What does post acne pigmentation and scarring mean?
Post acne pigmentation and scarring is often a more difficult concern to treat than the acne itself. Deeper, Cystic acne lesions can leave both pitted or depressed scars on the skin where
The skin tissue has broken down and / or raised scars where excessive collagen is produced.
If acne lesions are picked and squeezed they can also leave behind discoloured or pigmented scars. Acne pimples are like wounds and the trauma of squeezing a premature wound can cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Essentially post acne pigmentation and scarring means the skin hasn’t been able to heal properly from a wound and it has left a stubborn mark.
Your experience of clients with post acne pigmentation and scarring
Acne scarring and pigmentation are often emotionally distressing because they are so difficult to treat. There is also a considerable amount of guilt associated with PIH when clients realise they have created long term concerns for themselves by actively squeezing spots.
Often acne treatments have cleared up the spots but because the skin doesn’t look clear and smooth because of the scars people tend to continue to treat their skin like acneic skin.
I have had many people come in to get treatment for acne whereas the acne is long gone but the uneven skin texture causes people to think they still have acne.
How I treat post acne pigmentation and scarring
The good thing is that there are many treatments available to help with scarring and they are becoming more sophisticated and effective by the day, however, the most important aspect of treatment is managing client expectations.
I like to approach treatment for all concerns with combination treatments because several different treatments and platforms complement and enhance results. Micro needling, Microneedling & RF in combination with skin boosters, stem cell molecules and stimulating serums can help with improving pitted scars. I like to alternate needling with Byonik Laser treatments because they complement results by plumping up the skin and stimulating collagen.
PIH can be targeted with a combination approach of focusing on over health skin health to support a healthy skin metabolism and cell function alongside skin peels. It is important to create a synergistic environment and support system for cells while tackling the volatile pigment producing melanocytes.
Raised hypertrophic scars and keloid scars are best treated in medical clinics.