Acne can hurt your skin even after it clears, but we can help

Living through acne certainly, ought to be enough to earn you a break from skin woes later in life. Unfortunately, even if your breakouts stop, you’re often left with visible signs of the acne that used to be. You might have dark spots or indentations, or a combination of both. But you don’t have to live with these reminders of what acne has done to your complexion.

The unsightly signs of past acne

There’s a difference in the marks on your face, neck, chest, back and shoulders that acne can leave behind:

• Post-acne marks

These dark spots are heightened pigmentation, but they don’t cause a change in your skin texture.

• Acne scars

These are the result of deeper, inflamed acne lesions, and they do change the texture of your skin.

When collagen isn’t a good thing

All post-blemish markings are the result of too much collagen in one spot and the inflammation caused by acne. If the acne inflammation is intense enough, it can destroy skin cells, which causes scarring. Excessive collagen can also cause a bump or elevation in the scar.

There are four different types of acne scars

1. Ice Pick

Small, narrow, pinpoint scars that can penetrate deep into the skin.

2. Rolling

Wide and shallow depth creates a wave-like appearance.

3. Boxcar

Angular, well-defined edges

4. Hypertrophic

Raised scars

Preventing acne scars is possible

I tell my acne patients that the best thing they can do to avoid acne scars is to be diligent about their skin-care — without over-doing it, drying out your skin and causing additional irritation.  I also remind all my patients to always use sunscreen. More difficult, however, is the advice to never pop their pimples. Picking will most likely make the infection worse, pushing bacteria deeper into your skin.

Deep acne scarring can be professionally treated

These days there are many ways to minimize the appearance of your acne scars and dark spots — from laser treatments to chemical peels to injectable fillers. Make an appointment today so we can find the best solutions for your skin needs.

Call (210) 692-3000 or (210) 370-9995.