How to avoid acne scars

It is often the joy of those who fight and eventually win the battle with it, as a large proportion of them then have another “enemy”: to face – the scars. It is estimated that one in five acne sufferers acquire them – more often those who develop a serious form of it, those who delay the start of treatment and those who injure their skin. It is not enough, that they go through a period when their acne caused pain, but they must also face the signs left after healing, which have not only permanent effects on the health and appearance of the skin, but also on their psychology. Fortunately, however, the prevention methods are known today and there are many options for the treatment of scars. “Up to 80% of the teenage population sometimes displays pimples, black spots or, even worse, painful cysts due to acne. While associated with hormonal changes occurring in puberty, it can persist until adulthood or even develop for the first time then. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 15% of adult women and 5% of adult men are suffering. But even when successfully treated, the skin may not be completely clean, but it may have darker signs (post-inflammatory hypermechanisms), due to skin injury, or discolorations, due to the taking of medicines recommended for the remission of symptoms of the condition, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and tetracyclines. Also, it can develop scars where the skin has been damaged in the cancer. In an attempt to heal them, it produces new collagen fibers, but the new tissue is different in color and texture from the existing one”, explains Dermatologist – Afrodisiologist Dr. Christos Stamos. Genetic predisposition plays a role in the way a person’s skin responds to inflammation and is cured. More often acne scars are formed in patients with severe or cystic acne, especially those who press the pimples to remove the sebum, which aggravates inflammation and disrupts the healing process. Another reason is failure to treat acne early or to choose ineffective treatments. The scars can manifest in different forms, each with its own unique characteristics and ways of treatment. When there is tissue loss atrophic scars are formed, which are similar to inflammation. Also, when the body produces excess collagen during the healing process, hypertrophic scars develop. These have the form of stable swollen spots on the skin and are likely to cause itching or pain or burning sensation. Hypertrophic scars remain within the limits of the original damage caused by acne, while when they extend beyond it they are called chelloid scars. Their existence has a significant impact on patient psychology. According to a study published in Clinical, Cosmic and Investigational Dermatology, although psychosocial discomfort initially begins during active acne, the formation of scars from it can cause unique consequences for the emotional, psychological and social well-being of patients. This unwanted complication of acne affects the image of the body, self-esteem and overall quality of life. It prolongs existing disadaptive behaviors, low self-esteem, negative body image. The presence of scars may also lead to a suspension of social activities and a restriction of associations. Over time, patients may experience feelings of despair, frustration, and sorrow, due to permanent distortion. Eliminating scars and restoring skin texture and homochrome is the only weapon to avoid the psychological effects they bring about. Various therapeutic options are available to improve skin appearance. Selection depends on the type and severity of scars, on skin characteristics and age. “There are local treatments that can help improve skin texture and reduce mild scars. For atrophic scars we have the choice of collagen injection, which can fill them and the skin to obtain a smooth appearance. Their normalization also offers chemical pilings, through collagenogenesis. Dermopheresis can deal with the most persistent scarrings, while microneedling can stimulate collagen production on the one hand, on the other hand, treat post-inflammatory hypermechanosis caused by skin injury. Encouragement of collagen and elastin production mechanisms as well as elimination of post-inflammatory hypermechanisms also offers the fractional laser. Phototherapy is a pioneering and natural way to accelerate cell renewal and to treat acne and melancholy imperfections. Combination treatments and holistic approach often produce the best results,” notes Dr. Stamos. Of course, achieving the aesthetic improvement of acne scars requires time and consistent effort. And as always, prevention is better than treatment, without always being possible. The adoption, however, of a preventive approach can significantly reduce the risk of scars. “Those with pimples should quickly address their dermatologist. Early treatment, with personalized treatment plans, can prevent severe inflammation and reduce the possibility of scars. Also, they must resist the desire to press them, because this practice can exacerbate inflammation and increase the possibility of scars being created. It is recommended to use mild skin care products suitable for skin type to minimise irritation and prevent pore obstruction. It is equally important to protect the skin from UV rays with a sunscreen for acne skin and protection index of at least 30, since its daily application reduces the chances of pigmentation. Generally those who have acne should love their skin, treat it with respect and moisturize it regularly to avoid weakening the skin barrier”, he concludes.