Acne is a common skin problem that affects people of all ages in different ways. Even though acne’s physical symptoms can be troubling, the effects of acne can be just as bad. Marks and scars from acne are two things that can last long after the acne has gone away. People often use these two words for the same thing, but they actually mean two different kinds of skin marks. In this blog, we’ll try to understand acne marks vs acne scars and the ways how to treat them.
IN THIS ARTICLE
08. Conclusion
Acne Defined
Acne is a skin disease that affects many people all over the world. Acne is a common skin problem that happens when oil and dead skin cells get stuck in hair follicles. This causes pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads to form on the face, neck, chest, and back. This oil is called Sebum, and it helps keep the skin from drying out. Dead skin cells clog the pores, which causes pimples or zits to appear. The spots usually show up on the face, but they can also show up on the back, chest, and shoulders.
Acne can be caused by many things, like changes in hormones, genetics, stress, and even some medicines. It can be moderate or severe, and in certain cases it can cause scarring and long-term damage to the skin.
Acne is most often associated with adolescence, also called teenage acne, but it can happen to people of all ages, and it’s not unusual for adults to have breakouts. Acne is a medical condition, not a sign of poor hygiene or cleanliness. But with the right treatment and care, acne can be managed and controlled, and clear, healthy-looking skin can be achieved. If you are having trouble with acne, don’t be afraid to talk to a professional. With the right help and direction, you can take charge of your skin and feel good about how you look.
WHAT CAUSES ACNE?
Acne is caused when follicles or pores get clogged. Your hair grows out of tiny tubes called hair follicles. There are many glands in your body that drain into your hair follicles. When there is too much stuff in your hair follicle, it gets clogged. Your pores can get blocked by:
Changes in hormones
Androgens are hormones that rise during puberty in both boys and girls. They make the sebaceous glands grow and make more sebum. Changes in hormones during midlife, especially in women, can also cause breakouts.
Medications
Some medicines, like those with hormones, corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium in them, can cause acne.
Diet
Studies show that eating certain foods, especially carb-rich foods like bread, bagels, and chips, can make acne worse. More research needs to be done to find out if individuals with acne would benefit from avoiding certain foods.
Bacteria
On your skin, bacteria are always present in small amounts. If you have a lot of bacteria, it can block your pores.
Stress
Stress does not really cause acne, but if you already have it, it may get worse if you’re stressed.
Dead Skin Cell
Your skin cells die off often so that new ones can grow. Dead skin cells can get trapped in your hair follicles when your skin sheds them.
Types of Acnes
Acne can show up in many different ways, from small spots to large cysts.
Here are some common forms of skin problems caused by acne, along with their common names:
- Whiteheads – Whiteheads are called closed comedones in medicine. These are small bumps or spots that look like flesh. On people with lighter skin, they generally have a white circle in the middle with a red halo around it. On darker complexions, the area around the mole may look dark or even purple. Whiteheads do not usually leave scars. When a whitehead is big or raised, the skin around it may look tight or wrinkled.
- Blackheads- Comedones that are open at the skin’s surface are blackheads. They are full of dead skin cells and extra oil. The black colour of the comedone is not caused by dirt. The black colour comes from the way hair follicles that are clogged up make light reflect in a strange way. Most of the time, you can get rid of blackheads with over-the-counter medicines.
- Papules – Papules are small bumps under the skin that are less than in size. The papules will look solid, soft, and raised. Most of the time, the skin around with a papule is also red and irritated. In contrast to whiteheads, papules don’t have a clear centre, and unlike blackheads, they don’t have enlarged pores.
- Pustules – Pustules are also a type of swollen pimple. They look like a bump with a white centre and a red ring around this one. Most of the time, white or yellow pus fills the bump. Don’t pick at or squeeze pimples. When you pick at your skin, scars or dark spots can form.
- Nodules – When clogged, inflamed pores are irritated more, they get bigger and form nodules. Nodules are wider under the skin than pustules and papules. Most of the time, you can’t treat nodules at home because they are so deep in the skin. To start clearing these up, you need to get a prescription.
- Cysts – When germs, sebum, and dead skin cells get into pores and block them, cysts can form. The clogs are deeper in the skin than the nodules. Large red or white bumps that hurt when you touch them. Cysts are the biggest type of acne, and they usually form because of a very bad infection. This kind of acne also leaves the most scars.
All of these kinds of acne can make you feel bad about yourself, and cystic and nodular acne can leave scars on your skin that won’t go away. It’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible so they can figure out the best treatment(s) for you.
Difference Between Acne Marks and Acne Scars
Acne Marks
Acne leaves behind flat, discoloured spots called acne marks or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). When the skin is inflamed, it makes too much melanin, which gives the spots their red, brown, or purple colour. Acne marks don’t last forever. Most of the time, they fade away on their own, but it can take months or even decades for them to go away completely.
