Remove Those Imperfections: Understanding Scar Removal
It is a common problem for people around the world, but it continues to perplex and annoy. We’re talking about acne – it first shows up during the teenage years, but it can reappear when you are an adult. Though it is often restricted to the face, it might also spread to the neck, shoulders, back and arms.
The problem is not acne alone, but that it can leave scars on your skin. It naturally follows that if you don’t want to suffer acne scars, you must try and prevent acne from appearing in the first place.
What causes acne?
Acne is caused by a combination of factors – hormonal changes, unclean skin, clogged pores and the skin’s ability to repair and restore itself. It may be prompted by premature aging, stress and even the harsh climate in Dubai.
When the skin’s pores are clogged by excessive sebum (oil from the skin’s oil glands) and dirt from the air, it forms an inflammation at the site. This is the beginning of blackheads/whiteheads or pimples. Soon, it worsens into acne, which is a clearly visible reddish bump on the skin. It can be painless, but in rare cases, it can be tender to the touch. If it is painful or sore, it is time to show it to the dermatologist at once.
What is acne scarring?
In the normal course of events, acne appears and disappears without a trace. It is most often brought on by hormonal changes in the puberty years, and is seen on several teenagers. However, it can also occur in adults, for the reasons mentioned above.
Some forms of acne do not vanish without a trace. In fact, the skin may not have a risen bump but there will be a scar at the site of the acne. This is known as ‘acne scarring’.
Most forms of acne scars are the result of the person touching the acne, or trying to remove it forcibly using their fingernails or another implement (such as during a facial). If the acne is forcibly removed, there may be a ‘pit’ formed at the site – this appears like a depression in the area of the skin. This acne scar does not go away on its own, and will need a doctor’s intervention to resurface the skin.
In other cases, the skin reacts to the acne by rushing blood to the area. As a result, there is discolouration at the site, which may fade over time.
A major reason why there is a blemish at the site of the acne is a result of the skin’s natural healing process. Some amount of tissue is lost as part of the acne healing process, and this shows up as a blemish.
Acne scar removal – a permanent way to remove the problem
If you have acne scars that you would do anything to get rid of, then there is a way out for you. You may have tried several home remedies, but these will not resurface the skin or completely remove the blemishes and discolouration.
- It is best to consult with an experienced dermatologist who can assess your skin type, extent of damage and the reasons for acne. They will then customise a treatment for you instead of offering a standardised procedure that may not work for your specific concerns.
- Your skin might benefit from a certain kind of peel, that will gently resurface the skin and prevent an excess secretion of sebum (which causes acne in the first place).
- Other treatments include exfoliation, surface cleansing, deep hydration and in some cases, laser treatment. They are aimed to reduce and fade scars, resurface the skin and also increase collagen production for suppler, radiant skin.
- You can look forward to removal of acne scars, clearer skin, a reduction in acne occurrence, and a newfound radiance after undergoing a suitable acne scar removal treatment.
- Some repeat sessions might be needed to increase efficacy of the results, and to maintain the skin’s hydration levels. The doctor can advise on the frequency of the follow up sessions and also on post-procedure care and lifestyle/diet changes you must incorporate.
