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Acne marks are marks or scars that remain on the skin after an acne breakout has healed. These marks can be of different types, such as red or brown spots, depressions or elevations in the skin, and can vary in their appearance and severity.
Acne marks form when acne inflammation affects the deeper layers of the skin, such as the dermis. When this happens, the body produces collagen to repair the damage, but sometimes collagen production is insufficient or excessive, which can result in abnormal scarring.
Red or brown spots, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, are caused by the overproduction of melanin in the skin in response to acne inflammation. These spots usually disappear over time, but can last for months or even years.
Depressed scars, also known as atrophic scars, form when acne inflammation destroys skin tissue and leaves a hole or depression in the skin. Raised scars, also known as hypertrophic or keloid scars, form when collagen production is excessive and the scarred skin is raised above the surface of the skin.
Early acne prevention and proper acne treatment can help reduce the risk of acne marks forming. If you already have acne marks, there are medical and aesthetic treatments available that can help reduce their appearance, such as laser treatments or chemical peels, among others.
How Do We Treat Them?
We treat acne marks in our clinic with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, which involves the use of a laser that emits highly concentrated pulses of light that penetrate the skin and remove the upper layers of skin affected by acne scars. The CO2 laser also stimulates collagen production in the skin, which can help improve the appearance of scars.
CO2 laser treatment is performed in our clinic and may require topical or local anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort. During the procedure, the doctor will move the laser over the affected areas of the skin, removing the superficial layers of the skin. The procedure can last from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size and number of acne scars to be treated.
After treatment, it is common for the skin to be red and have a burning sensation. Keep in mind that the skin may have scabs and peeling for several days. It is important to follow the instructions we provide in the clinic to properly care for the skin after treatment to minimize the risk of complications and optimize results.
CO2 laser treatment may require several sessions to achieve the best results, and the number of sessions needed will depend on the severity of the acne scars and the individual response of the skin to treatment. The results of CO2 laser treatment can be very effective in improving the appearance of acne marks, but it is important to have realistic expectations and talk to our doctor to determine if this treatment is right for your individual needs.
Can this Treatment be Performed while You Have Active Acne?
In general, treatment of acne marks with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is not recommended while you have active acne, as laser treatment can worsen acne inflammation and infection.
The CO2 laser can stimulate sebum production in the skin, which can increase the possibility of acne breakouts. Therefore, it is important that the acne is under control before considering laser treatment for acne marks.
What are the Appropriate Recommendations after the Treatment?
After treatment of acne marks with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, it is important to follow the following recommendations:
1. Protect the skin from the sun: Sun exposure can worsen the appearance of scars and prolong recovery time. Direct sun exposure should be avoided and sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher should be used, even on cloudy days.
2. Keep skin hydrated: It is important to keep skin hydrated after treatment to help prevent flaking and dryness. Gentle, non-irritating moisturizers can be used. (We will inform you of a daily washing and hydration protocol)
3. Do not touch or scratch the skin: It is important to avoid touching or scratching the treated skin, as this can increase the risk of infection and worsen the appearance of scars.
4. Avoid makeup for a few days: Makeup should be avoided for at least several days after treatment to allow the skin to recover.
5. Follow the doctor’s instructions: It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions to properly care for the skin after treatment and minimize the risk of complications.
6. Avoid intense physical activities: It is recommended to avoid intense physical activities for at least 24 hours after treatment to allow the skin to recover.
It is important to keep in mind that recovery time and aftercare may vary depending on the severity of the treatment and skin type. That is why it is very important to follow the recommendations indicated in the clinic, which will also depend on each patient’s skin type and, above all, on their evolution and recovery.
What is the Best Time to Treat Acne Marks and Scars with CO2 Laser?
The best time of year to perform carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment for acne marks may vary depending on skin type and the severity of the scars, but it is generally recommended to perform the treatment during the fall and winter months.
This is because, during these months, sun exposure is lower, which reduces the risk of sun damage and allows for better skin recovery after treatment. In addition, in many places, the climate during the winter months is cooler and drier, which can help reduce inflammation and redness after treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the recovery time after treatment may vary depending on the skin type and the severity of the treatment. Therefore, it is advisable to talk to our doctor to determine the best time to perform the treatment based on your individual needs.
