When You're Concerned About Acne Scars | Self-Care by Type and Dermatological Options
Those marks that bother you every time you look in the mirror
Acne scars remain after the acne itself has healed. Many people have experienced the frustration of being bothered by redness or marks every time they look in the mirror. Even if you cover them with foundation, they can stand out depending on the angle of the light, which can sometimes get you down.
We often hear that even if people around you don't notice them much, you yourself are more concerned because you see them in the mirror every day. It seems that feeling this way is by no means unusual.
Our editorial team has organized generally known information about acne scars. It is said that there are several types of scars, and each has different characteristics and ways of dealing with them. Why not start by finding out which type your scars are closest to?
In this article, we have summarized as neutrally as possible what you can do with self-care and the option of visiting a dermatologist. We hope this will serve as a reference for you to face this at your own pace without rushing.
It is said that the appearance of scars can change depending on the season and your physical condition. It might be good to have an attitude of watching over the condition of your skin in the long term without being too swayed by ups and downs.
Common types of acne scars
Type with remaining redness
Faint redness may remain on the skin immediately after acne has healed. This is considered a remnant of inflammation, and it is generally said that in many cases, it settles down over time.
Type with remaining pigmentation
Brownish pigmentation may remain in areas where the inflammation was severe. It is thought to be related to melanin, and it seems that it can sometimes become more noticeable due to the effects of ultraviolet rays.
Type with remaining unevenness (craters)
When inflammation reaches deep into the skin, it is said that damage can remain in tissues such as collagen, causing unevenness on the surface. This type is considered to have slower changes compared to the other two.
It is said that these three types can not only appear individually but can also coexist on the same skin. Observing your own skin closely is the first step to understanding it.
It is said that it is easier to notice the differences in type when you check your skin not just in a mirror, but under natural light. It might be best to observe it little by little rather than rushing to make a judgment.
Characteristics of the Redness Type and How to Deal With It
Characteristics
The redness type is thought to be related to the condition of the capillaries. It may sometimes feel warm to the touch, which is said to be a sign that the inflammation has not completely subsided.
Estimated Progress
Although there are individual differences, it is generally said that for some people, the redness gradually fades over several weeks to several months. Rather than rushing to apply various products, it is also important to adopt an attitude of watching over the skin's condition.
It is said that using products that suit your skin consistently is ultimately less burdensome than trying new items one after another. Not rushing for changes is also an important mindset.
Things to Be Careful About
While there is redness, the skin's barrier function may be unstable, so it is considered better to avoid harsh facial cleansing or scrubbing. Please try to be conscious of treating your skin gently.
Also, it is said that if you try to hide it with makeup and apply it too thickly, it may actually increase the burden on your skin. Finding ways to apply it thinly is one option.
Characteristics of the Pigmentation Type and How to Deal With It
Characteristics
The pigmentation type is thought to be caused by the excessive production of melanin after skin inflammation. Changes are slower than with the redness type, and it seems that for some people, it becomes less noticeable over a period of several months.
Factors That Make It Look Darker
It is said that exposure to ultraviolet rays promotes the production of melanin, which can result in pigmentation appearing darker. This is one of the reasons why daily UV protection is generally considered important.
On days when you have many outdoor activities, it is said that incorporating hats or parasols in addition to sunscreen can broaden your range of UV protection. Please try to find ways to manage this within a reasonable range.
Things to Be Careful About
It is said that if you rub or touch it with your fingernails because you are concerned about it, it can actually become an irritant and prolong the pigmentation. Being conscious of reducing the number of times you touch your skin may also be helpful.
It is said that the visibility of pigmentation can change depending on the season. It is recommended to consciously continue UV protection, especially during the summer.
Characteristics of the Uneven (Crater) Type
Characteristics
The uneven type refers to a condition where the skin surface is indented or loses its smoothness. It is said that you may feel the unevenness when touching it, and it can sometimes become noticeable due to shadows created by lighting.
How it tends to develop
It is generally believed that damage to the tissue is more likely to remain if you pop a highly inflamed pimple on your own or if the inflammation is prolonged. This is a type where the perspective of prevention is particularly important.
Since it is said that once unevenness forms, it takes time to change, it is considered that daily measures to prevent major inflammation from occurring in the first place are ultimately important.
Limitations of self-care
Because unevenness is considered a change involving the internal structure of the skin, it is often said that it is difficult to change significantly with just moisturizing or skincare. This point will be discussed in detail in a later chapter.
If you are concerned about unevenness, it is considered important to gather correct information and think about how to deal with it in a way that suits you, rather than forcing yourself to continue with self-styled care.
What you can do with daily self-care
Continue moisturizing
Maintaining the balance of moisture and oil in the skin is considered fundamental to keeping the skin itself in good condition. Try to be conscious of the habit of moisturizing promptly after washing your face, rather than leaving it dry.
