Acne Scars

Scars form as a part of the natural healing process of the skin after any injury, infection, piercings, pimples. Any pathology limited to the outer layers of the skin will heal without scarring. However, if it involves the deeper layer that is the dermis, it will potentially heal with some scarring.

The type and extent of scar will depend on the nature and depth of the acne or injury.

Most importantly, different people have different scarring tendencies, which is why some people scar very easily.

The sad truth about scars is that most of these are permanent in nature. Most scars tend to lighten over the first few months to a year, beyond which the residual scar is permanent.

Scars are so long standing that we often get used to seeing ourselves with scars or hope for a miracle cream to fade these away. There are no effective external creams or ointments which alone would fade your scar. Most creams and oils would simply work on the surface and do not address the scar tissue which is deep within the lower layers of the skin (dermis).

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Timely treatment of acne during the adolescent years is the most important factor in avoiding scars. I often advise parents to encourage children to start treating acne early on to avoid the trauma of life long scars. Also, deep seated cystic acne, and acne which is picked on heals poorly with scarring.

With scientific treatment the appearance of scars can be softened considerably. While scars can not be completely erased, it may be reduced to a level which is more acceptable to you. It is best to discuss your expectations with your dermatologist before you embark on the scar reduction journey.