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Other Types of Acne Scars

There are more severe acne scars that are formed, usually called “ice pick” scars, divots, or craters because of its shallow and jagged, or deep stabs on the skin. This is the result of deep tissue loss from nodular acne. It is best to consult a skin specialist at the first sign of this kind of acne to minimize scarring.
Atrophic Macules
They are soft, wrinkled scars that can sometimes turn blue due to the blood vessels such as capillaries or veins lying directly beneath the scar.
Follicular Macular Atrophy
Commonly seen at the chest and back area, they are white small soft lesions, smaller that whiteheads, found beneath the surface layer of the skin.
Depressed Fibrotic Scars
These are the larger scars, sharp and steep in appearance. Most ice pick scars can turn into this type of scar in a period of time.
Soft Scars
They are often round or in a line and small in size. They have edges that seem to roll or slope, looking like they are merging with the normal skin surrounding it.
For deep and severe cases of scarring, especially when there is loss of tissue, most over-the-counter and topical skin medications and products have no or little impact in the disappearance and smoothening of those scars. It would be best to consult a skin specialist or dermatologist on what to do and what option or procedure is still open for you. This includes dermabrasion, laser treatments, and collagen injections. Although it is quite discouraging to have severe scarring, following a personalized and effective skin care regimen can improve the quality of your skin, prevent you from having future acne breakouts, and give you smoother, clearer, and cleaner skin.

STOP PICKING! EASIER SAID THAN DONE.

It is quite fulfilling to be able to successfully squeeze out the particles in a blackhead, white head, or pimple. However, it can also cause further injury and infection to the skin, which leads to scars, especially when not done right. Having regular facials can help prevent buildup and formation of pimples. Dermatologists and aestheticians are trained and licensed to do extractions properly that they should be the only ones touching your skin.

LARGE PORES. CAN I GET RID OF THEM?

Having large pores is not a result of acne scars or of pimple popping. They are inherited from your parents and cannot be narrowed or closed. Since oil and dirt can widen the pores, regular cleansing, scrubbing, and treatments with masks that are clay-based can tighten it up a bit, make it smaller and prevent it from being clogged, thus smoother and clearer skin.

CAN BLACKHEADS CAUSE SCARS?

When oil and dead skin cells combine with sebum, it plugs up the follicles or pores. As it is exposed to the air, it oxidizes and discolors, making it look black. Blackheads will not cause scars when left alone. But when it is squeezed and poked at, then it can cause scarring. Therefore, to prevent scarring from blackheads is to refrain from damaging the skin.

CAUSES

Bacne or back acne and chest acne are basically acne that occurs at the back and chest area. Therefore, they are also caused by the same things causing acne: hormones and stress. However, there are additional causes of bacne and chest acne such as the clothes worn and daily physical activities. Since the chest and back area are full of sebaceous glands, they are prone to having clogged pores. Paired with profuse perspiration and tight clothes, it can easily result in bacne and chest acne. Clothes made of synthetic materials like Polyester and Lycra can trap sweat and combines it with the oil at the surface of the skin, resulting in a pore-clogging film that creates whiteheads and cystic lesions.

PREVENTION

 Follow a strict regimen for skin care. Use products specifically meant to prevent back and chest acne.
 Do not use a body scrub that contains grains as this may further aggravate the irritated skin.
   
  Be aware of what you wear especially when engaged in heavy physical activities. Use clothes made of natural fibers to help the skin breathe. An example of this are clothes made out of cotton that are lightweight and soft to the skin.

  Always take a shower after working out or doing heavy physical activity to help prevent breakouts brought about profuse sweating.

ACNE SCARS AND DISCOLORATIONS THAT CAN BE TREATED

An acne scar is not the flat reddish or brownish spot that is left after a pimple is healed. This is actually a macule, which is actually not a scar but more of a discoloration of the skin that fades away after months. Exposure to the sun can further aggravate this condition, slowing down its fading. At the Mario Badescu Skin Care center, there is a wide range of products that have been designed to prevent as well as reduce this discoloration faster.