Anyone who has ever struggled with acne knows that scars last much longer than the acne itself. While there are several effective topical treatments for hyperpigmentation and acne scars, in certain cases they just don’t work. Some scars are so stubborn and deep, that no amount of skincare and Vitamin C serums can make them go away.
Fortunately, we live in a time and age where skincare is making remarkable progress and microneedling is one of its most advanced procedures. Microneedling comes with lots of benefits and promotes healthy skin. One of these advantages includes the treatment of acne scars.
Before you start your journey of battling acne scarring, we suggest understanding the kind of scars you have. The type of scar you’re struggling with matters greatly since each of them affects skin differently and requires a different tactic to tackle them.
Let’s get into it:
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Types of Acne Scars
Depending on the skin type, type of acne, and skin picking habits, each acne scar takes a different form. Following are some of the most common types of acne scars:
Atrophic scars
Severe cystic acne and a few other types of acne often result in atrophic scars. These types of scars are flat to the touch but are shallow depressions that go below the top layer of the skin. Atrophic scars are further divided into three different types because they vary greatly in appearance. Here are the three types of atrophic scars:
- Boxcar Scars: Boxcar scars appear pretty much like their name, in the form of a broad box-like dent. The edges of these scars are sharp and defined. These types of scars are often left behind by intense acne all over the face, from chickenpox, or varicella. Varicella is similar to chickenpox, only it is followed by angry and red-blistered rashes.
The lower cheeks and jawline are the most common areas where boxcar scars are formed
- Ice pick scars: Compared to boxcar scars, icepick scars are much smaller and narrower. The indentation of icepick scars points down towards the skin surface and often affects the cheek area. Icepick scars are one of the most stubborn kinds and need some aggressive form of treatment to minimize their appearance.
- Rolling scars: Rolling scars are pit scars and have sloped edges. Their size ranges from 4 to 5 millimeters and gives the skin a rough texture and uneven appearance. These too are pit scars and appear in clusters, not even thick and high-coverage concealers can completely hide them.
What is Microneedling?
Some of the stubborn scars need some rigorous and thorough treatment options to disappear. This is where the genius procedure of microneedling comes in. This technique involves a hand-hand device with numerous tiny needles. These needles are so tiny that they create micro-punctures on the skin, punctures so small that you can hardly see them. However, our skin gets the message that it has been hurt and needs to heal, this triggers intense collagen production which regenerates new skin cells and not only heals the old stubborn scars but also improves the overall appearance of the skin. As a result, you are able to get that beautiful skin you always wanted.
Collagen production is at an all-time high when we are young, which is why babies have smooth, wrinkle-free skin with elasticity. However, as we grow older the collagen production declines. It also stops prematurely when our skin is damaged and scars. In that way, microneedling not only helps with anti-aging but also makes the skin firmer with more elasticity. Microneedling is an overall skin treatment that helps with acne scars, premature wrinkles, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, large pores, and many other skin problems. Moreover, the results are dramatic and quick.
Does Microneedling Work for Acne Scars?
Microneedling is one of the most effective treatments for acne scars and works dramatically to reduce the appearance of old and stubborn scars. Dermatologists from all over the world advocate the procedure of microneedling for scar treatment.
The tiny wounds given to the skin with microneedles encourage collagen production, hence treating ice pick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling acne scars. All kinds of atrophic acne scars are effectively reduced with this progressive procedure.
How Long Does Microneedling Take for Acne Scars?
One of the reasons clients and skin specialists love this treatment is because it is non-surgical, painless, and gives quick results. Within a week of the procedure, you can see considerable changes in the appearance of the skin. After 3 to 4 weeks of just the first treatment, you will see your skin completely transformed with an improved appearance of scars, much more elasticity, and improved texture.
Depending on your skin and the types of scars, you might need to go for more than one sitting. The time gap between each procedure is 4-5 weeks, after which your skin will only improve in appearance to the point that you’d be looking at an entirely different skin once you have gone through the entire procedure. For best results, your skin expert might go for 3 to 6 sessions.
Can Microneedling Make Acne Scars Worse?
It’s a common worry that microneedling can wound the skin permanently and cause new scars. Fortunately, properly administered microneedling, conducted by licensed and trained aestheticians, under proper supervision removes the risk of the acne stars getting worse.
What Should I Do After Microneedling for Acne Scars?
Microneedling is best paired with hyaluronic acid. The two combined is a powerhouse treatment for skin and shows remarkable and dramatic results. In addition to a better appearance, hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin and makes microneedling much more effective.
Are You Looking for Acne Scar Treatment in Calgary?
If you or someone you know has been struggling with acne scars for a long time, we highly recommend Reflective Beauty Boutique for acne scar treatment in Calgary, AB. The artists at this establishment are trained industry leaders and are certified. They have the skills and the credentials to help you along your skincare journey and feel more confident about yourself. You can also reach out for complimentary consultation.