Let’s face it! Acne scars are a menacing challenge for millions of people worldwide that causes a myriad of emotions, including anxiety, frustration, and low self-esteem. Fortunately, we live in an era whereby highly effective treatments are available. It’s now easier than ever to restore a renewed sense of confidence by achieving smoother, healthier, and radiant skin!
What is Acne and What are the Causes?
There is no escape! At some point in nearly everyone’s lifetime, hormonal, genetic and environmental influences will give rise to acne. Acne is a condition that begins within the hair follicle and oil gland units of the skin. Oil glands, also known as sebaceous glands, are connected near the base of every hair follicle. Both the hair shaft and the associated lubricating oil (sebum) exit the skin through the opening of our pores. Acne may appear as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts. These occur when the pores are blocked by excessive accumulation of sebum and/or dead skin cells that are made mostly of keratin. The blockage of pores leads to decreased oxygen at deeper levels of the follicle. This low oxygen environment supports the growth of a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes.
Your immune system is designed to respond to bacterial growth by mounting an inflammatory response. This leads to the appearance of red, swollen, and sometimes pustular bumps referred to as “inflammatory acne”. Hormonal changes common in both adolescence and adulthood, stress, certain medications, and diet are some of the common factors that trigger or worsen acne. Genetic factors also play a role in why some individuals are more susceptible than others. The first step towards achieving effective acne management and ultimately acne prevention is understanding the primary cause of the condition.
Demystifying Acne Scars
They say in wartime, you must first understand your enemy before you can defeat your enemy. Well, when it comes to the battle against acne scars, you must first understand their root cause before you can treat and prevent them. Pores dilated by excess accumulation of sebum and keratin for an extended time can become inflamed, pigmented, permanently dilated, eroded, and scarred. If there is an aggressive, inflammatory response to the presence of blocked pores or the bacteria blocked in the depths of the pores, such inflammation can erode healthy collagen at various depths of the skin. This can then lead to unsightly textural changes, indentations and depressed scars that commonly occur in the aftermath of severe inflammatory and cystic acne. Sometimes when the body attempts to repair acne damage, it can actually overproduce collagen, leading to raised scars called hypertrophic scars, or even keloids.
Acne scars present in a myriad of unique forms and characteristics. For instance, boxcar scars appear as broad, widened rhomboidal depressions with sharp edges. On the other hand, ice picks scars are small, but deep defects in the surface of the skin that appear like punctures made by an ice pick. Rolling scars are caused by excess collagen, that forms under the skin, giving the uneven appearance of “rolling hills”.
Understanding the nature of acne scars is the most critical step in the journey of treatment and rejuvenation. The more you understand their genesis, the more success a targeted approach will yield. Always remember, knowledge is powerful, and even with the right tools, your journey to more even skin tone and texture will not be a sprint, but a patiently paced marathon.
The Shortcomings of Acne Scar At-Home Treatments
The good old Internet! It’s over saturated with DIY remedies, concoctions, and solutions for acne scars. From over-the-counter miracle creams to at-home microneedling devices, there’s a plethora of treatment options claiming to erase acne scars overnight! Poof!
Unfortunately, some of these treatments come with a unique set of disadvantages. Many, if not most of these at-home remedies have never been scientifically tested and substantiated to work. If you’re not careful, they can worsen or cause additional issues such as increased redness, inflammation, burning, irritation, and even more scarring. Remember, we are each composed of unique DNA which makes for the existence of a wide range of skin types and sensitivities. There is no such thing as “one solution fits all” when it comes to your unique skin!
The onset and progression of acne occurs deep within the skin. Although over-the-counter products may have ingredients known to generally improve the skin’s health, they often don’t penetrate deeply enough to effect significant change, especially when it comes to deep acne scars. This is why seeking customized professional treatment is highly advised when combating acne scars.
Skincare specialists such as our specially trained medical aestheticians at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique can accurately assess your skin condition, recommend effective and appropriate acne treatments, and manage your progress and improvement. We possess the clinical knowledge, tools, and resources to handle any potential side effects, as well as make the necessary adjustments in treatment plans.
Clinical Treatments are the Superior Choice!
Unlike at-home remedies, proven clinical treatments are the key to achieving smoother, healthier skin. Some highly beneficial treatments that can greatly improve the appearance of acne scars include Fraxel laser, VI peels, microdermabrasions.
Fraxel laser is a highly powerful device designed to stimulate the skin’s synthesis of its own collagen. This laser works by emitting thousands of tiny, deep columns of light energy called microthermal zones (MTZ). These MTZ‘s penetrate the skin at programmable treatment depths. These MTZ’s then generate abundant new collagen over time at the appropriate level where it is most needed. Oftentimes, acne scars require this type of deep treatment approach to stimulate synthesis of new collagen where it was previously destroyed by inflammatory or cystic acne. Additionally, Fraxel laser treatment levels can be modified to stimulate more superficial collagen as well. Thus, improving unwanted fine lines and wrinkles.
The VI Peel offers a different approach. It is a type of chemical peel that utilizes a proprietary blend of ingredients to unclog pores, stimulate increased skin cell turnover, and purge damaged skin layers. Ultimately, stronger, and healthier new skin layers are formed. Not only are acne scars reduced, but this treatment renders additional advantages such as improving hyperpigmentation and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion offers a minimally invasive treatment option for skin rejuvenation. This process uses tiny exfoliating crystals to remove dead skin cell layers that prevent penetration of therapeutic skin solutions such as growth factors, hydrating agents, vitamin C, other anti-oxidants, and protein peptides. The exfoliation process stimulates the skin to naturally heal itself through production of new collagen and elastin, integral components to skin’s smoothness and elasticity. By encouraging regular skin cell turnover, you will promote improved skin strength, as well as improved resistance to environmental and internally ingested toxins that wear down skin’s integrity over time.
Consistent and compliant use of these effective treatment options can yield dramatic results! Professional medical treatments have been researched and proven to be substantially effective. This makes for the best long-term investment you can make in your skin’s health and resilience over time. Vibrant, even-textured, even-toned skin is possible by utilizing professional guidance and choosing appropriate treatment options customized for your unique skin!
Why Choose Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, TX for Acne Scars?
Our Houston Texas aesthetic medical spa offers a unique, time-tested blend of clinical experience, scientific expertise, and commitment to patient care. Our providers possess a proven track record of successfully treating a variety of skin conditions, especially acne scars.
Here at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique, we stand firm by our commitment to help patients achieve remarkably healthy and beautiful skin results! We have performed hundreds of Fraxel, VI Peels and microdermabrasions with exceptional improvement in a variety of skin issues. Our incredible before-and-after photos speak for themselves, as they are a testament to our unwavering commitment.
It is our customized and personalized approach to each challenging skin condition and aesthetic challenge that defines our brand. Each treatment plan is tailored to your specific skin type, the severity of your acne scars, and your unique needs. We will not only focus on your acne scars but will also apply a comprehensive and appropriate skincare solution that addresses the root cause of your acne scars.
We are thrilled to be a significant part of your journey to revitalized skin. With our dedicated team by your side offering professional guidance and effective treatments, your transformation and renewed confidence are sure to be manifested!
Realize that over-the-counter and at home remedies offer only temporary solutions. However, if you are looking for long-lasting, substantial improvement, clinical treatments are by far your best option. Reach out to Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston Texas today, and take the first step toward a clear, radiant complexion you can be proud of! You deserve nothing less!