Acne scarring can be challenging to treat, but there are several effective methods that Skin Specialists, such as ourselves, recommend. The best treatment often depends on the type of scarring (e.g., atrophic, hypertrophic, or pigmented), skin type, and overall skin health. For this reason, we recommend an initial Consultation and Skin Analysis prior to making any treatment recommendations.
Here are our top 5 treatments for acne scarring:
1. Laser Resurfacing (Fractional Lasers)
How It Works:
Fractional laser resurfacing involves directing concentrated light beams at the skin, which creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production and skin regeneration. This helps to smooth out atrophic (depressed) scars and improve skin texture.
Types:
Common lasers used include CO2 lasers and erbium lasers. At Aeternum Aesthetics in Ashby de la Zouch we use a 3JUVE machine from Lynton Lasers.
Benefits:
Effective for deep scars, with noticeable improvement after one or a few sessions.
Considerations:
There can be some downtime due to redness and swelling, and multiple sessions may be required for optimal results.
2. Microneedling
How It Works:
Microneedling uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen and elastin production. Treatment specific serums are needled into the skin to further improve results.
Benefits:
Suitable for all skin types, improves texture, reduces the appearance of scars, and has minimal downtime.
Considerations:
Multiple sessions are usually necessary, and results improve over time.
3. Chemical Peels
How It Works:
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution (such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or TCA) to the skin, which exfoliates the top layers and promotes new skin growth. This process can improve surface scars and pigmentation issues.
Benefits:
Effective for superficial scars and hyperpigmentation, with the added benefit of overall skin rejuvenation.
Considerations:
The strength of the peel and the depth of penetration determine the results. Some peels have downtime, ranging from a few days to a week, depending on the depth. At Aeternum Aesthetics in Ashby de la Zouch we offer a range of different strength chemical peels. Our light to medium chemical peel from AlumierMD has very little to no downtime and results are generally seen after a course of treatments. We also offer stronger chemical peels, such as The Perfect Peel, after which you can expect up to a week or shedding/peeling skin.
4. Polynucleotides
How It Works:
Polynucleotides are natural DNA fragments that play a key role in skin regeneration. When injected, they stimulate the skin’s repair mechanisms, promoting the production of collagen and elastin. This helps to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and scarring, and restore elasticity to give the appearance of smoother skin.
Benefits:
Being naturally derived from DNA, polynucleotides are biocompatible and generally well-tolerated by most skin types. This reduces the risk of adverse reactions, making them a safe choice for all.
Considerations:
Polynucleotides are derived from Fish DNA so may not be something you want to consider if vegetarian.
5. Dermal Fillers
How It Works:
Dermal fillers, often made of hyaluronic acid or other substances, are injected into atrophic (depressed) scars to lift them to the level of the surrounding skin. This can give the appearance of smoother skin.
Benefits:
Immediate results with minimal downtime, suitable for certain types of atrophic scars, such as boxcar scars.
Considerations:
Results are temporary (lasting several months to a year), and touch-up treatments are necessary to maintain the effect.
There are many options to consider and, often, the best results for acne scarring come from a combination of these treatments. For instance, laser resurfacing might be paired with polynucleotides or microneedling might be followed by chemical peels to target different layers of the skin and types of scars.
Consulting with a Skin Specialist Clinic such as Aeternum Aesthetics in Ashby de la Zouch, s crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment or combination of treatments for your specific type of scarring and skin condition.
If you would like to find out which treatment options would best suit your skin, please contact us to book a consultation.
