Preventing Acne Scars in 5 Easy Steps
June 12th, 2011 → 11:39 am @ Laura Wood
Despite the fact that most people only suffer from acne for a short period in their lives, their misery is often prolonged by the presence of acne scars. Acne may or may not be a temporary problem, but the scars are usually permanent. Scarring occurs when the skin tissue has been damaged. The skin immediately begins healing the injury, but the ‘repair job’ can never be as smooth and flawless as undamaged skin. Voila, a scar!
Scarring is not always preventable, but there are a few steps you can take to ensure that scarring is minimal. And, if you are lucky, maybe you won’t develop acne scars at all!
Treat acne immediately
Acne is of two types – the non-inflammatory variety and the inflammatory variety. As a general rule, the non-inflammatory variety heals quickly and does not scar, while the inflammatory variety results in severe acne scars. The best way to prevent acne scars from developing is to make sure that your acne does not become severe. Start treating your acne as soon as it appears. Consult your dermatologist and/or try some over the counter treatments, but don’t wait until it is too late.
Avoid Inflammation
As has been previously mentioned, it is usually the inflammatory acne that leaves acne scars – papules, pustules, nodes and cysts. Blackheads and whiteheads – some of the first symptoms of acne – tend not to scar. That is, inflamed lesions are more prone to scarring than non-inflamed lesions. It stands to reason that one of the best ways to prevent scarring is to avoid inflammation. Don’t do anything to irritate your skin if you are prone to acne (aggressive rubbing, excessive washing, over-exfoliating, using the wrong skincare products, spending too much time in the sun etc.).
DON’T squeeze your pimples
Poking, prodding or (heaven forbid!) squeezing your pimples will almost definitely encourage scarring. Squeezing a pimple makes the sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells spread to other areas, thereby spreading the infection. Picking at pimples not only worsens the inflammation, it also damages the skin tissue. Whenever you feel the urge to pop a pimple, expressly remind yourself that popping it will only prolong the healing period and cause acne scars. Allow your blemishes to heal on their own.
Are you prone to scarring?
Everyone’s skin behaves differently. Some people are ridiculously prone to scarring at the smallest tear, while others are lucky enough to have almost no marks on their skin. Analyze which category you belong to. If you are relatively more prone to scarring, you may want to consult a doctor who can direct you to the best course of action to prevent deep acne scars, and the treatment options available for the same.
Large breakouts or cysts are best treated by a certified medical professional (see your doctor ASAP!)
First of all, acne should not be allowed to progress this far without having consulted a skin specialist. Cysts and nodules are deep in the dermis, and leave deep, permanent acne scars. The infection destroys the skin tissue, leaved pitted scars of the icepick and boxcar variety. However, all is not lost. Quick, effective treatment can definitely reduce the severity of the scarring.
Acne scars are notoriously difficult to get rid of. So the more you do to prevent them, the happier you’ll be in the long run!
Types of Acne Scars
June 8th, 2011 → 11:39 am @ Laura Wood
In spite of all the care in the world, acne scars may develop after a bad breakout. The next thing to do is to find a way to treat these acne scars and reduce their appearance. There are many different types and categories of acne scars, and there are different ways to treat each type. The best way to make sure that your scars are being treated right is to understand how scars are formed, and the peculiarities of all the varied acne scars.
Scarring is a natural part of the skin’s healing process. Acne damages the skin tissue and the body immediately rushes in to heal it. To repair the damage, the body produces a chemical called collagen, which is a fibrous substance that gives skin its suppleness and elasticity. Acne scars can be typically placed into two categories – atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars. Hypertrophic scarring or keloid scarring occurs when the body produces too much collagen, which forms a scar like a raised bump of tissue on this skin. Atrophic scarring is a lot more common than hypertrophic scarring. Atrophic scars are a result of the loss of actual tissue.
There are three kinds of atrophic scars:
Ice-pick scars
These acne scars are deep and narrow, and they run into the second layer of skin which is the dermis. They look like they a result of a small, sharp instrument piercing the skin. They might have the appearance of large, open pores. They usually develop after an infection (from a cyst or any other highly inflamed blemish) makes its way to the surface of the skin. This destroys the skin tissue, forming a long, deep, column-like scar.
