Acne Scar Treatments in Toronto
One of the most common skin problems we hear about at our downtown Toronto aesthetic medical clinic is acne scarring. Since this is such a hot topic, we decided to share information about the best treatments for acne scars right here on the blog.
At Pearl on King we’ve helped many clients treat acne breakouts, provided acne scar treatments and given tips on how to prevent acne from forming. So read on for some expert advice on how to manage ace scars!
What Is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition occurring at all ages, but most frequently in adolescence. We’ve all experienced a pesky breakout or struggled to keep acne from spreading and, in some cases, creating scars. But what can we do about acne and acne scars? What acne scar treatments are available in Toronto? And how do you decide the best acne scar treatment for your personal situation?
In this post we’ll discuss the causes of acne and acne scars. We’ll discuss some effective acne scar treatments. Plus, you’ll learn about the importance of skincare and maintaining a healthy preventative routine.
What Causes Acne?
Acne forms when hair follicles get plugged up with dirt, oil and dead skin cells. This can lead to inflammation, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and cystic acne. There are a few factors that can contribute to acne. Here are some of the key culprits:
Hormones – Puberty, menstruation and pregnancy can lead to increased oil production, contributing to the development of acne.
Bacteria – Our skin hosts all sorts of bacteria, not all of it bad. The bacteria Propionibacterium Acnes can be especially problematic when it makes its way into our hair follicles.
Oil production going into overdrive.
Inflammation caused by clogged hair follicles can lead to acne.
Environmental factors – Think very high humidity or pollution.
Medications including corticosteroids, androgens and lithium can cause or aggravate acne.
Genetics – Acne can be heritable. Thanks mom (just joking…I love you!).
What Causes Acne Scars?
You might be surprised to hear, but acne scars are created by your skin trying to heal itself…but not quite getting the job done. Acne scars occur most commonly after severe or deep lesions have damaged the skin. When this happens, your skin produces collagen to heal the damage. Scarring takes place when too much or too little collagen is produced. And the type of scarring that takes place will differ based on the type of damage caused by acne.
There are different types of acne scars:
Boxcar Acne Scars – Large depressions with sharper edges
Rolling Acne Scars – Large depressions with gradual edges
Icepick Acne Scars – Small but deep depressions
Hypertrophic Acne Scars – Raised, thick areas of skin
Keloid Acne Scars – Raised, thick areas of skin that extend beyond the site of the original injury
Acne scars have different causes, but some common factors include picking, scraping or squeezing active acne, delayed or ineffective treatment and even genetics (not again!). Cystic acne in particular is more prone to scarring than other forms.
Ok, so now we know about how acne forms and what causes acne scars. But what are the most effective acne scar treatments?
Effective Acne Scar Treatments
Thankfully the field of aesthetic medicine in Toronto and beyond offers several effective options for acne scar treatment. Let’s review some of them:
Chemical Peel Acne Treatment
Chemical Peels can be used to exfoliate the top layer of skin, helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars. This treatment applies a chemical solution to the skin, causing the top layer of skin to peel off over the course of several days. The peeling action helps to improve the appearance of acne scars by removing the damaged outer layer of skin, promoting the growth of new and healthier skin.
The type of peel used to treat acne scars depends on the type and severity of scarring. Superficial peels that use mild acids can be effective in treating mild acne scars. For more severe scarring, a deeper peel that uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or phenol may be needed. Keep in mind, you may need multiple treatments to achieve your desired results. And aftercare is a must!
At Pearl on King we offer The Perfect Derma Peel, a medium depth, medical grade chemical peel featuring the master antioxidant Glutatione. The Perfect Derma Peel is suitable for all skin types (Fitzpatrick Scale I-VI). The peel can be combined with The Perfect Clear Booster to maximize results. This booster is an excellent addition for patients with moderate to severe acne or acne scars on the face, chest, back or other areas of the body.
Improvements in acne scarring after treatment with The Perfect Derma Peel
Dermal Filler Acne Treatment
Dermal Fillers can be used to treat certain types of acne scars, including Rolling Acne Scars where there is a loss of tissue under the skin, creating an uneven appearance. Dermal Filler acne scar treatments work by injecting a hyaluronic acid gel under the skin in the area of the scar, helping to fill and smooth the affected area.
