Breakouts are undeniably stress-inducing in their own right, but their byproduct scarring can have just as much of an impact on your self-esteem. Scars seem more permanent than blemishes and are often trickier to treat. Thankfully, there are several targeted products that when paired with a regimented routine can and will reduce scarring. We asked dermatologist Dr Kemi Fabusiwa everything you want to know about clearing your complexion for good…
What causes acne scars?
This might seem like a bit of a ‘duh’ question but it’s good to understand the mechanisms at play when scars form. “Acne causes inflammation,” explains Dr Fabusiwa. “This inflammation damages the skin and leads to breaks in the moisture barrier. The skin attempts to heal over this damage by laying down connective tissue such as collagen fibres at the site of injury. It is this dysregulated healing process that leads to uneven skin and scarring. Unfortunately, acne scarring can be disfiguring and often takes a long time to heal.”
Different types of scars explained
“There are four types of acne scars,” explains Dr Fabusiwa explains.
- Hypertrophic scars: these are raised as the scar forms too much connective tissue at the site of injury.
- Boxcar scars: well-defined deep depressions in the skin.
- Rolling scars: poorly defined deep depressions in the skin.
- Icepick scars: narrow impressions resembling an ice pick puncture.
- Hyperpigmentation often occurs alongside acne scarring as melanocytes release excess melanin at the site of inflammation.
Why are some people more prone to scars than others?
The realisation that some people barely suffer from scarring is a hard pill to swallow. Unfortunately, it’s got nothing to do with luck and everything to do with your genes. “Acne scarring often depends on our genetics. Darker-skinned individuals are at a higher risk of hyperpigmentation due to their larger melanocytes, which produce more melanin. If you have a predisposition to having acne, you are also more likely to scar.”
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