While acne might be a temporary problem, the scars that it leaves can be your companion forever. The article will shed light on the reasons behind scarring and 6 tips to prevent them effectively down the line.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars are mostly caused by inflamed lesions(pustule, papule, or cyst) which happen when the skin pore gets clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacterial agents and thereby breaks along the follicle wall. When the burst out takes place close to the skin surface, the lesion doesn’t take on a huge form and recovers swiftly. On the other hand, it can assume a major state if the crack in the follicle wall goes deep and the contaminated agents come into contact with the dermis, thus damaging healthy skin tissues. However, to heal from such a state, the skin starts producing new collagen fibers that fail to regain the normal state post-recovery.
Meanwhile, inflammation is the most common reason behind scarring whose degree varies depending on the situation. Also, major breakouts taking a long time to heal bear a greater likelihood of scarring.
How to Protect Your Skin from Scarring?
While it’s not possible to be fully resistant to acne scars, following certain steps can decrease the likelihood of its occurrence. Here’s how-
1. Treat Acne as the Soonest
As soon as acne erupts, treat it. If over-the-counter treatments don’t bring results over the period, see a doctor at the earliest. It would check the form while addressing the issue.
2. Lower Inflammatory Reactions
Big, inflamed acne is more likely to leave behind scars than normal pimples and blackheads. Therefore, one must try to reduce inflammatory reactions at firsthand and avoid anything that prompts skin irritation. For instance, scrubbing the surface tightly and usage of harsh skin products must be strictly abstained from.
3. Never Pop, Squeeze or Pick the Pimples
You might be tempted to squeeze a breakout or pick it. But doing it would spill the internal agents deep into the dermis, leading to spreading the infection to other issues accompanied by higher inflammation. The case is more applicable for a serious form of acne-like cysts, and nodules. Every time you feel like bursting it out, know that it would extend the healing period besides increasing the chance of leaving permanent scars. Let the acne heal on its own. Have you already picked a pimple? Then take the necessary measures to recover from the state.
4. Avoid Picking at Scabs
A scab is the skin’s natural bandaid or layer of defense which secures the injury or wound during the healing phase.
5. Know Your Tendency to Scar
Some people are more prone to scarring than others. If you are from that list, consult a dermatologist to explore the treatment alternatives.
6. Visit a Doctor for Deep Acne or Cyst Problems
Small blemishes might scar the skin at times but its probability is less. It’s the deep nodular or cystic breakouts that cause the actual damage. Over-the-counter medicines won’t be able to treat such concerns and it’s important to see a dermatologist for fast and effective Acne scar treatment driven by the reduced chance of scarring.
Keynote
Lastly, even after trying your best, some scars can exist. In such a case, you can opt for scar treatments to fade its appearance gradually.
