Understanding and Treating Acne Scarring

Understanding the different types of acne scars can help in selecting the most appropriate treatment:

Atrophic Scars: These are flat, shallow depressions that heal below the skin’s surface, often resulting from severe cystic acne.

Boxcar Scars: Characterised by broad, box-like depressions with sharply defined edges, these scars typically form on thicker skin areas like the lower cheeks and jaw.

Ice Pick Scars: Small, narrow indentations that extend deep into the skin, making them particularly difficult to treat. These scars are most common on the cheeks.

Rolling Scars: These have varying depths and sloping edges, creating a wavy, uneven appearance on the skin.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars: Hypertrophic scars match the size of the original acne, while keloid scars grow larger than the original spot. These are more common on the jawline, chest, back, and shoulders, particularly in individuals with darker skin.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): While not a true scar, PIH manifests as dark or discoloured patches of skin after acne heals. Proper sun protection, microneedling, and the use of medical-grade retinol can help the skin return to its natural colour over time.