It is said that moisturizing items are easier to keep hydrated by combining not only lotion but also milky lotion and cream. It is important to choose according to your skin type.
It is said that moisturizing items are easier to keep hydrated by combining not only lotion but also milky lotion and cream. It is important to choose according to your skin type.
Take UV protection measures
As a consideration for preventing pigmentation from appearing darker, it is generally considered important to use sunscreen on a daily basis. Since it is said that ultraviolet rays reach you even on cloudy days or indoors, it is something you want to be conscious of continuing regardless of the weather.
Do not rub your skin
It is said that being conscious of not rubbing your skin in all daily situations, such as when washing your face, wiping with a towel, or applying makeup, is useful for preventing scars from worsening. Friction is considered to be a burden on the skin.
When washing your face, it is basic to wash it as if gently wrapping it in foam, and not to scrub it. It is said that there is less burden if you press it when wiping with a towel.
If you are unsure about how to choose a facial cleanser, trying one with a formula considered to be less irritating is one method. It is also important not to force yourself to continue using it if you feel it does not suit your skin.
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Things you should not do
Self-extraction
Even if you are concerned about acne or scars, it is generally recommended to avoid squeezing them strongly or poking them with needles yourself. It is said that this can worsen inflammation and may be a factor that makes scars more likely to remain.
It is natural to want to touch them, but it is said that that momentary action can affect how easily scars remain later on. Try to be conscious of the habit of keeping your hands away.
Excessive peeling or scrubbing
You might feel like performing peeling or scrubbing frequently because you want to make your skin smooth. However, it is said that you should be careful about the frequency of use, as it may be too stimulating depending on the condition of your skin.
It is said that it is easier to check the burden on your skin if you try items you are using for the first time on an inconspicuous area before using them on your entire face. It is also important to stop if you feel even the slightest abnormality.
It is said that you should refrain from using peeling or scrubbing, especially while inflammation remains. There is also a method of waiting until the skin condition settles down and then observing it little by little.
Neglecting UV protection
It is said that if you skip sunscreen on busy days or cloudy days, pigmentation may become more noticeable. Making it a habit seems to lead to reducing the burden on your skin in the long run.
Even on days when you do not go out, it is said that you may be affected by UV rays if you spend a long time near a window. It might be good to think about countermeasures according to your lifestyle.
Knowing the limits of self-care
There is a time lag in visual changes
Even if you continue self-care, it does not necessarily mean you will feel changes immediately. It is said that there are individual differences in the period until you feel changes depending on the skin condition and the type of scar.
Unevenness is difficult to change with moisturizing alone
As mentioned above, uneven types are considered to be changes related to the internal structure of the skin, and it is said that it cannot be asserted that they will improve significantly with self-care using cosmetics alone. It is also important not to have excessive expectations.
Even if you see expressions like "dramatic change" in advertisements, it is said that it is important to maintain a calm perspective and evaluate information carefully, keeping in mind that results vary from person to person.
If you feel worsening or inflammation
If the scarred area becomes red and swollen, or is accompanied by pain or itching, it is suggested that consulting a professional is one option rather than just waiting and seeing with self-care alone.
It is said that when you feel it is difficult to judge for yourself, having a professional look at it can lead to peace of mind. Not carrying the burden alone is also an important perspective.
The option of dermatology and cosmetic dermatology
Consultations available at general dermatology clinics
It is generally considered important not only to address the acne scars themselves but also to suppress the inflammation of current acne as quickly as possible to make it less likely for scars to remain. It is said that at general dermatology clinics, you can consult based on the state of the inflammation.
Options at cosmetic dermatology clinics
If you are concerned about pigmentation or uneven texture, it is said that cosmetic dermatology clinics may offer various procedures and treatment options tailored to the condition of your skin. Since content and effects vary by individual, it is recommended to consult thoroughly during a counseling session.
It is said that many people feel anxious about their first visit, but it seems that just having someone listen to you can sometimes help organize your feelings.
It is said that many people feel anxious about their first visit, but it seems that just having someone listen to you can sometimes help organize your feelings.
Since the content, number of sessions, and costs of procedures are said to vary by clinic, it is recommended to gather information from multiple sources and consider them in a way that you are satisfied with.
Guidelines for considering a visit
It is said that some people consider consulting a medical institution if they do not feel any change after continuing self-care for a certain period, or if they are concerned about uneven texture or strong pigmentation. Not forcing yourself to handle it alone is also an important perspective.
It seems some people view a visit not as something special, but as one of the opportunities to objectively understand the condition of their skin. Consulting at a time when you are concerned is also one method.
How to deal with current acne (prevention)
Do not touch or pop
To avoid leaving scars, it is considered fundamental to touch current acne as little as possible and not to pop it. It is said that being conscious of reducing the number of times you touch it with your hands, even if it bothers you, is helpful.
Aim for early care
Starting gentle care before inflammation spreads is considered one of the keys to making scars less likely to remain. It seems that being proactive is more important than responding after the condition has worsened.
