If you are struggling with acne scars or post-inflammatory pigmentation, you are probably aware that summer can be a difficult time. The extra UV exposure can deepen the appearance of acne scars and make patches of pigmentation look darker.
This can lead to a frustrating cycle of layering on more foundation and concealer, only to get more clogged pores in the summer heat and fresh breakouts. Here’s how to prevent further damage to your skin in summer and what you can do to promote healing.
Why do acne scars get worse in the sun?
Acne scars can take the form of textural disruption to the surface of the skin, such as ice pick, boxcar or rolling scars, or flat red or brown spots that remain after a breakout, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
In the summer when we are exposed to higher levels of UV light, the cells that produce the pigment (melanocytes) are stimulated, which worsens the effect of hyperpigmentation. UV damage also reduces collagen production, which means that the healing process is slowed.
If the UV damage is prolonged or significant, deep acne scars can become fixed beyond the ability of the skin’s renewal cycles to repair them.
How can acne scarring be treated?
Fortunately, there are ways to address the damage: at our skin clinic in Birmingham, we offer acne facials. These are professional skincare treatments that are designed to soften acne scars and reduce pigmentation.
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to improve the overall skin tone and texture. It’s delivered with a handheld diamond-tipped device to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, followed up immediately by a vacuuming action to remove them cleanly from your skin.
This can improve the appearance of milder acne scars and pigmentation, and create a smoother and more even skin tone. It also softens and deconjests the skin to reduce the risk of further breakouts. Microdermabrasion is a very quick and affordable treatment that can be carried out in your lunch hour, because there’s little to no downtime involved.
There might be mild side effects such as redness, swelling and flaking, but these will soon subside. The results can be seen after just one session, but for the best effect it’s recommended to have a treatment every four to six weeks.
How to protect your skin
The results of your treatment will last longer if you take steps to protect your skin. Above all else, you should use a broad spectrum suncream (meaning it provides both UVA and UVB protection) with an SPF of 30 or above.
You should use this every day, even if the weather is cloudy. Apply it at least half an hour before you go outside, and reapply every two hours if you are outdoors all day, or after you have been sweating, swimming or showering. If you find that regular suncreams inflame your acne, look for mineral based versions such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
If you feel self conscious about your acne scars, look for tinted SPF to help mask discoloured patches.
Medical grade skincare products such as retinoids may help to reduce superficial acne scars and pigmentation. However, take extra care when using them in the summer, because they can make your skin more sensitive. Start with a low concentration and use it once a week to assess how your skin reacts.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, niacinamide and green tea extract can help to combat sun damage and reduce inflammation. This may also support collagen production for faster skin repair. They are often available in the form of serums and lotions from specialist health and beauty retailers.
If you’d like some more tailored advice for dealing with stubborn scars, please book a consultation today and we will guide you towards a personalised treatment plan.
