Acne scars are one of the worst reminders of a breakout past. Acne is always what most people take care of with their skincare routines, but the aftermath is a little harder to deal with the scars. Scars caused by acne differ in type and severity, so what may work for one individual may not work for another. Luckily, today there are a wide variety of treatments, with the benefit of one varying greatly from another based on the type of your skin and the nature of the scars. In this blog, we’ll be dividing up the best acne scar treatments in Dubai, what works and what doesn’t, and what’s right for you.
Understanding Acne Scars
Acne scars are what’s left after acne has healed. These scars vary depending on how the skin is healed. There are two types of scars; atrophic and hypertrophic, or keloid scars. Let’s simplify the definitions below:
1. Atrophic Scars (Most Common)
Atrophic scars are those produced when the tissue is lost, and during healing, leave depressions or indentations. This is the most common form of acne scarring and exists in three forms.
● Ice pick scars:
What they look like: They are narrow and deep scars similar to puncture holes or small punctures in the skin.
How they are formed: They usually occur when acne extends deep into the skin, causing damage that leaves a small, sharp indentation.
● Boxcar Scars:
What they look like: These are broad, shallow scars with clear edges that resemble the shape of a box.
How they are formed: These scars are formed when acne creates a depression in the skin with well-defined edges.
● Rolling Scars:
What they look like: Rolling scars give a wave-like appearance on the skin surface rather than deep and sharp.
How they are formed: They are a result of the skin losing the support underneath, thus leaving the skin with an irregular look.
2. Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars (Less Common)
These scars rise above the skin’s surface; they are thick and are sometimes larger than the initial acne. They result from excess collagen produced by the skin while healing wounds. The resultant scar tissue rises above the skin due to this extra collagen.
What they look like: They can be raised and thick; sometimes they look bigger than the original spot of acne.
How they are formed: These scars develop once the body heals the wound through the production of too much collagen, forming a lump on the skin.
Why Understanding Acne Scars is Important
Each type of acne scar requires a different treatment. For instance, ice pick scars are deep and narrow and may require deeper treatments like microneedling or laser therapy. Hypertrophic scars, on the other hand, can be treated using silicone gels or injections of corticosteroid to flatten them.
The knowledge of what type of acne scar you have allows you to choose the best treatment that will give you the best chance at getting smoother skin.
1. Topical Treatments
Topical products may work very well for less scarred or as supplementary options to other treatments. All these treatments usually encourage a cell turnover and an indirect stimulation of collagen formation while letting in time fade discolorations.
● Retinoids
Retinoids are some of the best topical treatments available for acne scars, among which retinol, tretinoin, and adapalene rank high. These compounds cause cell turnover at a fast rate to enhance the rate of fresh smooth skin growth thereby reducing scar visibility. It works by eliminating pore blockage, reversing hyperpigmentation, increasing collagen levels, and reducing scarring.
Effectiveness: Retinoids are particularly useful for treating atrophic scars, such as boxcars and rolling scars, as they facilitate the skin’s regeneration.
Advantages: It can help in enhancing both scars and active acne. It also supports overall skin health.
Disadvantages: It causes irritation, dryness, and peeling, mainly when it is first started, and sensitivity to the sun is very common.
● Vitamin C
Vitamin C is famously known as brightening with the effects of fading hyperpigmentation; therefore it is very useful when it comes to acne scar removal in Dubai, which may appear to be reddish or brownish, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentations.
Effectiveness: Best for discoloration rather than indentations or raised scars.
Advantages: Non-irritant and suitable for all types of skin. Improves texture and tone of the skin.
Disadvantages: Vitamin C is degradable in light or in the presence of air; thus, it is used as a stable formulation and stored correctly.
● Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
Exfoliating acids such as AHA glycolic acid or BHA salicylic acid help remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells and thereby are able to diminish the effects of scars after a number of months.
Effectiveness: It helps in the treatment of superficial scars and hyperpigmentation.
Advantages: AHAs and BHAs are usually present in lots of skincare products, and thus, easily available. Additionally, they also treat active acne.
Disadvantages: It causes sun sensitivity and irritation of the skin when overused.
2. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels employ the use of a solution placed on the skin’s surface in order to exfoliate and remove dead cell skin, which results in the formation of new and fresher skin. Chemical peels work wonders on superficial scars as well as discolorations.
How it works: This acid solution (glycolic or salicylic acid) penetrates through the skin and speeds up cell turnover, thereby breaking up scar tissue.
Effectiveness: The chemical peels are highly effective for shallow acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
Advantages: This can treat both active acne as well as scars at once. There is no downtime required.
Disadvantages: Chemical Peels can irritate, especially for the sensitive skin type. Another risk is that of developing scars if done improperly.
3. Microneedling
Microneedling, or to say, collagen induction therapy involves the use of some very fine needles to inflict micro-injuries for which the body can make natural responses to start natural wound healing and, further on, to the stimulus for collagen production.
How it works: Controlled injuries are caused by very fine needles. Skin becomes better over time.
Effectiveness: Both superficial as well as deep acne scars could be treated, like those caused by ice picks, boxcar scars, or anything else.
Advantages: Low down-time, and with time it shows better results. Multiple types of scars can be treated.
Disadvantages: Usually painful, requires several applications to achieve effective results and there is also the hazard of scarring if inappropriately administered by anyone.
1. Laser Treatments
Laser therapy is always regarded as the standard method in the treatment of acne scars, especially if it’s deep or does not respond to other therapies. There are two types of lasers popularly used for treating acne scars, such as fractional CO2 lasers and erbium lasers.
● Fractional CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 lasers are very efficient for atrophic and hypertrophic scars. These lasers work deep into the layers of the skin, therefore promoting collagen remodeling and giving a new surface to the skin.
How it works: The laser causes micro-damage to stimulate collagen growth, which improves the general texture of the skin.
Effectiveness: Ideal for deep scars, either ice pick or boxcar scars.
Advantages: Possible dramatic improvement in skin appearance and texture.
Disadvantages: There is considerable downtime associated with redness, swelling, and peeling which can last for days or even weeks. It also hurts and needs a well-trained professional.
● Fractional Erbium Laser
An alternative less invasive than the CO2 laser, erbium lasers operate on the skin surface to fade scars with minimal time lost off work.
How it works: An erbium laser gently exfoliates the skin while removing the superficial layer of damaged tissue to stimulate the production of collagen.
It is most useful for minor scars and mild pigmentary discoloration.
Advantages: Reduced recovery period in comparison with the CO2 laser.
Disadvantages: Need several visits to make a noticeable change.
2. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers may be the most effective choice for raised acne scars. Injected into the scar area, these fillers typically made of hyaluronic acid, make the surface of the skin smooth again.
How it works: Fillers lift and smoothen up the depressed area by volume under the skin.
Best for: Boxcar and rolling scars that are deep but also raised.
Advantages: Results are instant, with no downtime.
Disadvantages: The results are temporary and usually last for six months to a year and require constant maintenance.
Final Thoughts: what works best
Finally, the best acne scar treatment depends on the type, severity of the scars, and individual skin types, and personal concerns. Topical solutions – such as retinoids and Vitamin C – seem to give promising results; chemical peels, microneedling, or even laser therapy can improve and better the appearance of the overall look of the skin. Serious skin scars, however, do require treatments like dermal fillers. It is, therefore important to seek a dermatologist to determine the best treatment for your skin. In most cases, it takes time before one can see results, but if the right treatment is used, then significant improvements in the appearance of acne scars can be achieved.
