Why does acne scarring occur

Retinoids not only help prevent acne, they can improve mild acne scarring. According to Vargas, retinoids correct "structural changes from acne in the collagen by stimulating normal, healthy cell turnover. This, over time, can help remodel the damaged collagen and correct the scar.

The most powerful retinoids are available by prescription, but less potent retinol products can be purchased over the counter. Acne scars are a common annoyance, but with a smart skincare plan, you don't need to be stuck with them forever. Fade and prevent acne scars with in-office treatments and a solid skin care routine.

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatol Res Pract. Keloids: pathogenesis, clinical features, and management. Semin Plast Surg. Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Byrdie. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Skin Acne. By Katie McCarthy. Katie McCarthy. Katie is an Oregon-based freelance writer with 15 years of experience.

When a lesion gets popped or opened up some other way, the skin has to close back together and cover up the depression. Often, the skin that closes over the wound changes color, texture, or tone. In other cases, the broken blood vessels from a popped lesion leave a mark on your skin. Sorting through the numerous acne treatments available can be frustrating and overwhelming. Our team of licensed skin care professionals have been helping patients treat both active acne outbreaks and the scarring that can result from lesions.

Learn more about the variety of treatments available. Popping your pimples is the surest ways to develop a scar. Touching, poking, or picking at a lesion adds more oil to the skin and causes deeper trauma — both of which increase your risk of scarring. And trust us, we know how hard it can be to resist popping a zit. So do whatever you have to to keep yourself from putting that pimple out of its misery.

Sadly, even when you practice the hands-off policy, you can still sometimes get scars. Factor 1: Genetics: For some people, scarring is simply in the genes. For discoloration acne scarring, start by trying the at-home retail topicals aimed at counteracting hyperpigmentation, such as brightening serums or retinol-containing products.

It's always important to use sunscreen to protect your skin, but be even more diligent about applying sunscreen while using a retinol product," warns Christenson. For hyperpigmentation that doesn't respond to retail products, and for the deeper indentation scarring, Christenson recommends the more advanced treatment options a medical aesthetician can provide, including:.

However, it must be purchased in a medical office. While there are treatments for acne scarring, you might also consider the following tips for preventing scarring in the first place.

As mentioned, serious squeezing, pinching and scraping of pimples causes more harm than help, making it more likely for you to scar. In addition, popping a pimple may result in a small, local infection or result in you inadvertently spreading acne elsewhere on your skin — again, more chance for scarring.

You see the whiteheads, blackheads and pimples, but have you ever wondered about those acne bumps that never actually seem to surface. They're hard, red bumps that can really hurt, but, unlike other types of acne, they remain under the surface of your skin.

Since there's nowhere for the fluid to actually come out, you really want to avoid trying to apply pressure to cystic acne. How far apart are the treatments? What are the common side effects or complications associated with the procedure?

Does acne scar removal hurt? What are my pain management and anesthesia options? How long is the recovery time associated with my procedure? Do you have before-and-after patient images to help to prepare me for what to expect? Will someone walk me through the process before going in for treatment?

What are the risks? What should I expect after the procedure is performed? General questions to ask before Acne Scar procedures Is a doctor on site? Is the doctor board-certified in dermatology or in another specialty with equivalent training and experience? Was my medical history taken?