Around 80% of people will be affected by acne at some point in their lives and for some, the acne scars cut deeper than just the skin. For many people, acne scars can affect their emotional and mental wellbeing due to the associated anxiety and low self-esteem.
An added issue is that many people don’t fully understand acne scar treatment and misconceptions are rife. Because of this, there are many myths out there relating to acne – the cause and the treatment. In this article, Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic will share some of the most common.
Myth 1: all acne scars are the same
Just like there are different types of skin, there are different types of acne and as such, different types of acne scars. No two scars are the same and for some people, it’s even possible to have several types of scars on their face. For example, there are scars that are indented, some that are raised and some acne can cause discoloration of the skin.
Importantly, treatment for these scars differs so understanding what type of acne scar you have will assist in finding the correct way to treat it. And remember, what works for your next-door neighbour may not work for you – different skin types, different lifestyles and different health habits will mean different results.
Myth 2: The sun can clear acne
Tanning may make acne appear less noticeable but it does not clear acne. In fact, exposure to the sun can make your acne worse. The skin becomes dry when exposed to the sun for too long which increases oil production. In turn, this actually makes acne worse. Also, tanning makes the pigmentation darker, so it can slow down the healing process.
On top of this, tanning and exposing your skin to the sun greatly increases your risk of skin cancer so it’s never a good idea.
Myth 3: Scars will not heal
When you’ve been dealing with acne scars for a long time, it can certainly feel like they will never go away. But don’t lose hope. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing acne scarring, there are varying degrees. Combination methods of acne scar treatment can help to further improve the appearance of acne scars. This includes fractional CO2 laser, subcission, Intracell and acne scar fillers.
Importantly, preventing the formation of scars is key. Treat breakouts when they occur, cleanse according to recommendations from experts, wearing sun cream and refraining from picking, popping or squeezing pimples will go a long way to preventing scars from occurring.
Myth 4: Regularly cleaning my skin will help
Fact: it is possible to over-cleanse and over-exfoliate. Both of these will only make acne and acne scarring worse. Some people will also overuse topical treatment products in the hope of removing scarring.
Using too many of these products will actually irritate your skin further. It’s always best to speak to experts to figure out the best regime for you.
Myth 5: Treatment works immediately
No matter what anyone tells you, acne scar treatments will not work immediately. It is important to stick with the treatment plan recommended by the doctor and complete all sessions. Acne scars can be stubborn so patience in this area is key.
Acne scars can cause more than just bad skin. They can also deeply affect a person’s self-confidence. It’s important to speak to experts when it comes to treatment and maintenance plans to ensure you’re doing what’s best for your skin.
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