Written By- Richa Das
Although many suffer from acne vulgaris, it can be very frustrating and challenging to deal with acne. Pits are nothing but acne scars that look like holes in the skin.
Pitted acne scars give an impression of pit-like hollow skin that cannot be treated overnight. A well-managed and easy-going skincare routine is enough to overcome it. As per the severity of scarring, the result will be shown.
The treatment for acne and acne pits varies 1. Although there is no magic wand that can cure them, you can use certain skincare formulas to get an easy recovery.
What are pits?
Pits occur due to the sudden loss of collagen, resulting in their concave appearance. It is known as a "pitted acne scar" as it leaves a hole like impression on the skin. Overproduction of collagen results in these pitted acne scars with an intense breakout caused by inflammation.
Usually, there are three types of acne scars, viz.
- Atrophic Scars
- Hypertrophic Scars
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Atrophic scars are scars that directly show signs of acne pits 1.
Atrophic scars:
There is a thin line between acne scars and acne pits. An acne scar is a leftover when acne vanishes from the skin, while pits are a depressing region that results in hollowness in the skin. It happens due to a lack of collagen and inflammatory conditions.
Atrophic scars are subdivided into three types.
- An ice-pick scar: a deep, narrow, and small V-shaped scar that is difficult to treat.
- Boxcar scar: It is broad and sharp-edged, like a chickenpox scar.
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A rolling scar is similar to a boxcar scar but smoother. It creates an uneven skin tone, and its appearance is also superficial 2.
Treatment to get rid of acne pits
There is always a modern solution to every problem, even acne pits, in the modern world. Here are two of the most trusted treatments. One is home remedies, and the other is OTC products for topical use.
Home remedies can be beneficial to some extent, but applying crude ingredients to the skin can cause irritation and damage the skin's barrier. Topical OTC treatments, however, are a scientific approach that is supported by scientific evidence. It also ensures that the product is suited to the skin type1
Topical treatment for acne pits
After active acne, acne pits are left with scarring when viewed chronologically. There is some dense scarring due to depression or inflammation known as pits.
The most effective way to prevent skin pits is to treat active acne as soon as possible. If acne formation was stopped at an early age, there would be no problem with pits.
Facewash
It is very important to protect your skin from pollutants, dirt, and impurities before you try to treat your acne scars. Despite a large number of facewashes available on the market, one needs to be selective to pick one that is suitable for their skin type. If you are dealing with sensitive and dry skin, you must opt for a cream-based facewash that has oil content in it. If your skin is oily, you can go for a gel-based face wash.
Active and exfoliating serums:
One of the most effective methods for treating acne pits is a spot treatment. The serums that will help in reducing acne pits are:
Retinoids are the derivatives of vitamin A. Retinoids are a good source of preventing the acne scarring that results in the pits as they help to hinder the inflammatory pathways. The reason behind pit formation is degradation in collagen production. Retinols are a type of retinoids that not only boosts collagen but also enhances cell turnover and removes dead skin cells that make skin look smooth and calm.
Azelaic acid:
The azelaic acid serum is something on which a person can rely for acne scarring. As it treats active breakouts. The main characteristic of azelaic acid is to promote cell turnover, which is one of the ways to alleviate acne scarring4. Skin tone varies because of pigmentation. Azelaic acid is an effective acid formulation that prevents melanin synthesis, resulting in an even skin tone. Hence, azelaic acid acts as a reliable source to fight acne scarring.
Lactic acid (AHA)
Lactic acid and glycolic acid are two superstars of the AHA family. If you are troubled by pits and have dry skin, lactic acid would give you appealing results. Regular usage of it minimises the pits and spots and also helps in regaining an even skin tone. Salicylic acid (BHA)
BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid. It is an exfoliator that surpasses the best acne scar treatment. BHA helps in reducing swelling, degrading redness, and clearing the pores. It does strong exfoliation and removes dead skin cells. While using it, apply it gently to your oily skin type. Salicylic acid stands out as one of the best exfoliators because of its effective properties.
Moisturiser and sunscreen
Layering the skin with moisturiser after applying the serum is the right choice. So many people ask, why is it important? The answer is that moisturiser helps to keep your skin hydrated for a long time. As we grow older, there is an imbalance in sebum production. Moisturisers help in maintaining it.
Serums are ultimately the application of acids to the skin that may react if you come into direct contact with the sun. Hence, to shield the skin from sun damage, screening has become a must. There are an endless number of moisturisers and sunscreens on the market. Choose the one that suits your skin.
Conclusion
Last but not the least, whether you are going for OTC products or dermatologists; always remember not to miss anything from your skincare regime unless you feel irritation.
Sources
https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-get-rid-of-pitted-acne-scars-4843716
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_3_types_of_acne_scars/article.htm
https://www.sciencebecomesher.com/how-to-get-rid-of-pitted-acne-scars/