The only thing that's worse than having acne is the aftermath of the acne itself. Scarring caused by acne affects men, women, adults, teens and everyone in between. But expert dermatologist Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa explains the dos and the don'ts when it comes to acne-related scarring by sharing some valuable tips and tricks.
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How does scarring come to be?
First of all, how does one even get scarring from blemishes? Well, one of the most visible symptoms of acne is inflammation. Dr. Fabusiwa explains that:
This inflammation damages the skin and leads to breaks in the moisture barrier. The skin attempts to heal over this damage by laying down connective tissue such as collagen fibres at the site of injury.
It is this healing process that forms unevenness and scarring on the skin which sometimes takes years for the skin to completely recover leaving many people disfigured.
You must also know that some people are just naturally more prone to scarring than others. Genetics will dictate those who will be more susceptible to acne and, as a result, be likelier to develop scarring from their acne. Darker-skinned people are at a greater risk of hyperpigmentation–an excess release of melanin at the site of inflammation– due to to the fact that they simply possess larger melanocytes.
So, how does one prevent scarring from happening?
Though there is no cure per se, there are ways that you can prevent scarring. Dr. Fabusiwa suggests:
To prevent the acne in the first place. To do this, one must have a diligent skincare routine that includes elements that focus on oil control and reducing inflammation.
The following are a list of essential products to keep on hand at all times if you want to minimize scarring:
1. SPF
Sun block will prevent hyperpigmentation from forming but just make sure you invest in one that is oil-free and formulated for blemish-prone skin.
2. Vitamin C
The antioxidants found in vitamin C increase cell turnover, boost skin regeneration and encourage collagen production.
3. Retinol
Simply put, Retinol is a form of Vitamin A which has been shown to dramatically prevent acne.
4, Exfoliating Acids
When used regularly, these super cleansers remove buildup of dead skin and increase cell turnover diminishing your chances of developing acne in the first place.
