SKINCARE DIARIES: Battling With Acne Scarring? An Expert Weighs in on How To Treat Them

I know the feeling of triumph when you finally defeat acne; it's like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. But the battle doesn't end there, as you may be left with scars, hyperpigmentation, and patches that can be difficult to treat. It's important to take care of your skin properly to prevent these lingering effects. Fortunately, there are ways to regain control and achieve bright and even skin.

Dealing with acne scars can be challenging, but we've got you. By taking the time to understand the specific type of scar you have and what caused it, you can start to take control and improve the overall appearance of your skin. The Hypebae Beauty team tapped board-certified dermatologist Dr. Boakye for some expert insights on acne and how to address scarring once you've taken the necessary steps to correct it.

Keep reading on for more.

What is Acne?

"Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition that occurs in teens and adults. Nowadays, dermatologists are seeing an increase in acne in adult females which presents as hormonal acne," Dr. Boakye says.

What Causes Acne?

"Acne is due to a complex pathway which involves an increase in sebum and C. acnes, hyperkeratinization of the pilosebaceous unit and inflammation," Dr. Boakye continues. "In addition to the above etiology, there is barrier dysfunction associated with acne; increase in sebum and a decrease in ceramides associated with acne."

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How Do You Control Acne?

There is more to acne than just having a "good" skincare routine.

"As a lifestyle dermatologist, I always discuss with my patients the importance of nutrition, exercise, sleep, managing stress levels and improving their skin barrier when trying to control acne," Dr. Boakye notes. When it comes to using skincare products while treating acne, it is important to use a gentle cleanser that has a neutral pH, a moisturizer that is rich in lipids and to exfoliate once 1 to two times a week. These three are supportive products that help keep the barrier healthy."

Dr. Boakye is behind the formulation of Grammy-award-winning artist John Legend's skincare brand, Loved01, which targets the needs of all skin types, with special emphasis on melanin-rich skin. "When formulating Loved01 products and knowing that acne is a common issue in melanin-rich individuals, we formulated all the products with sea buckthorn oil and rose hip oil due to their high linoleic acid and their anti-inflammatory effect."

I've Gotten Rid Of The Acne, How Do I Heal The Scarring?

"It is imperative to control acne first before addressing acne scars. With regards to acne scarring, it all depends on the scars and how they present," Dr. Boakye suggests. "Are the scars pitted, rolled, hyperpigmented macules, etc.? Treatment options range from laser, chemical peels, fillers, subscion, and microneedling. As mentioned, controlling the acne condition first with supportive barrier products and therapeutics is essential prior to treating the scars."

 

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