Boxcar scars
As the name suggests, boxcar scars are have straight sides like boxcars. They are round or oval in shape, with vertical edges. They are significantly wider than ice-pick scars, and give the skin a pitted sort of appearance. They are formed when an inflammatory acne breakout destroys the protein collagen (which gives the skin its elasticity). The skin in the area is left without support, and a depression is created. Boxcar scars may either severe or superficial, as per the amount of tissue lost.
Rolling scars
Rolling scars present as wave-like or rolling undulations upon the skin’s surface. The rest of the skin appears normal. These scars are a result of bands of fibrous tissue forming between the skin and subcutaneous (literally: under the skin) tissue. These fibrous tissues bind the epidermis which is the outer layer of the skin, to deeper structures below the skin. These binds pull the epidermis, giving the skin a characteristic rolling or wavy texture.
Sometimes as acne heals, dark brown spots are seen on the skin. These spots are merely discolorations, and should not be confused with acne scars. They are visible to the eye but can’t be felt when fingering the skin. These marks are called Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). Unlike acne scars, PIH generally clears up on its own with time, though medication is available to help the discolorations fade away faster.
Acne Scars – What causes them?
May 30th, 2011 → 11:39 am @ Laura Wood
Scars are a part of the skin’s natural healing process. When the skin is damaged, a scar is formed. Generally, only those wounds that damage the dermis – the inner layer of skin – leave scars.
Acne scars are the product of an inflamed lesion. Breakouts are caused when the skin’s pores get blocked due to sebum, dead skin cells and/or bacteria. The wall of the pore or follicle is ruptured, leading to inflammation. When the rupture is small and close to the surface, the pimple is tiny and heals quickly and easily. However, the problem occurs when the breakage in the follicle wall is deeper under the surface of the skin. This can cause severe acne that presents as cysts or highly inflamed papules and nodes. The infected material leaks out of the ruptured follicle wall and injures the surrounding dermis, leading to acne scars.
The severity of an infection or inflammation can be gauged and the level of scarring estimated thereupon. Generally, non-inflammatory acne like blackheads, whiteheads and similar lesions heal quickly and without scarring. The highly infected lesions – papules, pustules, nodules, cysts however, tend to scar deeply.
So how exactly do acne scars form? As ascertained above, acne damages the skin. To repair this damage, the body produces a chemical called collagen, which is a fibrous substance that gives skin its suppleness and elasticity. However, despite the body’s healing attempts, skin that has once been injured can never look as smooth and flawless as it was pre-injury.
Acne typically results in two forms of scarring. The first kind of acne scars are when the body produces too much collagen, which forms a scar like a raised bump of tissue on this skin. This is known as a hypertrophic (keloid) scarring. A more common form of scarring is an atrophic scar – the depressed scar. These scars are a result of the loss of actually tissue, like the ice-pick scars or boxcar scars.
Very often, small discolorations on the skin after a breakout may be mistaken as acne scars. These marks are neither raised nor pitted. They can be seen, but bot felt when running a hand across the skin. These are not acne scars, but rather something called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). These faux acne scars will heal on their own over time, though certain medications are available to hasten the process.
As always, prevention is better than cure. First off, trying to deal with and contain your acne is the best way to avoid scarring. If your acne is very severe, see a certified doctor to deal with the problem.
Squeezing a pimple or picking at inflamed skin is a surefire way of obtaining a repertoire of acne scars. Worrying an inflamed lesion will only push the mixture of sebum and bacteria to other areas, worsening the infection. Also, avoid picking at scabs – they are an in-between stage in the process of healing, and picking a scab off an injury will only serve to delay the healing process – thereby increasing the possibility of scarring. Even lesions that generally don’t scar (think blackheads and whiteheads) might result in marks if squeezed and poked and prodded.
Of course, even the best precautions might not be enough to prevent scarring. In such a situation, don’t hesitate to seek out treatments for the acne scars. Various treatments are available, for mild to severe scarring. Consult a doctor to find out what’s best for you!
