While topical retinol—or other retinoids—may offer slight improvements to the appearance of atrophic scars, it's unlikely that the results will be significant. To effectively treat scar tissue, you need to speak with a dermatology provider and undergo in-office treatment.
Dermabrasion, microneedling, and laser resurfacing can help to make scars 'blend in'. Lastly, fillers can be effective to help raise sunken scars. These treatments are only temporary and would need to be repeated. As for Frankel, she had a type of surgery called Mohs Surgery.
For depressed scars: Both makeup artists we spoke with recommend using a filling primer to help fill in pitted, atrophic scars (often the result of deeper acne blemishes). “These are thicker and can actually fill up the hole,” says Adivi.
Try topical retinoids
Tretinoin and its over-the-counter cousin, retinol, helps quell inflammation and increase cell turnover, which can reduce red marks. But be patient: retinoids can take weeks to months to make their full impact.
Retinol is just one ingredient that can help clear and plump your skin. It can take several weeks before you'll start to see results from retinol, and your skin may look worse before it gets better, so try not to get discouraged. Start slowly and increase your use of retinol gradually.
It's natural to wonder, “Do indented scars fill in over time?” Unfortunately, these scars won't disappear on their own. Atrophic scars rarely go away completely, but with the help of a dermatology provider, you may be able to successfully reduce their appearance.
Topical retinoids such as trifarotene and fixed combinations of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide may be able to decrease atrophic scars in patients with active acne, according to Linda Stein Gold, MD.
While some scars may undergo some level of fading, atrophic scars are particularly stubborn and don't resolve over time. Atrophic scar treatment helps fill in the indentation and fade the appearance of your previous wound for a smooth, balanced appearance.
Tretinoin may help with certain types of scars on the body, such as atrophic scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and to a lesser extent on hypertrophic, keloid or burn scars, if they are relatively new.
Atrophic depressed facial scars can be effectively treated with hyaluronic acid fillers with esthetically satisfactory clinical outcome with a low risk or complications.
Depressed (atrophic): These sunken scars often result from chickenpox or acne. They look like rounded pits or small indentations in the skin. Also called ice pick scars, they develop most often on the face. Acne scars may become more noticeable as you age because the skin loses collagen and elasticity over time.
And vitamin C is a key player when it comes to creating collagen. Even though collagen and wounds are usually discussed in the context of repairing fresh injuries, since collagen helps make healthy tissue, it can impact older scars as well and improve their appearance.
Retinol is also found in many acne scar treatment products because it promotes new skin cell growth and helps even out skin texture and skin tone — all of which can help reduce the appearance of newer, red acne scars and older scars.
Soft tissue fillers.
Injecting collagen, fat or other substances under the skin can plump the skin over indented scars. The goal is to make the scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect. This method has little risk of changes in skin color.
However, some people may start to see an initial improvement in their skin even earlier - In fact, 84% of people saw a visible improvement in the texture of their skin after just 4 weeks*. We'd recommend using the product for a minimum of 12 weeks to see a visible improvement in the appearance of your post-acne marks.
It is important to note that salicylic acid cannot completely remove acne scars. Deep scars, such as ice pick scars, may require more aggressive treatments, such as laser therapy or microdermabrasion. However, salicylic acid can help to fade acne scars and make them less noticeable.
While Bellafill is the only FDA approved injectable filler for the long-term correction of acne scars, other fillers such as Juvederm, Radiesse, Belotereo, Retylane or Sculptra may be used. These typically will need to be injected every few months to maintain their effect.
Mederma PM Cream can be used on atrophic scars such as acne and chicken pox scars. Mederma® PM Cream may help to smooth and soften the edges of the pox mark but it will not cause the indented area to fill in. By smoothing the edges, the mark may become less noticeable.
Retinol purging is a temporary reaction where increased cell turnover brings underlying impurities to the surface, leading to breakouts, dryness, and irritation. Symptoms include flaking, redness, and rough texture. Although unsettling, this phase indicates that retinol is working to renew your skin.
If you want to target wrinkles, uneven texture, or acne, retinol is your best bet. If you're looking for brighter skin and protection from environmental damage, vitamin C is the way to go.