Acne Scars in Mission Viejo

Acne is a common skin condition that happens more frequently when you experience large hormonal shifts, such as adolescence or pregnancy. Acne can be triggered when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.

While acne is more common on your face, it can also occur on your chest, back, and shoulders. When your hair follicles are blocked by oil, you can experience different types of blemishes, including blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or nodules.

Acne is challenging to deal with and often triggers lower self-esteem and poor self-image. In severe cases, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. You have options to deal with acne and acne scars in Mission Viejo. We encourage you to call our office today and schedule a consultation to discuss treatment that can help reduce the appearance of acne scar tissue.

Do Acne Scars Disappear?

While acne scars generally fade, they do not completely disappear by themselves. How much and how quickly they fade depends on the severity and depth of the scar tissue. There are several different types of acne scars. Atrophic acne scars are depressed scars and typically appear in three different forms.

Ice pick scars are narrow and deep and extend into the dermis. These scars give you a pitted appearance and look like a small deep hole in the skin. Boxcar scars are wider and more defined with sharp edges. They are typically shallower but can vary in depth. Rolling scars have a wavelike appearance and less defined edges. They create an uneven texture to your skin. These scars are usually caused by damage that occurs under the skin’s surface.

Acne scars in Mission Viejo can also be hypertrophic, or raised. They remain within the boundary of the original acne lesion. This is different from keloid scar tissue, which is also raised but extends beyond the original acne site. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not a true scar. They are dark spots or discolorations that remain after the acne lesion has healed. These can persist for months and sometimes years without treatment.

What Factors Influence Acne Development?

Several factors trigger acne outbreaks. Some are related to your skincare products that can cause your skin to get clogged more easily. Steer clear of products containing cocoa butter, flax oil, linseed oil, and palmitic acid. Other factors that influence acne are your hormonal levels.

Birth control pills and certain medicines, including steroids, barbiturates, and amphetamines, may influence hormone levels. Other factors that affect hormonal levels include stress, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Using harsh, drying skin care products can increase exfoliation, increasing oil production and acne breakouts. Food sensitivities may also increase your risk for acne development.

What Can I Do to Help My Acne Scars?

We offer several professional treatments to reduce the appearance of your acne scars in Mission Viejo. The combination of professional treatments and at-home care is customized to your skin type and type of acne scar tissue. We highly recommend you call us for an evaluation by cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Lenore Sikorski.

Do not attempt to treat your acne scars at home, as over-the-counter products can cause permanent damage and worsen the situation. We may suggest laser therapy, microneedling, dermal fillers, subcision, or other treatments to reduce the appearance of your scar tissue. We also highly recommend you use daily sunscreen to prevent the scars from darkening and protect your skin from sun damage.

Avoid picking or squeezing active acne, because this can worsen the scar tissue that forms. Eat a well-balanced diet, drink adequate amounts of water to support your skin’s health, and use a gentle skin routine to prevent breakouts and protect the skin’s barrier as it heals.

Learn More About Acne Scars in Mission Viejo

Acne scars are difficult to live with and often cause emotional and mental distress. We encourage you to call our office today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Sikorski to discuss how we can treat acne scars in Mission Viejo and receive customized recommendations for your skincare routine to reduce the potential for further outbreaks.