After the pimple, the scar often remains - What to do about unsightly acne scars?

How pimple paints can be effectively remedied
Impure skin and pimples are often associated with hormonal changes such as puberty, and usually acne disappears after a while. Some pimples, however, leave unsightly scars, which can also burden the self-confidence of those affected. To eliminate such acne scars, various techniques are available which in most cases provide a quite satisfactory result.

The development of acne can have various reasons. "In addition to genetic predisposition hormones or hormone-like substances can play a triggering role," explains Dr. med. Kristin Technau-Hafsi, senior physician of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at the University Hospital of Freiburg. Often the pimples are found in changes in hormone levels such as at puberty, during pregnancy or when discontinuing the "pill", reports the expert. Although the pimples subsided over time, they sometimes leave considerable acne scars.

Acne scars often cause impaired self-esteem for those affected, but the unsightly scars can usually be successfully eliminated. (Image: Budimir Jevtic / fotolia.com)

When do pimples come into being??
Scarring occurs when there is damage to the dermis and excessive collagen (or collagen) is formed for healing. This can easily be the case with stronger forms of acne. Therefore, acne patients may need to consider a dermatological examination, which may subsequently lead to the derivation of an individualized therapy concept, explains Dr. med. Kristin Technau-Hafsi. It is important that the pimples and blackheads are not expressed themselves, as this usually only leads to a deterioration of the overall appearance of the skin. Acne scars, Fehlpigmentierungen and deeper skin inflammations are possible consequences.

Modern treatment approaches for acne scars
In the UK, the "Sk: n" clinic association offers treatment of acne scars at various locations based on relatively modern procedures such as the Fraxel method. "We offer a wide range of acne scar treatments, all of which aim at the same goal: removing the outer layers of the scar tissue so that the scar either fades strongly or completely disappears," report the experts of the clinic network. The procedures range from chemical peels, so-called microdermabrasion and microneedling to laser treatments with the "CO2RE" or the "Fraxel" method.

Laser treatments for larger scars promising
Especially with more pronounced acne scars, laser treatments are usually the drug of choice in the Sk: n-Klinikverbund. In the Fraxel method, the laser penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and can thus also repair larger scars, the experts report. Otherwise, the "Dermaroller" is particularly recommended, which, however, may not be used as long as the acne is still present. With tiny needles on the scooter, the skin is punctured, which should lead to a renewal of the skin cells and a decrease in acne scars.

Individual therapy concept required
According to the experts, a general treatment recommendation for acne scars can not be pronounced, since the correct therapy depends, for example, on the skin type, the extent of scarring and the desired result. Not infrequently, the combination of several treatments have the best effect. In any case, however, it requires multiple treatments in order to achieve an optimal result (fp)