| #ffffff;" /> | | | | the healing process of the acne. This usually lasts |
| What lasts longer than acne is acne scars. The | | | | for 18 months and is common among Asians, |
| mark that it leaves is more dreadful than the | | | | Latinos and African-Americans. |
| presence of acne itself. Acne scars are physical | | | | 2. True scars are the result of either tissue |
| evidence of the presence of acne. Acne scars | | | | formation or tissue loss beyond normal. Keloids or |
| represent the areas of damage and repair. When | | | | hypertropic scars represent true scars as a result |
| an area is damaged, white blood cells and platelets | | | | of tissue formation. They are believed to be |
| work together to heal the spot. However, after | | | | passed on genetically. They usually occur when |
| healing, the original form of the damaged tissue is | | | | the skin produces too much collagen, resulting to |
| always altered. | | | | lumps in the skin, more frequently near the jaw. |
| Genetics plays its part in the susceptibility of | | | | This kind of scar is permanent and is usually |
| individuals to the degree of scarring and to the | | | | removed only through laser treatment. |
| type of scar left. Some scars disappear through | | | | True scars or the tissue loss type come in a |
| time, while others remain the same. Deep scars | | | | variety forms they are:a) Ice-pick acne scars: are |
| are common to people who have deeply | | | | usually tiny but occur deep and are associated |
| damaged follicles. | | | | with jagged sides.b) Soft acne scars have sloping |
| Scars are best prevented by controlling acne | | | | edges and are usually small, round and soft.c) |
| pop-outs. The prevention of inflammation makes | | | | Fibrotic acne scars are depressed and are usually |
| scars less likely to appear thus it is best not to | | | | the larger versions of ice-pick scars.d) Atrophic |
| squeeze them. People with healthy lifestyle need | | | | macules, which are seen in Caucasians, appear as |
| not bother since their body can eventually heal | | | | purplish wrinkled skin at first then changes to an |
| them in time. Too much sun exposure will also | | | | ivory color through time.e) Follicular macular |
| make scars stay longer and smoking will make | | | | atrophy is similar to whiteheads but they are not |
| the skin more vulnerable to scarring since this | | | | developed. They commonly occur on the back or |
| habit decreases the amount of collagen reserves | | | | chest. |
| which increases free radical formation and toxin | | | | Acne scars poses a permanent threat to the |
| formation. | | | | beauty of the skin, but they are treatable. |
| 2 Forms of Acne Scars | | | | Macules and hyperpigmentation are treated with |
| Acne scars come in 2 forms. There are | | | | bleaching agents to lighten the color of the scar |
| “pseudo-scars” and “true | | | | and resemble the natural color of the skin. Retinol, |
| scars”. | | | | Retin-A and Renova are resurfacing drugs that |
| 1. Pseudo-scars include macules and | | | | can improve the appearance of acne. A choice of |
| hyperpigmentation. Macules are the result of the | | | | microdermabrasion and dermatologic surgery is |
| acne’s healing process which is identified | | | | also acceptable. It is very difficult to restore |
| with a flat skin and reddish spot. This usually lasts | | | | acne-injured skin to its original state but |
| for 6 months and does not result to permanent | | | | treatments aim to minimize its appearance. |
| scarring. Hyperpigmentation is skin darkening after | | | | |