Dispelling the Myth – Some Common Misconceptions about Acne
May 28th, 2011 → 11:39 am @ Laura Wood
Acne is a skin condition that affects almost everybody at some point in life. And the myths surrounding it are just as common as the complaint itself. Lots of great advice on dealing with the problem exists, both online and elsewhere; unfortunately it is necessary to sift through a lot of incorrect information to get at it. Below are six of the most common myths surrounding acne, and the hard, solid facts behind them.
Skin Blemishes are caused by dirt, and washing your face will help you keep your skin clear and pimple-free
Television commercials are all about washing to clear the skin, but nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, research indicates that constant washing might actually irritate the skin, thereby clogging your pores. In any case, pores don’t get clogged because of external impurities but because the walls of the follicle are plugged by sebum and bacteria from the inside.
Exposure to the sun or tanning helps reduce acne
All a tan does is reduce the appearance of blemishes (temporarily) by darkening the skin tone, blending the redness of the blemishes into the skin. However, long exposure to sunlight irritates the skin, which must be avoided at all costs when you are prone to breakouts. Over tanning also has other risks, like cancer or sun-burns. That said, some exposure to the sun is essential – where else are you going to get your vitamin D – but it certainly doesn’t help your acne!
Spot treatments for acne work
A common pimple-fighting skincare product is the gel or medicine that supposedly clears up your acne (almost) instantaneously after it has been dabbled on a blemish. Many major skincare brands successfully market the product. In truth, the problem begins long before there is a mark on the skin – 2 or 3 weeks prior to the first spot. The visible pimple is actually the last step of a long process. So a spot treatment will only clear up the pimple (symptom), without curing the acne (problem).
There is a correlation between diet and your pimples
This is perhaps the most widely propagated myth about skin blemishes, and the most controversial one. Despite what your grandma says, scientists have yet to find a definite link between the food that you eat and the spots on your face. Of course, a well-balanced, healthy diet is essential for glowing, beautiful skin, so refraining from that second helping of chocolate cake will only help your skin, though it doesn’t seem to be helping your acne.
Sweating cleans out the pores and cures or prevents blemishes
No doubt, exercise is great or healthy skin and necessary to keep fit. However, sweating does not clean out the pores. Vigorous exercise stimulates oil production, which when combined with heat, friction and perspiration, can aggravate acne. That is why it is imperative that you shower immediately after exercising, paying extra attention to break-out prone areas like the forehead, chest, back and shoulders.
Acne is an issue for teenagers and adolescents
Teens and adolescents undergo various hormonal changes during and after puberty, because of which they are prone to breakouts. However, they are not the only ones who have to deal with this problem. People of all ages, races, sexes and ethnicities suffer from acne. In fact, almost ever body suffers at some point or the other.
Acne and Stress – Is there a Connection?
May 27th, 2011 → 11:39 am @ Laura Wood
First off, let us be totally clear that your lifestyle has no direct relation to your acne, and lifestyle choices don’t impact breakouts as a rule. That being said, factors like stress and environment do affect the skin, which might, in turn, affect your acne. Also, some factors have traditionally been seen as either good or bad for acne-prone skin. Let us consider what factors (environment-related) might aggravate the condition.
Sleep
Sleep has been prescribed as a natural stress reliever by doctors all over. A well-rested and healthy body has a strong immune system which can help fight bacteria and inflammation, thus combating acne. Also, sufficient sleep is indispensible when it comes to healthy skin, and healthy skin is your best defense against pimples and breakouts.
Stress Levels
Stress is bad for your overall well-being, but it absolutely wreaks havoc on your skin. Stress makes your hormones go crazy – when you are tense, adrenal glands release a chemical called cortisol which stimulates the sweat gland in your face to produce more oil. This oil, mixed with dead skin cells can quickly result in inflammation, forming mainly papules.
Your Job and Work Environment
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It has a tendency to absorb whatever it comes in contact with. This is particularly dangerous if your work puts you in close contact with pore-clogging or comedogenic substances. If your job requires interaction with machine oils, grease or food oils, proper precautions are essential to keeping skin healthy, preventing the clogging of pores, and thereby reducing acne.
