Are Acne Scars Reversible?

Acne scars can be one of the more difficult skin issues to address, but with a consistent, targeted regimen supported by professional treatments, excellent results can be achieved. From understanding the causes to identifying the best topical formulas and most effective professional treatments, let’s get started restoring your bright, even tone and healthy texture. 

Repeated inflammation caused by pimples, nodules, and cysts creates swelling in the pore, breaking down the follicular walls and damaging surrounding tissue. With chronic or more severe acne, the damage worsens as the follicle never has time to heal.

For some, genetics play a greater role than others, making them more susceptible to acne and scarring in general. But everyone is vulnerable to scarring as a result of trauma to the skin. Even milder acne can lead to scarring if it’s picked and poked.

The acne in your early teens can be the most severe and, therefore, the most damaging in terms of its impact on scarring. That’s why starting an active skincare regimen as early as twelve years old is so important. If you didn’t manage to work a multi-step daily skincare regimen into your schedule of adolescent angst, homework, and extracurricular activities, don’t worry. Your skin is in a constant state of regeneration, and we’re here to show you how to maximize that process for your healthiest skin.

The most common acne scars are known as box car or rolling scars, so named because of the shallow indentations that appear to “roll” across the skin’s surface. Equally common are ice pick scars, smaller in circumference and often deeper depressions in the skin like small pockets. Blame these depressions on the breakdown of tissue and collagen from chronic acne inflammation.

In addition to changes in texture, acne scarring can take the form of irregular pigmentation. These dark marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) are another effect of inflammation . In this case, the skin’s protective melanin response is triggered, causing pigment to rush toward the surface to defend the skin against injury. You may see this response anytime there is trauma to the skin, whether from waxing, picking at pimples, a cut, or even a bug bite.

The appearance of acne scars varies by type and severity, but an effective cosmetic skincare regimen for visibly smoother-looking skin typically includes acids, retinoids, and peptides. Together, these ingredients help refine texture, support skin renewal, and promote a more even-looking complexion.

Vivant’s patented retinyl propionate helps support skin renewal and improve the look of uneven texture. With consistent use, skin appears smoother, more refined, and visibly revitalized.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help support the skin’s natural repair processes. They are also known for their skin-soothing benefits, helping reduce the appearance of visible redness and promoting a calmer, healthier-looking complexion.

Exfoliating acids help loosen the bonds between surface-level dead skin cells, encouraging gentle exfoliation. By smoothing the skin’s surface, acids help improve the appearance of texture and tone. Different acids offer different cosmetic benefits:

• Glycolic Acid
  A fast-acting exfoliant that helps brighten the appearance of skin and visibly refine texture. Best suited for more resilient skin types.

• Lactic Acid
  A milder exfoliating acid that works primarily on the skin’s surface. Known for its hydrating properties, lactic acid leaves skin feeling soft and smooth, making it a good option for sensitive skin.

• Mandelic Acid
  A gentle exfoliant with brightening and clarifying properties. Its larger molecular structure allows for slower absorption, making it an ideal choice for skin that is sensitive or prone to post-acne discoloration.

Read more: Mandelic Acid: The Complete Dermatologist’s Guide

Exfol-A
Formulated with retinyl propionate and a blend of glycolic, lactic, and kojic acids to help refine the look of uneven texture and promote a smoother, more even-toned appearance.

Clear Body Therapy
Our strongest Retinoid. Features lactic acid and patented retinyl propionate to help improve the appearance of rough, uneven skin texture and support softer-looking skin.

Rejuv Rx
A concentrated peptide treatment designed to help calm the appearance of visible redness and support firmer-looking, more resilient skin.

Mandelic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser: A gentle exfoliating cleanser that helps clarify the look of skin and promote a brighter, more even-looking complexion. Suitable for both face and body.

Daily Repair Pads: Pre-soaked resurfacing pads formulated with mandelic, salicylic, and lactic acids to help refine the appearance of uneven tone and texture, complemented by niacinamide and zinc peptides to support a balanced, healthy-looking complexion.

8% Mandelic Acid Serum: A gentle resurfacing serum designed to improve the appearance of skin texture and help promote a more even-looking skin tone.

Professional treatments to accelerate results may include chemical peels and microneedling. Lasers or microdermabrasion may be a good fit for more severe physical scars but are not recommended for dark marks, as they can trigger another inflammatory response and worsen pigmentation. 

A resurfacing peel to rapidly improve skin texture and reduce discoloration. For best results, a series is recommended.

Read more: The Appeal of a Peel: Rapid Rejuvenation

Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling, especially when paired with a targeted serum, can help speed tissue repair to improve texture.

Read more: Does Microneedling Improve Acne Scars?

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