

Keloids are extra skin that grows onto a wound or any sort of scar on your body—the tendency to grow keloids also makes you prone to them on all kinds of scars and tears. The growth of this extra scar tissue isn’t harmful but can form in very visible areas of the body like the chest, shoulders, earlobes and cheeks. One thing you should note about keloid scars is that they are very difficult to treat and require patience and maintenance. It’s important that your skin doctor first educates you about skin healing. You should avoid getting yourself pierced or tattooed or undertake any treatment which can take time to heal. The first line of treatment here is an intralesional steroid injection which is given as a micro-puncture once a month for a few months till the skin heals. Another treatment option for resistant keloids is skin grafting or Co2 laser, keeping in mind that relapses are common.

Post-Inflammatory hyperpigmentation

This can be seen in the form of flat, brown patches on your skin caused by excess of melanin in the area due to a scar or injury. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation takes two to six months to heal and the first step is strict and consistent sun protection by applying sunscreen. Since this is an inflammatory process, you can use a mild steroid cream to reduce the inflammation which will help to prevent the pigmentation from becoming more stubborn. Also, azelaic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory and as a depigmentation cream without any side effects. Treatments performed at med spas and dermatology clinics with low level light therapy (LLLT Therapy) like blue or red light also help in the healing of the skin. A laser treatment like the Q Switch laser helps to reduce the melanin deposition and hence, reduces the pigmentation. Newer chemical peels containing active ingredients like jasmonic acid, mandelic acid and azelaic acid also work well to treat these scars. For at home treatment, Environ’s Focus Care Radiance+ Range offers a solution in their Mela-Smart System.