It is said that developing a habit of noticing small changes early, such as switching to low-irritation care as soon as you feel something is off with your skin, is also helpful.
Maintain a balanced lifestyle
Lifestyle habits such as sleep and diet are also said to be related to the condition of your skin. It is considered that you do not need to do anything special, and that aiming for a regular lifestyle serves as a foundation.
It is said that continued stress or lack of sleep can affect the condition of your skin. It is considered helpful to establish your own rhythm within a reasonable range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do acne scars disappear naturally?
A1. It is said that for some people, redness and pigmentation become less noticeable over time, but it cannot be definitively stated that they will always disappear. Changes in texture, such as indentations, are considered to be particularly slow.
Because this is a topic with significant individual differences, it is said that it is an important perspective to respect your own skin's pace rather than comparing yourself too much to others.
Q2. Can moisturizing alone improve scars?
A2. While moisturizing is considered basic care for maintaining skin condition, it is said that there are differences in how effective it feels depending on the type of scar. It is considered that changes in texture, such as indentations, may be difficult to achieve with moisturizing alone.
Q3. How often should I apply sunscreen?
A3. Generally, it is recommended to use it every day, regardless of whether you go out or not. It is said that you should also be mindful of reapplying it when you sweat or are outdoors for long periods.
Since it is said that there is a certain amount of UV radiation regardless of the season, it is recommended to continue taking measures throughout the year, not just in the summer.
Q4. Is there a guideline for when to go to a dermatologist?
A4. If inflammation or pain persists, or if you find it difficult to see changes with self-care, dermatology or cosmetic dermatology are mentioned as options for consultation. It is considered that there is no need to force yourself to handle it on your own judgment.
Q5. Which type of scar is the hardest to heal?
A5. Generally, the indentation type is considered to have the slowest changes. However, it is said that there are large individual differences, and it cannot be said unconditionally.
Things to be careful about when wearing makeup or masks
Tips for Covering with Makeup
When you are concerned about scars, you might feel tempted to apply a thick layer of foundation. However, it is said that thick application can increase friction and stress on the skin. It is considered important to be mindful of applying thin layers.
Using concealer or similar products to cover specific spots is also said to be less stressful on the skin than applying a thick layer over the entire face. It might be a good idea to look for a method that works for you.
Using concealer or similar products to cover specific spots is also said to be less stressful on the skin than applying a thick layer over the entire face. It might be a good idea to look for a method that works for you.
Friction When Wearing a Mask
It is said that when you wear a mask for a long time, the skin and the mask rub against each other, which can easily cause friction. Choosing a mask that fits well and taking time to remove it occasionally to let your skin rest is also considered helpful.
Gentleness in Cleansing
When removing makeup, it is considered basic to do so by blending it in without applying pressure. It is recommended to rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water rather than scrubbing.
About Diet and Skin Condition
A Balanced Diet
It is advised to avoid definitive information claiming that scars will improve with specific foods alone. It is generally said that maintaining a balanced diet is important for preparing the foundation of your skin.
Habits of Hydration
Daily hydration is also considered one of the basic habits for maintaining skin condition. It does not need to be a special drink; consistent, steady efforts are considered important.
Not Being Swayed by Excessive Information
There is a lot of information on the internet, but it is said that it is important not to be too swayed by information without clear evidence and to make judgments based on the condition of your own skin.
When you find information that concerns you, taking it as just one opinion while also being prepared to consult a professional if necessary is considered a way to find peace of mind.
When you find information that concerns you, taking it as just one opinion while also being prepared to consult a professional if necessary is considered a way to find peace of mind.
Even if you monitor the situation with self-care, depending on the type of acne scar, it can be difficult to feel a change. When you cannot feel a change even after reviewing your face wash or care products, there is also the method of adding care that approaches the depths of the pores with a home facial device. The YA-MAN Myse Glow Clear Booster is a type that aims for penetration care with RF and EMS, and it is chosen for full-scale care by those who feel skincare alone is not enough. If you are interested, please check the details on the product page.
Summary | When You Are Concerned About Acne Scars | Self-Care by Type and Dermatological Options
Acne scars come in various types, such as redness, pigmentation, and uneven texture, and it is said that each has different characteristics and ways to be addressed. Basic daily self-care involves moisturizing, sun protection, and avoiding rubbing the skin.
On the other hand, it is also a fact that there are limits to self-care. Especially if you are concerned about uneven texture or deep pigmentation, it is reassuring to know that options like dermatology or cosmetic dermatology exist.
As an editorial team that has researched this, we feel that taking a stance of facing your skin without rushing and consulting a professional when necessary is important in the long run. Please try to continue small, manageable care routines starting today.
Read also
Causes of Chin Acne and How to Deal With It
Causes of Forehead Acne and Care
Causes of Acne Around the Mouth and Care
How to Use and Choose Acne Patches
References/Sources
Japanese Dermatological Association
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