Acne scar treatments come in all different shapes and sizes and can be incredibly hit-or-miss when it comes to their long-term effectiveness. Whether these be over-the-counter remedies, prescriptions, or surgical procedures, acne scars’ variety and stubbornness can make them notoriously stubborn.
Blog feature image courtesy of Nurse Kat Cane at Face Oxford Aesthetics approved image to use. Results created using the same micro-needling device as our clinic, SkinPen Precision.
Recently, we’ve seen the rise of new approaches to our skin’s health and appearance, with the swelling popularity of cutting-edge technologies such as those involved in micro-needling, which may provide the answer we’ve all been looking for.
What treatments are available?
There are a considerable number of treatments out there to suit all skin and scar types, which is why it’s important to figure out which ones are right for you.
Popular treatments include:
- Dermabrasion: a deep, intense exfoliation of the top levels of your skin.
- Chemical face peels: a treatment designed to exfoliate your skin’s top levels where scar tissue is likely to accumulate and stimulate new collagen growth.
- Medication: there are a variety of medicinal treatments which can help to lessen the appearance of scars. Common ones include lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (present in most over-the-counter acne treatments), and everyday sunscreen.
- Micro-needling: a process designed to stimulate natural collagen reproduction in the skin and non-invasive treatment.
The types of acne scars
Acne scars come in various forms, each with its own needs and requirements, so knowing your imperfections before picking a treatment is essential.
Common types of acne scars are:
- Ice-pick scars: these scars are steep and indented, penetrating several layers of the skin.
- Rolling scars: these indented scars are more gradual and considerably wide in their appearance.
- Boxcar scars: These scars appear similar to rolling scars. However, their sides are steep. They can manifest either shallow or deep in appearance.
- Hypertrophic scars: These scars consist of raised areas of irregular scar tissue and are most commonly found on the chest or back.
What is micro-needling?
Micro-needling (also known as collagen induction therapy) is a relatively new practice that dates back to the mid-’90s. Adapted from the centuries-old tradition of acupuncture, the procedure consists of pricking the skin repeatedly with miniature needles (microneedles of less than 0.5mm in length) to create tiny lesions all over the desired surface. These lesions then work to stimulate new collagen production in the skin- a process that occurs in typical wound healing- in a way that results in blemish reduction and a smoother end product.
Micro-needling is a highly versatile procedure with several applications. Some of the skin afflictions micro-needling is commonly used to alleviate include:
- Various acne scars
– Fine lines and wrinkles
– Anti-ageing
– Sunspots
– Hyperpigmentation
– Melasma - Burn scars
- Stretch marks
- Surgical scars
That’s not all the procedure is capable of, however. Micro needling’s ability to induce collagen formation also has applications in reversing the appearance of wrinkles and hair loss.
What exactly is collagen?
Collagen is a natural type of protein that can be found all over the human body. Collagen is plentiful in areas such as the skin, hair, and bones and makes up nearly 35% of our bodies’ entire supply of proteins. By creating lesions that induce collagen production in the epidermis (the top layer) and dermis (the layer directly beneath the epidermis) of the skin, the skin can be encouraged to engage in healthy new cell growth, which combats the appearance of scar tissues.
Side-effects of micro-needling
Micro-needling, while not without side-effects, is a considerably safe procedure with minimal risks. Due to the nature of the treatment, some redness, soreness, and inflammation are expected in the following few days. Both before and after the procedure, direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided.
When looking into micro-needling procedures, it’s important to make sure you visit a reputable clinic. With the treatment’s rise in popularity, there has been a spike in black market approximations of the procedure. Micro-needling is a treatment that requires a high degree of hygiene and sterile equipment used to ensure there are zero risks of cross-contamination.
Is micro-needling right for me?
Ultimately, the only one who can make that decision is you! But micro needling has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most popular new dermatological treatments, with various potential benefits.
What device do we use at Renewed Skin Aesthetics?
At our clinic, we use the award-winning global brand SkinPen Precision as our Micro-needling device. As a clear market clearer in the UK, SkinPen is a medical-grade device that is FDA cleared and holds all UK relevant accreditations to ensure quality and assurance with zero cross-contamination risks for our customers.
If you think micro-needling might be for you, get in touch or book a free consultation with us via our website. We welcome clients of all genders and skin tones. If you are interested in learning more, sign up for our newsletter for upcoming offers and updates.
www.renewedskin.co.uk – info@renewedskin.co.uk – 01628 762601 / 07719 183 116
Jessie Kartar has been writing within the beauty and aesthetics industry for over ten years, supporting clients with key information and education about the ever-evolving treatments for the skin. Her knowledge in the skin (she holds a Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology) goes beyond more than cell renewal and how many bones the human body has. A passionate and well-versed writer, Jessie applies her own experiences into her writing and has almost tried and tested all the treatments she writes about; how else will she know what to write?! Her passion is in skin remodelling and rejuvenation, focusing on the dermis layers of the skin.
Located in Bray, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK
Renewed Skin Aesthetics welcomes customers from anywhere in the country. We are currently welcoming clients from London, Ascot, Windsor, Slough, Maidenhead, Bracknell, Reading, Bray, Sunninghill, Henley, Virginia Water, Wraysbury, Datchet, Warfield, Cookham, Burnham and beyond.
Reception: 01628 762601
Mobile: 07719 183 116
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