We are exploring scarring, predominantly facial scarring, the different types of scarring and our top treatments and product recommendations to target and improve the appearance facial scarring.
What is Scarring?
Scarring is part of the body's natural healing process after the tissue is damaged. This could be damage caused by injury to the skin or, commonly on the face, caused by acne. When the skin is wounded, the tissues break, which causes a protein (collagen) to be released. Collagen builds up where the tissue is damaged which helps the skin to heal and strengthen at the wound site.
New collagen formation continues for several months and the blood supply increases which causes the scar to become raised and lumpy. Overtime, the collagen breaks down at the wound site and the bloody supply also reduces. Therefore, the scar gradually becomes smoother and softer. In time, some collagen breaks down at the site of the wound and the blood supply reduces. The scar gradually becomes smoother and softer.
What causes Facial Scarring? Facial scarring can arise from various things, including accidents, surgeries, burns, and skin conditions. One of the most prevalent causes is acne, a common skin disorder that affects people of all ages. Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. In some cases, the inflammation associated with acne can cause the skin to break down and result in scars.
Symptoms of Facial Scarring:
Facial scars can manifest in different forms, and the appearance of scarring may vary based on factors such as skin type, genetics, and the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:
Depressed Scars: These scars, also known as atrophic scars, appear as depressions or pits in the skin. Acne scars often fall into this category, with icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars being the main types.
Raised Scars: Raised scars, or hypertrophic and keloid scars, result from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process. These scars can be itchy, painful, and aesthetically displeasing.
Discoloured Scars: Scarring can also cause changes in skin pigmentation, leading to dark or light spots that contrast with the surrounding skin.
Treatment Options:
The treatment of facial scarring depends on the type, severity, and age of the scars. Not all treatments are suited to all types of scarring. Commonly used treatments for facial scarring include:
Topical Treatments with key ingredients: For mild scarring and discoloration, topical treatments containing actives such as retinoids, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid may help improve skin texture and tone.
Chemical Peels: Superficial chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the top layer and promotes the growth of new, smoother skin.
Microdermabrasion: This procedure involves gently exfoliating the skin's surface using a handheld device, which helps to improve the texture and appearance of scars.
Microneedling: This procedure involves using a device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This prompts the skin to naturally repair itself and produce collagen, improving the appearance of scars.
Dermal Fillers: Fillers containing substances like hyaluronic acid can be injected into depressed scars to raise them to the level of the surrounding skin, creating a more even appearance.
Laser Therapy: Various laser treatments, such as fractional laser therapy and intense pulsed light (IPL), target the scar tissue and stimulate collagen production, leading to smoother skin.
Surgical Options: For severe scarring, surgical interventions like punch excisions or subcision can physically alter the scar tissue or release the underlying attachments, improving the skin's surface.
Preventing Facial Scarring: Preventing facial scarring starts with proper wound care. Keep wounds clean, avoid picking at scabs, and protect them from sun exposure. Sunscreen with a high SPF (ideally 50) can help prevent scars from darkening. With acne, treating it promptly and avoiding squeezing or picking at the skin can minimize the risk of scarring left behind.
What No.109 can do for Facial Scarring
Hydrafacial HydraFacial is the only hydradermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin with little-to-no downtime. The treatment is soothing, moisturizing, non-invasive and generally non-irritating. Utilising the mechanisms to target acne scars, the gentle hydradermabrasion procedure helps surface level scars to fade over time.
LED with SkinCeuticals Protocol The treatment has eight steps with pre-cleanse, cleanse, tone, treat, prevent, mask, correct and protect with different products being used at each stage using key ingredients to reduce the appearance of scarring and discolouration. Our Opatra LED pro will also be used during treatment with the red light for scarring to aid the production of new blood vessels, new fibroblasts (which produce collagen and connective fibres to heal) and new tissue formation. This leads to faster and stronger healing outcomes. SkinPen Microneedling This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulate the body's natural healing process and collagen production which can help improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. This treatment can also be customized to the patient's specific needs, as the depth of the needles can be adjusted to target different areas of the skin and different depths of scars.
Obagi Blue Peel Radiance This chemical peel contains a unique blend of Salicylic, Glycolic and Lactic acid to provide a gentle but effective peel. It works by exfoliating the uppermost damaged layers of the skin, helping to shed dead skin cells, unclog pores and improve areas of scarring, revealing a brighter, more even complexion.
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Peel An in-clinic treatment using Glycolic acid to restore radiance, brightens dull, lacklustre skin that is experiencing signs of aging, discolouration and rough texture.
SkinCeuticals Retexturising Activator SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator is a replenishing and resurfacing serum, which uses patented technology and active ingredients to reinforce the skins barrier for healthier more radiant skin. Creating a soft and smooth skin texture this 20% glycolic acid formula is also oil-free helping to diminish the appearance of lines, wrinkles and skin texture.
La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum
Enriched with a powerhouse formula with vitamin B5, this serum travels beneath the surface to help refine texture and improve natural radiance from within. Forming a skin-like shield against environmental aggressors, this multi-faceted serum not only protects against harsh climates but also reduces transepidermal water loss to keep skin well hydrated.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+M This powerful solution is formulated to target various skin concerns including blackheads, blemishes and post-acne marks, even severe, stubborn imperfections. Gently exfoliates with Salicylic Acid to unclog pores and help prevent spots & breakouts. This formulation is effective at treating brown and red post acne marks.
Summary of key ingredients for scar management: Using a mild exfoliant is a good idea as it will get rid of scarred skin cells. Salicylic acid and LHA are ingredients to look for as these will help skin cells turnover quickly, bringing fresh new skin to the surface. Treating scars when they’re new gives optimum results. If the scar has been present for a little while, exfoliating and brightening skin care products will help fade old red or brown spots. Spot faders like vitamin C, and skin regenerators like vitamin A (retinol) will help with the appearance of older scars.
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