In this day and age, many people are troubled by dark acne scars, and some may not even be able to count how many dark acne scars are on their face. The presence of acne scars not only affects appearance but also causes anxiety for many.
The formation of dark acne scars is closely related to the characteristics of our skin, particularly for people of East Asian descent. Due to the higher activity of melanin in East Asian skin, when the skin is subjected to inflammation or injury, melanin is released rapidly, leading to the development of dark acne scars. While the level of inflammation from acne is relatively low, even a small amount of melanin can penetrate into the dermis, causing acne scars to persist on the face for several months.
Many people may not realize that even dark marks left by mosquito bites can also involve melanin deposition. Additionally, individuals with different skin tones experience pigment deposition in varying degrees. For instance, some people with darker skin may notice that their sweat spots or acne scars appear particularly dark, which makes treatment more challenging.
When treating dark acne scars, it is crucial not to pick at them with your hands. Doing so not only fails to resolve the problem but may also worsen the situation. Picking at acne scars during the early stages of formation can increase the level of inflammation, causing what could have improved in two weeks to take even longer to show results. Dark acne scars are typically just pigment deposits that will gradually improve over time, so being patient is essential.
However, there are methods we can use to speed up the metabolic processing of pigments. For example, azelaic acid, commonly used in outpatient settings, is a good option. Although some patients may find the tingling sensation of azelaic acid uncomfortable, this sensation tends to diminish as the body adjusts. Azelaic acid not only helps combat acne but also has a certain whitening effect.
Of course, relying solely on azelaic acid may have limited effects on multiple dark acne scars. Therefore, pairing it with other products, such as hydroquinone and vitamin C, can significantly enhance treatment results. Hydroquinone has a “bleaching” effect that effectively removes pigmentation, while retinoids can promote pigment metabolism and improve skin tone.
For particularly stubborn pigmentation that is difficult to improve, more potent treatment methods may be required, such as laser technology. When acne scars have existed for a long time and are very noticeable, it is advisable to seek professional medical treatment with lasers.
In summary, when it comes to treating dark acne scars, selecting appropriate targeted methods can yield relatively ideal results. But remember, refrain from manually picking at acne to avoid worsening inflammation or leaving deeper acne scars.