Different Types of Acne Scarring

If you’re facing troubles with your skin, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with and act appropriately. A great example is differentiating between treating acne itself and acne scarring.

There are typically three different types of acne scarring, and they require unique approaches. We can treat all three effectively at our skin and aesthetics clinic in Hatfield.

The types of acne scars are:

• Post-inflammatory scars
• Ice pick scars
• Box scars

Post Inflammatory Acne Scars

Post-inflammatory acne scarring is caused by mild acne. It appears as flat, slightly brownish or reddish marks. Post-inflammatory scars may fade on their own in time, but they can also be treated fairly easily.

Ice Pick and Box Acne Scars

Both ice pick and box scars are caused by more severe bouts of acne. Left untreated, they might be significantly noticeable and permanent. In the past, not much was known about how to deal with ice pick and box acne scarring. At Skin by Dr Caroline, we aid in recovery from significant scars – although healing 100% might not always be possible.

Acne Scarring Treatments

If you’ve had an acne flare up or are noticing scarring, it’s important to get in touch with us right away to minimise the damage. We can help you formulate a complete treatment and scar recovery plan.

Post inflammatory acne treatments include use of the Cryopen or SkinPen and skin peels. Treatments for ice pick and box acne may include use of the NeoGen plasma therapy, SkinPen, Cryolift, application of Danne enzymes and LED light therapy.

NeoGen Therapy

Medical grade nitrogen plasma treatment causes a huge but low grade sub-surface trauma, awakens the fibroblast cells, and results in massive collagen production, A course of 3 sessions, 1 month apart is recommended, with results lasting 3-5 years! This therapy can also treat hyperpigmentation, fine line and wrinkles, and skin laxity.

SkinPen

The micro-needling SkinPen is effective in treating and transforming acne scarred skin. The rolling and penetration into the skin of the hundreds of fine needles stimulates collagen production and encourages skin regeneration.

Skin Peels

Chemical or mild acid skin peels remove the outer layer of skin. We prefer superficial peels that minimise irritation and peel with light penetration. The acid or chemical peels aren’t painful but may be just a little tingly. Afterwards, recovery time should be minimal with only light pinkness and flaking. Our AlumierMD aftercare kits (supplied  with every Alumier peel) help to minimise downtime and repair your skins barrier function quickly. 

Danne DMK Enzymes

Danne enzymes work with the body’s natural regeneration properties to remove dead cells and promote the growth of new ones. Ideal for healing and smoothing acne scarred skin, they are blended specifically for each person.

Cryolift

A painless, relaxing, rejuvenating facial, the Cryolift induces collagen formation and improves the tone and texture of skin. The regeneration and hydration of the skin causes the skin to fill and plump and so reduce the effect of acne scarring.

LED Light Therapy

Also relaxing and painless, LED light therapy by Dermalux is especially ideal for post inflammatory acne as it’s rejuvenating and soothing. This treatment also energises cellular functions and hydrates the skin to 300% making it great for healing purposes. Blue light is anti-bactieral and can kill any active bacterial irritations at the same time. 

Treat Acne Scars at Skin by Dr Caroline in Hertfordshire

If you’re battling acne, acne scars or small / excessive acne scarring we would recommend booking a skin consultation at Skin by Dr Caroline, an advanced skin and aesthetics clinic serving both Hertfordshire and North London.