Acne is the most common skin problem in the world.
Almost all of us have had to deal with acne as a teenager, with around 70-80 % of young people affected. And even if you are one of the lucky few to survive the teenage years unscathed, another 40-50 % of adults between the ages of 25 and 40 also suffer from it.
The good news is that acne usually disappears over time. And if you want to speed up the process, there are many effective acne treatments that can help.
The bad news, however, is that acne can leave permanent, visible scars. They can appear on the face, chest, back or just about anywhere pimples form. In our dermatology practice, we see patients every day who want to know what they can do about lingering acne scars.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, you can find out what helps with acne scars in this article. And if you would like to find out more about our work, you can take a look at our range of acne scar treatments.
How can acne scars be prevented?
It goes without saying that the best treatment for acne scars is prevention. We always advise our patients to treat acne at an early stage in order to prevent the formation of scars.
And while sometimes there is nothing you can do to prevent acne from developing, there are steps you can take to minimize its effects. Below is a list of tips you can follow:
- Get professional treatment:
There are various medications, from creams to tablets, to reduce and eliminate acne. Many of these have been around for years, but they are now complemented by a range of modern treatments such as LED light therapy, fruit acid peels, Kleresca and innovative laser procedures e.g. Aviclear. Consult a dermatologist to find the most suitable treatment for your situation and skin type. - Do not pick:
Although it is very tempting to press on acne, it can cause the bacteria to penetrate deeper into the skin, causing more damage to the collagen and leading to scarring. Our professional advice: avoid touching your face and manipulating your acne. It doesn't improve anything! - Choose skin care products carefully:
Some skincare products can contain harsh ingredients that strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for gentler, acne-friendly alternatives that won't clog pores. Talk to your dermatologist about the best options.
In general, there are other measures you can take to reduce acne and therefore also the risk of acne scars. Diet, exercise and good sleep can play an important role in this.
But as good as prevention is, what if you already have acne scars?
What should you do if you have acne scars?
If you have acne scars, don't worry. It's not too late. You can still do a lot to reduce the appearance of scars and improve skin texture.
To make it easier for you, we've created the table below outlining and comparing the different treatment options. However, before you do anything, we strongly recommend that you make an appointment with a dermatologist (like our team!).
As a trained professional, a dermatologist will assess the type and severity of the scars and recommend the most appropriate course of action. This is because acne scars can vary greatly. There are atrophic scars (depressions in the skin), hypertrophic scars (raised areas of skin) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark patches) - and each requires a different treatment.
| Treatment option | Description | Best for | Observations |
| Tropical treatments | Creams and gels containing retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids or vitamin C. | Slight scarring and hyperpigmentation | It may take some time before results are visible. Consistent use required |
| Fractionated CO2 lasers | Uses focused light to remove or reshape damaged skin. | Different types of scars, depending on the laser | Can be expensive; several sessions may be required |
| Microdermabrasion | Exfoliates the top layer of skin. | Not very useful, only for very superficial scars | Generally safe; several sessions may be required |
| Chemical peelings | Uses a chemical solution to remove the top layers of skin. | Hyperpigmentation, some atrophic scars | Downtime required; skin sensitivity after the procedure |
| Microneedling | Uses small needles to make tiny punctures in the skin. | Superficial scars | Several sessions required; temporary redness/swelling |
| Injections with fillers/skin boosters | Injected substances to fill in depressed scars. | Atrophic scars | Preliminary: may require repeated treatments |
| Surgery | Procedures such as subcision or excision for the treatment of deep scars. | Deep, narrow scars | Invasive, potential for downtime and recovery |
| Emotional support | Counseling therapy to cope with the emotional impact of acne scars. | Helpful for anyone struggling with scars | Accessibility and willingness to seek help |
Case study of a customer
Sometimes several treatments are required to effectively remove scars.
One of our patients is 40 years old. He comes from Peru and would naturally have very beautiful, even, well-tanned skin - if it weren't for the sunken acne scars on his cheeks and the many lumpy, red acne scars on his chest.
He has been coming back to our practice for treatment for three years. The treatment of acne scars requires patience and consistent treatments, which should be carried out at least one month apart for the face and two months apart for the body.
We treated the face with radiofrequency microneedling and used fractional CO2 lasers on the chest, which could be completely protected from the sun by clothing.
Today there are no more acne scars on her face and only three slightly raised, red nodules on her chest.
Is there anything I can do at home to treat acne scars?
To treat acne scars properly and effectively, you need professional treatment that is tailored to your situation. However, there are some things you can do at home to reduce the appearance of acne scars and promote healthier skin.
Use sun protection
First and foremost is the application of sunscreen. Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial to prevent acne scars from darkening and becoming more noticeable. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen suitable for acne with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
Bonus: Protecting your skin from the effects of UV light can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles as you age.
Apply moisturizer
Keeping your skin well moisturized can improve the appearance of your skin and promote healing. Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer, i.e. one that won't clog your pores.
Avoid picking
Picking at scars or the surrounding skin can aggravate scarring and prolong healing. We know it's difficult, but try to keep your hands away from your face.
Gentle exfoliation of the skin
If the skin is not too inflamed, gentle exfoliation can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars over time. Be careful not to exfoliate too much as this can damage the skin barrier and worsen scarring.
What about popular household remedies?
There are several "home remedies" for acne scars that have become popular through social media and word of mouth.
Among the most popular are lemon juice, Vaseline, tea tree oil and CBD oil. Their effectiveness in treating acne scars is controversial and results can vary from person to person:
- Lemon juice: Some people believe that lemon juice can help lighten acne scars and improve skin texture due to its citric acid content. However, the acid can damage natural microorganisms, irritate the skin and increase the risk of sunburn. We advise against it! There are safer and more effective treatment options.
- Vaseline (petroleum jelly): While petroleum jelly can moisturize the skin and help heal minor wounds, there is limited evidence that it can reduce the appearance of acne scars. It is generally safe to use but can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) in some people. We advise against it!
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe acne and prevent infection. However, its effect on acne scars is not well researched. If you choose to use tea tree oil, be sure to dilute it properly as undiluted tea tree oil can irritate the skin. Allergies are possible. We advise against it!
Conclusion
The treatment of acne scars requires a holistic approach that combines prevention, professional interventions and consistent home care.
The path to healthier skin requires commitment and patience, as well as expert advice from a dermatologist you can trust. If you are based in Zurich and would like to speak to one of our specialists, get in touch today.
This article is for information purposes only. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before making any decisions about treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Can acne scars fade?
Yes, over time some acne scars can fade and become less noticeable. The extent of fading depends on factors such as the type of scar, skin type, age and overall skin care regimen. Consistent use of sunscreen and adherence to an appropriate skin care regimen can help this process.
Can acne scars be completely removed?
Although some acne scars can be significantly reduced with various treatments, complete removal can be difficult. The success of treatments depends on the type and severity of the scar, and several sessions may be required. A consultation with a doctor or specialist dermatologist can help set realistic expectations.