Identification

Getting rid of your acne can be a great burden lifted off your shoulders (not to mention off your face, neck and back!). However, if your acne has left permanent scars, you might feel just as distressed as you did before. The worst forms of acne, puss-filled cystic acne, can cause serious acne scarring. The most common type of acne scar is often referred to as an “ice-pick” scar. This is because they leave small indentations (often in the cheeks) with jagged edges and steep sides—similar to the marks made by an ice pick.

Prevention

The best way to avoid acne scarring is to be proactive. You should deal with your severe acne as soon as possible by consulting a dermatologist or medical spa professional when large acne nodules are forming. You should also devise an acne treatment plan that is recommended based on your skin tone and skin type.

Treatment

Chemical Peels are an effective treatment for severe scarring. Chemical peels work as a deep exfoliation; by removing the top layer, the skin regenerates, often improving its appearance. Early, minor scarring can be treated by using a product like Retin-A, which can help speed up your skin’s healing process by generating new skin cells while sloughing off dead cells. Even staying out of the sun can help your acne scarring healing process along. However, with more permanent scarring, a non-surgical cosmetic might be in order. The best skincare treatments for acne scar removal include Microdermabrasion, Fractional Skin Resurfacing, Dermal Fillers, and Chemical Peels.