What causes scarring?
Scars are formed when tissue in the lower layers of the skin is damaged. When there is an injury to the skin, either through picking, squeezing or simply the pressure of an inflamed blemish, this sets off a chain reaction known as the wound healing response. This begins with blood clotting to seal the wound and then the immune system creates inflammation to fight infection. The skin works to repair itself, producing dermal proteins such as collagen and other substances needed to heal the scar.
What are the different types of acne scarring?
Discolouration, although not technically scarring, more a temporary skin condition, is the most common type of post-blemish marking and can remain even after a blemish has completely healed. This type of scarring responds well to topical treatment and can often fade completely with minimal intervention.
Atrophic scarring, also known as pitted, icepick or indented scarring – is when the scar sits below the surrounding skin and forms when the skin does not produce enough collagen to regenerate correctly as the wound is healing. This type of scarring can occur with inflammatory conditions such as acne as well as other inflammatory conditions like chicken pox and whilst the appearance can sometimes be minimised with skincare, this type of scarring requires consultation and treatment with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to correct.
Hypertrophic scarring is when the scar sits above the surrounding skin and forms when the skin produces too much collagen during the wound healing phase. Hypertrophic scars may flatten over time or require medical intervention to correct.
What products can help reduce the appearance of post-blemish scarring?
SPF
Trauma to the skin can trigger the production of melanin which can pool at the site of injury creating what is commonly known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This type of post acne scarring can darken rapidly when exposed to UV light particularly in those with melanin-rich skin and medium to deeper skin tones. In addition, UV light contributes to the degradation of collagen and elastin, vital substances needed for healthy skin repair. We therefore recommend applying SPF daily. Protection Plus SPF 50+ offers a slight natural blurring effect from the antioxidant Pine Bark Extract it contains helping to minimise the appearance of post-blemish marking and blends naturally for all skin tones.