Hypertrophic scars: These occur when the skin makes too many fibroblasts as the acne spot heals, causing a raised scar. Keloid scars: These are similar to hypertrophic scars but are typically much thicker than the original acne spot. They are usually darker than the surrounding skin and can be red or brown.
If you have a red or brownish mark on your face that you got from a bad zit, it should eventually fade. However, it may take 12 months or longer.
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is the residual red, pink, or purple spots left behind by acne breakouts. PIE goes away on its own, but it can be resolved more speedily when dermatological treatments are used. At-home treatments may also help reduce or eliminate PIE.
Salicylic acid clears pores, reduces swelling and redness, and exfoliates the skin when applied topically. It's considered to be one of the best treatments for acne scars. You can add products with salicylic acid into your daily routine, or your skin care specialist may use it for less frequent chemical peels.
However, there are a variety of treatments that can make acne scars less noticeable. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or redness may lighten on its own within several months. However, it may take years to go away without treatment for some people.
Boxcar scars are caused by widespread acne, chickenpox, or varicella, a virus causing a red, itchy rash with blisters. Boxcar scars most often form on areas like the lower cheeks and jaw, where skin is relatively thick.
It usually takes 3-6 months for the marks to disappear. However, if you have a scar, you're dealing with permanent skin damage that needs treatment in order to disappear. An acne scar changes the texture of the skin.
For about six weeks after surgery the scar becomes red, firm and hard. This is the body's way of making a very strong and solid scar. Over the next four months the scar will soften and lose the redness. This is the normal process of scarring.
The salicylic and glycolic acids help reduce breakouts, as well as post-acne marks, by brightening the skin and improving the skin's texture. According to Garshick, “this can be used for all acne scars and can be especially helpful for someone who's also looking to improve signs of aging.
While the red is dissipating, green concealer can be used to mask a red scar. If a scar has been red for longer than 6 months, then an intervention may be necessary. Laser treatments work best for getting the red out. There is a laser called the vbeam, which specifically targets red blood vessels.
Vitamin C treats acne scars by increasing the synthesis of collagen, a protein responsible for your skin's structure and vital for rebuilding healthy skin. As a result, this vitamin may accelerate the healing of acne wounds ( 6 , 12 , 13 ).
Hypertrophic scars occur when there is a lot of tension around a healing wound. These scars are thick and raised, and often red in color. They may remain like this for several years. Hypertrophic scars are the result of an imbalance in collagen at the site of the wound.
'Angry' scars are those which become red, itchy, irritated, firm and hard. The commonest form of this scar is the hypertrophic scar seen after burn injury. However, even seemingly normal scars can have areas which become active, sometimes for no clear reason.
Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable. Potential severe side effects include scarring and changes in skin color. Chemical peel. Your doctor applies a chemical solution to the scar tissue to remove the top layer of skin and minimize the appearance of deeper scars.
Dark spots from acne (or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) are often referred to as acne scars. However, since they don't deal with an excess or loss of tissue, they aren't technically scars. These spots are simply a discoloration of the skin.
“Lighter-color skin tones or skin that sunburns more easily will often produce red marks after acne, whereas darker-color skin tones or skin that tans more easily will often produce brown marks after acne,” explains Wesley.
Acne scarring may look like shallow indentations or lesions on your face (though they can occur anywhere on your body). Some acne scarring may be permanent. Acne scars are often confused with the discoloration of the skin that often occurs after a pimple has healed, known as post-acne hyperpigmentation.
What makes acne scarring worse? Your own DNA plays a role in your scars! Your genes determine how well your skin heals, the amount of collagen produced and the depth of the acne lesions also controls the severity of the scars. However, you can make the scarring worse by smoking, squeezing the acne and picking at it.
Stage 4: Maturation (strengthening) Even after your wound looks closed and repaired, it's still healing. It might look pink and stretched or puckered. You may feel itching or tightness over the area.
A tell-tale sign of vitamin c over-use can be increased blackheads or a development of blackheads. General skin irritation and breakouts can also occur if you are using your vitamin c too much or too often.
One study found a topical gel containing vitamin C was able to significantly reduce the elevation and discoloration of fine facial scars at 6 months.
What It Does: This potent antioxidant interferes with the production of pigment in the skin, fading dark spots. When You'll See Results: Once you add vitamin C to your skincare regimen, you may start seeing noticeable improvements in three weeks.