Dermal Fillers are highly effective at treating shallow-to-moderate depth acne scars. Dermal Fillers require follow-up treatments approximately every 6-12 months as the hyaluronic acid is metabolized by the body over time.
At Pearl on King we offer a variety of products from the Restylane line of Dermal Fillers. We are able to treat different type of scars on different areas of the face.
Laser Resurfacing Acne Treatment
Laser Resurfacing is a procedure that uses a laser to remove the outer layer of the skin or to stimulate collagen production. These techniques can help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
There are different types of laser resurfacing treatments, including ablative and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers remove the top layers of skin and are commonly used for deeper acne scars. They require more downtime and also carry a higher risk of side effects. Non-ablative lasers heat the skin to stimulate collagen production and are commonly used for lighter acne scarring.
Although we do not offer laser treatments at Pearl on King, we believe laser therapy can be an effective acne scar treatment if performed by a trained medical professional.
Microneedling Acne Treatment
Microneedling is a procedure commonly used to treat acne scars. A microneedling device has tiny needles that are used to create small punctures or “micro injuries” in the skin. This can help stimulate collagen and elastin production and kick start the skin’s natural healing process, which can reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Microneedling can improve the depth and severity of acne scars, as well as improve skin texture and tone. Like other ace scar treatments, multiple sessions may be required to achieve your desired results. To achieve best results, Microneedling can also be combined with some of the other acne scar treatments discussed in this post.
Although effective, not everyone is a good candidate for microneedling treatments. If you have active acne or certain skin conditions it may be better to choose a different acne scar treatment option. One of our nurses can help guide you to the best treatment option.
Pearl on King uses the DP4 Microneedling Device from Clarion. The DP4 is the only microneedling device with a dedicated scar setting and protocols for deep, atrophic acne scars, making it an excellent choice for acne scar treatments. Not only that, but DP4 treatments can lead to noticeable results in as little as one treatment.
The DP4 Microneedling Device has a specific setting dedicated to scar treatment
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Acne Treatment
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy can be used to treat acne scars in two different ways. For patients experiencing shallow-to-moderate depth acne scars, a direct injection of plasma to the affected area of the skin can work to fill and smooth the area. This treatment works in much the same was as Dermal Filler, but uses the patient’s own treated blood plasma instead of a hyaluronic acid gel.
Combining PRP and Microneedling can help to maximize the benefits of each treatment. maximize the benefits of each treatment. Known popularly as the Vampire Facials, this treatment can help improve the texture and tone of the skin while stimulating collagen production, leaving your skin smoother and fresher.
“Combining PRP and Microneedling can help to maximize the benefits of each treatment.”
A PRP treatment involves extracting a small amount of a patient's blood and processing it in a centrifuge to separate concentrated platelets. These platelets contain growth factors that can help to stimulate collagen production and promote tissue healing.
When injected into the skin, PRP can help to improve the appearance of acne scars by stimulating the growth of new tissue and collagen. This can help to smooth out the skin and reduce the visibility of scars over time.
At Pearl on King we use the RegenLab PRP system, from the leading Swiss biotechnology company. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about our PRP treatments, so feel free to get in touch!
How To Choose The Best Acne Scar Treatment
Chemical Peels, Laser Resurfacing, Dermal Fillers, PRP and Microneedling are all effective acne scar treatments, but they work in different ways and have different strengths and limitations.
Dermal fillers are effective for shallow to moderate scars and provide immediate results, but the effects are temporary and the procedure may need to be repeated every 6-12 months as the hyaluronic acid is metabolized by your body over time.
Microneedling is suitable for mild or moderate acne scars and provides a longer-lasting effect by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.
PRP therapy can be used similarly to Dermal Fillers to smooth areas of the skin affected by acne scarring or can be combined with Microneedling to enhance the benefits of both treatments.
“Doing your own research is only the first step. You should always have a professional consultation before you go ahead with any acne scar treatment.”
Microneedling is suitable for all skin types and can improve skin texture, while Chemical Peels may require a longer recovery period but can be more effective for moderate to severe acne scarring. [Pearl on King’s Chemical Peel, The Perfect Derma Peel, is suitable for all skin types. Not all Chemical Peels work with all skin types, so check with your provider before booking!]
