Nobody likes acne but this condition is all too common. Not only does this condition affect teenagers, but it can last for years or even start later on meaning older people can suffer with it too acne. Depending on the effectiveness of your body’s natural healing system, acne can be either mild, moderate, or severe.
Mild Acne triggers blackheads or whiteheads
Moderate Acne is the development of red papules (inflamed pimples) and in some cases, pustules (reddish with a whitened center)
Severe Acne is the formation of painful nodules (lumps or cyst filled with pus)
Not all acne results in scars. However, this can happen all too often. Let’s take a closer look at the issue.
How does acne develop?
Deposits of dead skin cells and oil result in clogging of skin pores. If the clogging is thin on the skin, scarring remains minimal and heals quickly. However, if its roots are deeper, healing can take longer. Deep-rooted acne sometimes leaves scars as it may destroy skin tissue.
What causes acne scars?
In an attempt to heal the skin by replacing skin tissue, your body might either produce too little or too much skin tissue and this causes a noticeable mark, or scar, on the skin. Raised Scar also known as Hypertrophic scar forms when the body produces more tissue cells than required. One type is a Keloid, which is a rare, large raised scar. Skin depression also known as Atrophic scar forms when the body produces too little skin tissue
What causes dark marks after acne?
Dark marks signify changes to pigmentation. Once the lesion pops or opens one way or another, the skin naturally tries to cover it up and close the gap. With the changing colour of the wound, the skin covering also changes in texture, colour, and tone. Hyperpigmentation or dark marks can also form when the blood vessels break as the lesion pops or opens. In some cases, even if the acne does not pop, the skin still shows brown, red, or even dark marks. This happens mostly in the case of a deep-rooted pimples. There is no need to worry as long as you do not force or pop the pimple. Such marks vanish within a couple of months.
What are the common factors to form acne scars?
Even if you stick to the hands-off strategy, several things may still cause acne scars to develop.
Genetics: Unfortunately, your genes may take charge in this case! Consider your family history and protect your skin if you have a family history of acne scars.
Puberty: Hormonal changes often contribute to the formation of acne in teenagers. Mishandling of pimples sometimes leads to acne scars.
Exposure to Direct Sunlight: Though Vitamin D is highly beneficial for your skin, excessive exposure can darken acne scars. Direct sunlight does not directly cause acne scars, but it can makes them prominent.
Best Practices to Avoid Acne Scars
Once acne scars form, it is a tough ask to eliminate them completely. The best approach is to avoid acne scars forming in the first place. Here are some simple tips to prevent acne scars:
Do not let it settle
Look for the right treatment as soon as you develop acne. Consult a skin specialist if needed. Delay will allow acne settle deeper, therefore maximizing the chances of scarring.
Avoid picking, popping, or squeezing pimples
It is hard to ignore the temptation to squeeze, pop, or pick an irritating pimple. However, doing so can push debris deeper, infecting healthy tissues. It can spread and intensify inflammation. The development of cysts and nodules happens mostly because of squeezing or popping pimples. Try to remember the potential stubborn scars before you even think of touching pimples. Let the natural healing system do its job along with the specialized treatment methods if needed.
Try a face mask for acne scars
Quality face masks for acne scars can protect your skin from further damage. The purpose of a face mask is a remove excessive oil deposits and hydrate the skin. In addition, the best face masks for acne improve the appearance of your pores.
Minimize inflammation
Inflammation contributes to the formation of acne scars under blackheads. Avoid aggressive scrubbing since it can irritate the skin. Try your best to tolerate the inching - it is difficult, but not impossible!
Know the risks
Some people do not develop scars even after severe acne but the skin of some is much more vulnerable to acne scars. If you are more prone to acne scars than others, schedule a meeting with a dermatologist to determine the right treatment.
Occasionally, acne can lead to cysts or deep breakouts. Squeezing or needling the cyst will surely make it worse. Always avoid experimenting with a cyst or deep breakout and consider visiting a dermatologist so that scarring doesn’t develop.