Tanning
Commonly believed to be an effective remedy, sun tanning is often used to reduce acne. While some amount of sun is necessary for good health (think vitamin D), over exposure can cause sunburns and irritate the skin. Also, regular tanning will dry out your skin, making your sebaceous glands work overtime to produce more oil. Skin exposed to sunlight sloughs off dead skin cells more frequently. The extra oil and extra dead skin cells prove to be a perfect environment for blocked pores. This, in turn, aggravates your acne.
So why has tanning been marketed as an effective acne remedy? Exposure to the sun makes the skin darker, thus letting the redness of the blemishes blend in with the surrounding skin’s tone. This reduces the appearance of the pimples. Making people falsely assume that their acne has been cured or reduced.
Medication for Other Ailments
Sometimes, breakouts may be caused by the medicines you might be taking for other medical conditions you might have. Some medicines that may cause breakouts include
- Anticonvulsants – for epilepsy and other kinds of seizures
- Corticosteroids – for asthma and chronic lung infections
- Disulfuram – to help chronic alcoholics remain sober
- Immuran – is an immune-suppressant, often taken by those expecting an organ-transplant, to prevent rejection
- INH – for tuberculosis (TB)
- Quinine – as treatment for or a precaution against malaria
Of course, you may or may not always get spots from these medications. However, it is important to take care of your health, and never stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. Never, ever put your health second to how your face looks.
Acne : What is it?
May 26th, 2011 → 11:39 am @ Laura Wood
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a skin condition that affects people of all races, sexes and ages. It is caused when the skin’s pores (follicles) get clogged by oil or dead cells. Sebum, or oil which normally is drained away to the surface of the skin, is sometimes blocked en route, allowing for the growth of bacteria. This forms a micro-comedo which then develops into a comedo or a plug.
Acne can be broadly classified into two distinct varieties – non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne can be further divided into blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are formed when the follicle opens and is exposed to air. In this situation, the oil or sebum, which contains the pigment melanin, is oxidized and becomes black or dark brown in color. Blackheads remain in the skin for a relatively long period of time because drainage of the sebum and bacteria to the surface is very slow.
When the pore remains closed and the sebum remains trapped beneath the skin’s surface, a whitehead is formed. Whiteheads show great variation in size – some can be big, oozing spots while others are so small they are invisible to the naked eye.
Blackheads and whiteheads may release their contents to the skin’s surface and heal, or the follicle wall might rupture below the surface of the skin, leading to inflammation. The progression to inflammatory acne is often triggered by fingering or touching the skin, which is why it is important to refrain from squeezing or picking at breakout-prone skin.
Inflammatory acne occurs because the wall of the follicle breaks and the sebum and bacteria leak into the surrounding areas. White blood cells rush in to combat the foreign bodies, and the pore becomes inflamed, forming a papule. After a period of time, the white blood cells make their way to the surface of the skin, forming an inflamed lesion, usually referred to as a ‘pimple’ or a ‘zit’ colloquially.
An inflamed lesion may completely collapse or explode, thereby inflaming the surrounding skin, or even engulfing other hair follicles or pores in the vicinity. When this happens, nodules or cysts are formed. Nodules appear as large inflamed bumps on the skin and are generally sore to the touch. Cysts are a result of a very severe reaction and appear as very large, pus-filled lesions.
Acne can also be caused when follicles or pores are blocked by dead or sloughed of skin. This form of the condition is common in newborn babies and customarily presents itself as small white bumps across the nose and upper cheeks. These are known as milia. Milia are also seen in adults. While with babies the bumps vanish once the skin is exfoliated (typically within the first few weeks), in adults they may persist indefinitely.
Acne may be hereditary, but in many cases it is caused due to an unhealthy lifestyle and unhygienic habits. This condition can be avoided, or its severity reduced by keeping skin clean and healthy, eating fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly and making sure to never use oil-based and pore-clogging products on pimple-prone skin.