Laser Resurfacing is more invasive and can provide more dramatic results for deeper scars, but often requires more downtime and has a higher risk of side effects.
Ultimately, doing your own research is only the first step. You should always have a professional consultation before you go ahead with any acne scar treatment. We would be happy to review any of these effective treatments with you, either in-clinic or online. Our consultations are free and we’ll never pressure you into anything.
Medical-Grade Skincare in Acne Scar Treatment
Medical-grade skincare can help improve the appearance of acne scars by promoting skin healing and renewal. Here are some ingredients to look for in medical-grade skincare products for acne scars:
Retinoids for Acne Scars
Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A that help to increase skin cell turnover and promote collagen production. They can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars over time.
Our SkinCeuticals Recommendations: Retinol 0.3, Retinol 0.5 or Retinol 1.0
Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Acne Scars
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid and lactic acid can help to exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover, which can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Our SkinCeuticals Recommendation: Glycolic Brightening Renew
Vitamin C for Acne Scars
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to promote collagen production and reduce hyperpigmentation, making acne scars less noticeable.
Our SkinCeuticals Recommendation: CE Ferulic
Niacinamide for Acne
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can help to improve skin texture and tone, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production.
Our SkinCeuticals Recommendation: Metacell B3 Renewal
Hyaluronic Acid for Acne Scars
Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that can help to hydrate the skin and improve its texture and plumpness, which can make acne scars less noticeable.
Our SkinCeuticals Recommendation: HA Intensifier
Choosing Skincare Products for Acne Scar Treatment
When choosing medical-grade skincare products for acne scar treatment, be sure to consult with a skincare professional to learn about the best products for your skin type and skin concerns. A professional can recommend products that are specifically formulated to address acne scars and can also help you create a customized skincare routine.
To help you build a comprehensive skincare regimen Pearl on King staff have been professionally trained for all SkinCeuticals products. While SkinCeuticals is our fave and we recommend it to our clients, the most important thing you can do is to choose a reputable brand of medical grade skincare and stick to your routine. Other popular brands include AlumierMD and SkinMedica.
Acne Scar Prevention and Maintenance
The key to preventing acne scars is to prevent acne in the first place. Follow these basic tips to keep your skin clear and free of acne scars:
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.
I know it can be satisfying, but DON’T pick, squeeze or scrape active acne!
Protect your skin from the sun by applying broad-spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) on a daily basis. Even when the sun ain’t shining!
Address acne when it forms with over-the-counter treatments or by seeing a dermatologist for more severe breakouts.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Manage your stress. Have fun, exercise and go to therapy!
“Acne scarring can still occur even with the best prevention methods. Do your best and remember to treat acne scars when you can’t prevent them.”
Cleansing the face before an acne scar treatment at Pearl on King
Why Choose Pearl on King for Acne Scar Treatments?
We live in a big city with lots of great options for acne scar treatments. At Pearl on King we work hard to set ourselves apart by offering personalized treatments, quality results and a private treatment space with a beautiful view of Downtown Toronto!
Personalized Treatments
Every treatment at Pearl on King starts with a consultation. Whether you want to consult in our clinic or from the comfort of your couch, we’ll be sure to carefully listen to your concerns, ask questions and help you decide on a treatment that will meet your skin goals. Consultations are free and we’ll never pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do!
Quality Results
Simply put, good skincare ain’t cheap! We know you’re making a big investment and it’s our mission to deliver exactly the results you want. We pride ourselves on making sure that every client leaves the clinic with glowing skin and a smile on their face.
Skincare with a View
Location, location, location! That’s right, we sit high atop the Financial District in a quiet and discreet space on the 48th floor of Toronto’s iconic One King West Hotel & Residence. We have a relaxing and private space but we’re still just steps from your condo and office. Plus we’re the only Toronto medical aesthetics clinic where you can take in a beautiful and relaxing view from the treatment chair.
Skincare with a view at Pearl on King
Book Your Free Acne Scar Consultation Today
We would be delighted to have you come to Pearl on King for a free consultation to discuss the acne scar treatments that we offer. Feel free to give us a call at 647-763-2633 or visit our online booking page. For more info on acne scar treatments or our other services, visit our website.