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How to treat acne scars
Acne scars treatments is something I am regularly asked about, as it affects so many people. The types of treatment that are suitable, will depend on the type of acne scars that you have, and also your skin type. It is also a multi-approach, where treatment, skincare and lifestyle factors will give you the best possible results. And, it’s never a ‘one size’ fits all – it’s all about your unique skin & scars, and creating a program that best suits your lifestyle. But the good news is, it’s possible to make huge improvement to acne scars!
Whether I am working with you to improve your skin concerns, or scars, I always adopt an ‘inside out and outside in’ approach. The Nutritional Therapist in me wouldn’t have it any other way! You can learn about the different factors that affect your skin, by downloading my Ultimate Skin Guide and Ultimate Scar Guide, via the button below.
First, before we get into acne scars treatment, we will look at the different types of acne scars – as this will make a difference as to which treatment is best for you. We’ll move on to skin types, and then have a look at approaches to treating acne scars.
Types of Acne Scarring
The type of acne scars that you have, will dictate which acne scars treatment is suitable for you. As you can see from the photograph, there are 4 common types of acne scarring.
Whilst most acne scars respond very well to treatment, true ice-pick scars will often need a procedure called excision. If you have ice-pick scars, then I recommend having these treated first, before coming to me for aesthetics treatments. These treatments should only be carried out by a qualified doctor. I can recommend Dermatologists in Hampshire, that would be able to help you with this.
Many of my clients have a combination of acne scar types, this is very common. All respond well to my superhero treatment, radiofrequency microneedling.
Which acne scars treatment is the best?
The type of acne scars treatment that is suitable for you, will depend on the type of scarring that you have, your skin type and also your lifestyle. Lets start by looking at natural skin tone. Your natural skin tone will play a part in which treatments are suitable for you. (The treatment that I have found to be most effect, radiofrequency microneedling, is suitable for ALL skin tones).
However, fractional laser, which is another popular choice, and would have been my ‘go to’ treatment pre RF microneedling, for acne scars treatment, is not suitable for Fitz 4 and above. This is because the treatment can over stimulate your melanocyte activity during the healing process, leaving you with hyperpigmentation (patches of skin that are darker than your natural skin tone). The diagram below will help you identify your skin type, on the Fitzpatrick scale. This is actually very helpful to know, as many it’s a scale that is referred to for many aesthetic treatments, and also permanent makeup.
Fitzpatrick skin types IV and upwards carry a higher risk of hyperpigmentation, and for some treatments, there will be a protocol to follow before and after your treatment, to keep minimise the risks. And, some treatments won’t be suitable at all. One additional thing I’d like to mention here, is that your practitioner should always ask you about your parents and grandparents ethnicity. This can hugely effect how your skin will react to treatment. For example, you may have fair hair and type II skin during winter months, but when you’re exposed to the sun, you may find your skin is more akin to a type IV, if you have Mediterranean or Indian grandparents, for example. This is far more common that you may think – so considering all of these factors is very important, ahead of treatments.
RF Microneedling
Acne scars treatment programs depend on your skin type and scar type. I have found radiofrequency microneedling to be the most effective treatment. Here’s the benefits for RF microneedling for acne scars:
- Helps to reduce uneven skin texture and create a smoother surface.
- Reduces areas of pigmentation and redness around scars.
- Improves cell turnover and boosts collagen & elastin.
- Improves the tone and appearance of your skin.
- Significantly reduces the appearance of scars.
This treatment is suitable for all skin types, and the downtime is minimal. Read my clients review below…..
GOOGLE REVIEW
“I saw Nikki a few days ago for my 6th microneedling with radio-frequency session for acne scarring on my face and the results have been AMAZING! I am so happy, Nikki sent me photos from the very 1st visit before treatment with photos from my most recent visit. I’d 100% recommend this treatment if you have acne scarring, I’ve tried so much and even paid a dermatologist to try and sort my skin out. Don’t waste your money on other options this is so worth it Nikki knows what she is on about”
Fractional laser and skin peels
Both fractional laser and skin peels are common choices for acne scars treatments. The reason I have put these together, is that the suitability of these will depend on your Fitzpatrick skin type.
For IV and above, fractional laser will not be suitable. And, with some peels, you’ll need to use preparatory skin care for 4-6 weeks beforehand, to inhibit melanin production and reduce the risk of pigmentation.
Both of these treatment can come with significant downtime, more so with fractional laser, as the skin crusts and flakes away over 10-14 days. This is why I have moved away from fractional laser, and towards RF microneedling, as the results are so much better (in my experience), and the downtime so much less.
Skincare can help with acne scarring
Skincare plays an important role in acne scars treatment. Medical grade skincare, such as AlumierMD helps to improve cell turnover, improve the quality and quantity of collagen and elastin, reduce pigmentation and protect your skin.
Skincare alone isn’t going to significantly change your acne scars, but used alongside clinical treatments, the results can be transformative.
Retinols, AHA’s and Vitamin C serums work wonders to support your skin for the long term, and maximise your results. Your skincare program is created especially for you, as part of a scar and/or skin skin transformation program.
Is you acne still active?
Acne scars treatments can only take place, after your acne is under control. But don’t worry, if you’re still experiencing breakouts, then we can address this first. We will start with a 12 week program, where we work to identify triggers for your skin, for example; hormones, food intolerance’s, stress or medications. We’ll then work together to create a plan of action, so you can make lifestyle changes, to rebalance your body internally.
Alongside this, I’ll create a bespoke skincare program for you, to reduce the inflammation and outbreaks, and strengthen and protect your skin. This video explains my approach in a little more detail.
Would you like help with your acne, or acne scars?
If you’re fed up with wasting money on treatments and products that don’t work, and you’re ready to improve your skin once and for all, then I’d love to be able to help you.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed my blog acne scars treatments. If you would like help with improving your acne, or acne scarring, then I’d love to help. My aesthetics clinic is based in Alton, Hampshire. I am right on the Hampshire / Surrey border, and just 15 minutes from both Basingstoke and Farnham.
If you would like to book a no obligation Skin Consultation You can book your appointment via the button below. If there are no slots available, then please add yourself to the waiting list, or use the contact form, and we will be in touch when an appointment becomes available.
I look forward to hearing from you. Best, Nikki
