Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, impacting roughly 85% of people from the ages of 12 to 24. However, this particular skin condition can continue to impact people even into their late adult years.1 Even after you have treated your client's acne, they may still suffer from scarring, which impacts about 80% of patients who were treated for Acne vulgaris.2
When treating acne, you are treating more than your clients skin. Emotionally, acne and acne scarring can affect clients and cause major depression.3 With that in mind, it has been shown in studies that helping to treat and heal your clients acne and scarring can lead to high client satisfaction.2 After evaluating your specific client and their acne scarring, consider these different treatments.
1. Microneedling
Microneedling has continued to grow in popularity throughout the years, and it is one of the treatments that can help to improve the appearance of acne scarring. It was originally used by a German dermatologist to treat acne scarring in the 1900s.4 However, the benefits of pricking the skin for collagen production and improving the skin's absorption of topical treatments makes for a smoother overall skin appearance.
2. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can be used to lift depressed scars for a temporary smoother skin appearance. Dermal fillers are also considered a solution that is better fit for less defined acne scarring.7
3. Laser
Laser therapy uses a light to punch holes in the collagen in the skin without physically piercing the skin. Breaking down the collagen helps for it to come back smoother without the collagen binding to the formation of the scar.
Lasers for treating acne scars can fall into the categories of ablative and non-ablative, and there are mainly two types of ablative lasers that generate beams of light which are then absorbed by the skin as energy and delivered through a range of wavelengths. Non-ablative lasers will typically require more treatments and will have a more gradual recovery process.5
4. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are another option for treating acne scarring, and it uses a strong acid to remove the top layer of the skin to help reduce deeper scars. There are many different types of chemical peels that can be used with different levels of severity, and they work to improve the tone and smoothness of the skin.6
Above everything else, consider your client, their intake form and the severity of their acne scars before proceeding with different acne scarring treatment methods.
References
1. www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-conditions-by-the-numbers
3. www.skininc.com/skinscience/physiology/The-Connection-Between-Acne-and-Depression-473423043.html
4. www.skininc.com/treatments/medicalesthetics/Microneedling-in-the-Esthetic-Practice-299358731.html
5. https://aestheticsjournal.com/feature/treating-acne-scars-with-lasers
6. www.curlaser.com/chemical-peel-treatment-acne-scars/
7. www.thederminstitute.com/dermal-fillers-for-acne-scarring/
