Acne is a common skin condition that affects almost all of us in one way or another at some point in our lives. It mainly affects areas such as the face, chest and back, with often pustular spots developing. When these spots burst, they can cause damage to the surrounding skin which can lead to complications, including infection and acne scarring. Acne scarring is most likely to occur when more serious types of acne spot burst, such as nodules and cysts. Active acne and acne scarring can be rather unsightly and difficult to live with, having a long-term psychological and physical impact for many sufferers. Although it is highly unavoidable, there are ways you can try to prevent or minimise acne scarring.
1. Seek Medical Attention
First and foremost, seek medical attention for active acne as early as possible, especially when it comes to inflammatory acne. Most of us tend to suffer throughout puberty, with acne starting to develop during our early teens and adulthood, but the earlier it is treated, the less likely it is that you will suffer with acne scarring.
2. Never Pop A Spot
You’ve probably been told this before, but you should never pop a spot, or at least try your best to avoid doing so. While whiteheads are indeed unpleasant to look at and to live with, bursting them can cause even more damage in the long run. When a spot bursts, you leave your skin open to infection and long-term damage in the form of scarring. It is especially important not to burst a spot in the “danger triangle” area between the corners of your mouth and the bridge of your nose as a higher concentration of veins connected to the brain leads to a higher risk of infection in this area.
3. Know How To Treat The Area
With that said, sometimes bursting a spot is unavoidable as they can rupture of their own accord in some cases, so it is important to know what to do next. Use an antibacterial solution to clean the area. Salicylic acid is also great for treating and healing the area, eliminating any remaining bacteria. Be sure to never pick a scab as this will only worsen the situation, delaying and complicating the healing process which could lead to scarring.
Makeup is a great way to cover acne scarring once it has set in, especially facial scarring. Sometimes basic foundation isn’t enough to cover severe scarring, although many chemists and high street shops sell camouflage make up over the counter that has been specifically designed to cover scars.
4. Expert Treatment And Advice
The only effective solution to prevent acne scarring is to seek expert treatment and advice. There are numerous techniques that dermatologists and aesthetic doctors can implement to help improve the appearance of your skin. If you are already suffering with acne scars, the expert team here at Health & Aesthetic Clinic offer a bespoke treatment plan consisting of one or a number of advanced skin treatments to best suit you. We assess your skin and listen to your needs and expectations before considering the best course of action. We offer advanced Obagi skincare, Obagi chemical skin peels, and Sublative facial rejuvenation.
Get in touch today to schedule your consultation and take that first step towards beautifully clear skin!