[Types of acne scars]
I don't think there is a clear definition of acne scars, but the term acne scars used here refers to ``the inflammation that remains even after the acute phase has subsided.''
Some people come to us for consultation complaining of ``scars from acne that appeared a month ago,'' but at this stage, treatment of the acne is a priority, as there is still hope that the acne will disappear as the acne itself improves.
In most cases, it is only after 3 to 6 months that it is determined that it is a complete acne scar (other than dullness).
Let's classify what kind of acne scars there are.
[Dullness]
After the acne has healed, dullness can appear quickly. From about two weeks at the earliest.
It looks like a brown stain that remains after the strong inflammation of acne subsides. If new acne does not appear, it will disappear in about six months to a year, so it is difficult to say whether it can be called acne scars, but if you have chronic acne, it will not go away and your skin as a whole may look dull.
Basically, it will improve as the skin turns over, so the key to treatment is to prevent new acne from forming. Be sure to treat acne with a base.
Treatment of dullness
①Peeling iontophoresis (treatment at hospital)
It is also effective in treating acne and improving dullness. If you do this about 5 times, your skin will become brighter. With this treatment, dullness after acne inflammation is less likely to occur in the first place.
② Hydroquinone
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Hydroquinone for dullness! Although it is a slow treatment, it is also attractive that it can be done easily at home.
③Vitamin C oral/external use
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Vitamin C has the ability to improve oily skin and make it less prone to acne. Furthermore, it has excellent whitening effects and kills two birds with one stone, so I would definitely recommend using it.
[Redness]
Unlike the redness caused by acne inflammation, it is redness that does not disappear even after the inflammation has subsided. If the pimple does not disappear even after three months have passed, there is a high possibility that it has turned into a scar. This is a condition in which capillaries have developed around the pimple due to prolonged inflammation. In this state, it cannot be expected to disappear naturally.
redness treatment
①VbeamⅡ (treatment at hospital)
Speaking of redness, this is it! ! Personally, I am extremely enthusiastic about this treatment, saying that it has no superior therapeutic effects. It targets hemoglobin (red pigment contained in red blood cells) and attacks developed capillaries. Many people feel the effects after doing it about 5 times.
②BBL (treatment at hospital)
For those who find the downtime and pain of Vbeam II difficult, here are some...
It irradiates light that is effective against both melanin, which causes age spots, and hemoglobin, which causes redness. It's good in the sense that it not only treats redness, but evens out the overall tone of the skin. People over 30 who are concerned about stains will be more satisfied with this option.
③Iontophoresis (treatment at hospital)
Ion introduction appears again. This can be used for those who are concerned about whether the acne scars or inflammation are just after the inflammation subsides! The introduced tranexamic acid and vitamin C have the effect of suppressing inflammation, so they quickly improve inflammation and prevent the development of capillaries. It is full of good things to start from when you have acne.
[dent]
Acne scars are called craters. This is what you imagine acne scars to be like.
It is these dents that are said to be difficult to cure after acne.
If severe damage extends to the dermal layer of the skin, the repair will not be successful and it will become a dent. There are various types such as box scars that are concave like a box, ice pick scars that are small and deep, and rolling scars that are gently concave.
treatment of dents
①Fractional laser (treatment at hospital)
Many people who come to the hospital with acne dents know that craters are treated with fractional acne.
It intentionally creates small scratches on the skin and promotes smooth skin reconstruction during the repair process.
It's a dent that is difficult to treat, but if you repeat the treatment repeatedly, it will steadily become effective. You need to be prepared in terms of downtime and number of sessions.
Our clinic uses a laser called the Erbium YAG laser. There are other fractional lasers such as CO2 lasers.
② Microneedle treatment (treatment at hospital)
What you're doing is almost the same as fractional. This treatment involves puncturing the skin with a fine needle. If you are not comfortable with lasers or would like a combination treatment in which drugs are infiltrated into the skin, these methods are also available.
[Lumps (keloids and hypertrophic scars)]
Lumps occur when excessive fibers are formed when repairing acne scars that have become highly inflamed.
Just as prevention is important for keloids after surgery, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice a lump forming. Areas where the skin is stretched are at high risk, and on the face, it is most likely to occur near the mouth or along the face line.
Treatment of lumps (keloids and hypertrophic scars)
① Attaching steroid-containing tape (Eclar plaster)
If swelling occurs, it is highly effective to use a steroid-containing patch. If there is no effect after 3 months of treatment, proceed to step 2. Improvement is often seen after 3 to 6 months of application.
② Local injection of steroid drugs
The second step of treatment is injection therapy.
It has the effect of suppressing local inflammation and shrinking cells. Inject the chemical directly into the bulge.
[Skin care for acne-prone skin]
① If you get pimples, get rid of them quickly.
Early treatment of acne is very important.
② No hair, masks, chin rest, etc.! Don't touch it anyway.
One of the factors that worsens acne is friction. It is important to avoid it as much as possible! If you carelessly pop an inflamed pimple by touching it, you may end up causing a bigger scar.
③ Wash your face twice a day, preferably with exfoliation! !
People with acne-prone skin typically have oily skin. Some peeling agents are included in cosmetics, so make sure to make good use of them.
④It is common knowledge that cosmetics have been tested for non-comedogenicity.
It is best not to wear makeup, but if that is not possible, at least use one that has been tested as non-comedogenic.
⑤ UV protection
Ultraviolet rays are one of the factors that worsen acne. When UV rays hit inflamed acne, there is a high probability that it will cause severe dullness. Not only does it prevent stains and wrinkles, but UV rays also have a negative effect on acne.