Acne scars can be caused by several things, but the most common is when acne lesions rupture and damage the skin. Acne scars are the result of an inflammatory response to the acne lesion. The scarring can be different depending on the person, but it often leaves a permanent mark.
These scars can be very frustrating, making you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious and affecting your confidence. The good news is that there are many ways to get rid of acne scars, including Spectra laser peel/carbon peels, platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP), Lutronic Infini, RF microneedling, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. In this blog post, we will discuss each of these methods in detail, with the goal of helping you find the treatment that works best for you!
What Is the Best Acne Scar Treatment for Me?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the severity of your acne scars, your budget, and your skin type.
If you have mild acne scars, then some home remedies and/or over-the-counter products might be enough to improve the appearance of your skin.
If you have moderate to severe scarring, professional acne scar removal treatments may be more suited to your skin.
There are three main types of acne scars:
- Ice-Pick Scars: Ice-pick acne scars are the most common type of acne scar. They are small, deep scars that look like a puncture or hole in the skin.
- Rolling Scars: Rolling acne scars are wider and less deep than ice-pick scars. They have a rolling or wave-like appearance.
- Boxcar Scars: Boxcar scars are round or oval depressions in the skin that look like chicken pox scars. They are caused by damage to the collagen in the skin.
Home Remedies for Acne Scar Removal
Oftentimes, before purchasing a product or performing a professional service, people will try home remedies first, because they are affordable and readily available.
Some common natural home remedies for acne scars include:
- Lemon juice
- Aloe vera
- Coconut oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey
- Yogurt
These ingredients are known to be natural bleaching agents and can help lighten the appearance of darker scars. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and inflammation.
Over the counter products include:
- Salicylic acid
- Retinoids
- Alpha hydroxy acids
- Lactic acid
Acid-based products work by helping to exfoliate the skin and clear away dead skin cells. This can help to improve the appearance of acne scars by revealing newer, smoother skin underneath. Acid-based products are great for treating acne scars, but if you have sensitive skin, it is best to use a lower concentration of acid or to switch to a gentler acid-based product.
It is important to note that home remedies and over the counter products are not always successful in treating acne scars; they can be ineffective and/or cause further skin irritation. Acne scars are the result of an inflammatory response to the acne lesion, so treating them with products that contain harsh chemicals or ingredients can aggravate the skin and worsen the scarring. It is always best to seek advice from a licensed professional before tackling these skin issues on your own.
Types of Professional Acne Scar Removal Treatments
The following are six different types of treatment that Heart Lake Aesthetics offers for the best acne scar treatment:
- Spectra Carbon Peel
Spectra carbon peels use a combination of carbon and light to help improve the appearance of acne scars. The Spectra carbon peel is also known to be gentle on the skin, making it a good option for people with sensitive skin. If you have mild to moderate acne scars, this is the perfect acne scar treatment for your skin. With the Spectra peel, you can expect it to even out your skin tone, reduce pigmentation, diminish enlarged pores, stimulate collagen production, and improve texture irregularities caused by acne scars.
When visiting a clinic, your skincare professional will work with you to focus on follow-up treatments and keeping up a good skincare routine, so that your skin can truly benefit from the treatment.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for acne scars has been used for decades to facilitate a natural healing process within the body. This is a great procedure for facial rejuvenation and acne scarring. The PRP treatment involves the patient’s blood being drawn and getting injected back into the skin or scalp areas, which is completely safe to do when performed by a professional.
It is commonly used for anti-aging benefits and to diminish the appearance of stretch marks across the stomach, hips, and arms.
- Lutronic Infini
Lutronic Infini is a nonsurgical procedure combining the use of radiofrequency (RF) energy and microneedling to treat acne scars, fine lines, pigmentation, and sagging skin. This form of treatment provides regulated control of energy levels to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin.
The thermal energy and the needles work to stimulate collagen and elastin production as the scarred tissue is targeted. Damaged skin cells are rejuvenated, creating a tighter, firmer skin surface.
- Microneedling
Microneedling helps acne scars by creating tiny punctures or channels in the skin. This procedure prompts the body to produce new collagen and elastin, which helps improve the appearance of acne scars, enhance the skin’s texture, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Microneedling can also help improve skin tone and radiance. If you have moderate to severe acne scars, this acne scar treatment is a great option for you.
- Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment for diminishing the look of acne scars and fine lines as it brightens the tone of the skin surface. This specialized exfoliation therapy removes the skin’s outer layer, the stratum corneum. Collagen production is stimulated to smooth acne scars as it revitalizes the skin cells.
- Chemical Peels
Performed by a professional, a chemical peel involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin to take away the damaged top layer(s). In this way, the Vivier Jessner, AlumierMD Glow, and salicylic acid chemical facial peels can be used to treat the appearance of acne scars effectively, as well as wrinkles and areas of skin discolouration.
Get Professional Acne Scar Treatment in Brampton
If you are located in the Greater Toronto Area, contact Heart Lake Aesthetics in Brampton to book a consultation with one of our skincare professionals! They will perform a skin assessment and determine which acne scar removal treatments are best suited for you. As a full-service medispa, we provide high-quality medical aesthetic services and provide skincare for all skin types safely and effectively. Contact us today to learn more about our treatments.