Acne Scars
Acne scars, on the other hand, are a form of permanent damage to the skin that happens when the body makes too little or too much collagen while the skin is healing. This can leave a scar that is either flat or raised. A flat scar is called an atrophic scar, while a raised scar is called a hypertrophic or keloid scar. Atrophic scars are more common. Obviously it depends on their shape and depth, they can look like an ice pick, a boxcar, or a rolling scar.
Treatment
Acne scars, as was previously said, don’t require intensive therapy. A series of chemical peels can be all that is needed to correct any discoloration. Over the course of a few months of proper skin care, the scars should lighten or disappear entirely. On the other hand, laser scar revision is the most effective way to treat acne marks. This is crucial if you want to get rid of acne scars on your face.
Relax! Laser treatments aren’t as terrifying as they seem. Moreover, the laser beams employed are among the most secure and efficient in use today. Depending on the severity and location of the acne scars, the healing duration can range from a few weeks to a few days.
Treatment for Acne Marks:
- Chemical Peels: A heavy level of exfoliating hydroxy acids are used in chemical peels to remove dead skin cells and reveal the smoother skin underneath.
- Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid stops an enzyme called tyrosinase from making melanin and reduces inflammation.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a part of how most people treat their skin. It helps get rid of dark spots and evens out the skin tone.
- Retinol: Retinol speed up cellular productivity. It also helps collagen grow and gets rid of free radicals.
Treatment for acne scars:
- Microneedling: tiny needles are used to cause controlled damage to the skin. The process helps the body heal and makes neocollagenesis happen.
- Vascular Laser Treatment: This laser treatment for acne scars uses focused light beams to stimulate collagen synthesis and resurface a specific area without touching the surrounding tissues.
- CROSS: Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars (CROSS) is a method that uses a lot of trichloroacetic acid (TCA). It breaks down the outer wall of the scar and helps it change and resurface.
Avoid Acne Scars And Acne Marks
To be honest, scars and marks from acne are hard to avoid. This might just happen on its own after you get pimples. But you can certainly stop it from hurting your skin even more. You can start to feel better right away if you eat well and take care of your skin.
Scars and marks can be less noticeable if you eat well. If your body is functioning, it will make new skin cells more quickly. Scars and marks are easy to get rid of and fasten its healing process. Taking nutrients and vitamins like Juju Vitamin C can also help. This effervescent drink has vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and makes it easier for the body to absorb collagen.
You also should stick to a skin care routine that works best for your skin type. Having a schedule will also help the scars and marks heal and fade.
Impacts of Scars and Marks from Acne
Acne can leave marks and scars on the skin, which can have a big effect on how people feel about themselves and how they look.
Acne marks and scars can make people feel bad about themselves. They can hurt a person’s sense of self-worth and make them feel awkward and unattractive. Scars and marks from acne can make people feel like they are being judged, which can make them feel anxious and sad. Acne marks and scars can have a big effect on a person’s mind, especially if they get them when they are young, when self-image and self-worth are especially important.
Acne marks and scars can have physical effects in addition to the emotional ones. They can change the feel and color of the skin, making it look rough and uneven. This can be painful, especially if the acne marks and scars are in places where they rub or rub against other things. Also, acne marks and scars can make the skin more sensitive to sun damage, which can make skin cancer more likely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acne marks and scars be prevented?
Acne scars are preventable, and if they do develop, they’re treatable. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your skin because of acne scars, talk to an expert who can outline the pros and cons of your treatment options.
Can diet affect the appearance of acne marks and scars?
Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, like salmon, anchovies, sardines and mackerel contain lots of antioxidant properties to help reduce inflammation on your skin. They’re high in retinols (also known as vitamin A) that help improve skin regeneration so that your acne scars heal faster.
What is the most common acne scar?
Hypertrophic or raised acne scars. These scars are most common with chest and back acne. They stand above the surface of the surrounding skin and are caused by too much collagen during healing. Discoloration left behind after a zit has cleared isn’t a scar.
Why do I have acne scars if I don't pop my pimples?
Acne scars are the result of inflammation of acne blemishes. The acne pore swells and a breakdown occurs in the wall of the pore. Some acne blemishes are small and the scars created are shallow and heal quickly. Sometimes the contents of blemishes spill into the surrounding tissue and cause deeper scars.
How long do acne marks and acne scars take to fade?
The duration of time for acne marks and acne scars to fade can vary depending on the severity of the marks or scars and the individual’s skin type. Generally, acne marks can take several months to fade, while acne scars may take longer and may require more intensive treatment.
Conclusion
If you have scars or marks from acne, it’s important to talk to a professional about how to treat and deal with them. A dermatologist can help you figure out how bad the problem is and look at your skin to figure out the best way to treat it. It’s important to know that acne marks are not the same as acne scars. Acne marks are temporary and can fade over time with the right treatment.
Acne scars, on the other hand, are permanent and need more intensive treatment. By going to a doctor, you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to help reduce the look of acne marks or scars and improve the health and appearance of your skin. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist to receive the care and support you need to address acne marks vs acne scars.