How Long Does It Take for Acne Scars to Fade Away?

Acne scars may remain after skin acne, which can affect appearance and potentially lead to inflammation. Fortunately, there are several methods to improve acne scars, such as laser treatment, which is relatively effective. Topical creams can also be used, but it is important to avoid those containing hormones. Additionally, washing the face with sugar water or honey water can help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Now, let's delve deeper into the topic of acne scars.

1. How Long Do Acne Scars Take to Fade?

Clinically, acne scars can be primarily categorized into dark red and brown scars. If acne has been stabilized and no new breakouts occur, already formed dark red and brown scars can fade away within four to six months with effective sun protection.

2. Causes of Acne Scars

Acne scars are a repair response to tissue damage in the body. When skin damage reaches the dermis or involves large areas of epidermal defects, the epidermis in that area cannot regenerate and is replaced by dermal fibroblasts, collagen, and proliferating blood vessels, resulting in acne scars. Acne scars are often caused by infection, inflammation, or external pressure. They often occur when acne is not treated promptly and appropriately, leading to inflammatory reactions in skin cells that damage skin tissue and cause scarring. The severity of inflammatory reactions during acne outbreaks determines the degree of skin tissue damage and, consequently, the severity of acne scars.

During acne outbreaks, vasodilation occurs, and blood vessels do not immediately contract after the acne resolves, resulting in flat, red patches. Inflammatory reactions in skin cells damage skin tissue, and post-inflammatory pigmentation deposits leave dark discoloration in areas where acne was present, forming acne scars. As acne persists and acne scars increase, various cells release cytokines, leading to abnormal collagen and matrix arrangement in the skin. Combined with factors such as microcirculation and free radicals, decreased lymphatic return, and local edema contribute to the formation of acne scars.

3. Triggers of Acne Scars

Triggers of acne scars include excessive keratinization of hair follicles, hyperactivity of androgen hormones and sebaceous glands, the role of microorganisms in the sebaceous follicle unit, and local inflammation.