Atrophic Scars: Causes, Types, Treatment (2023)

Atrophic scars are a type of scar that results from a loss of collagen and tissue, leaving a depression or indentation on the skin's surface. These scars can occur anywhere on the body and can be a source of self-consciousness and insecurity for many. 

Let us explore the causes, types, and treatment options for atrophic scars. 

Causes of Atrophic Scars 

Atrophic scars are typically caused by the loss of collagen and tissue, resulting from damage to the skin's underlying structure. Some of the most common causes of atrophic scars include: 

Acne
Acne can result in atrophic scars, particularly if it is not treated promptly and correctly. In severe cases, acne can lead to the development of deep, pitted scars that are difficult to treat. 

Injuries
Injuries that damage the skin's underlying structure, such as burns, cuts, or surgical incisions, can result in atrophic scars.
 

Aging
As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elasticity, which can result in the formation of atrophic scars.
 

Genes
Some individuals may be more prone to developing atrophic scars due to genetic factors.
 

 

Types of Atrophic Scars 

There are several different types of atrophic scars, each with its unique characteristics and causes. The 3 types of atrophic scars are: 

Ice Pick Scars

Icepick Scars: These scars are deep, narrow, and have a V-shaped appearance. They are typically caused by severe acne and can be challenging to treat. 

Boxcar Scars

Boxcar Scars: These scars are broad, with sharp edges and a rectangular shape. They are typically caused by injuries or trauma to the skin, such as severe acne. 

Rolling Scars

Rolling Scars: These scars are shallow and have a wavy appearance. They are typically caused by damage to the skin's underlying structure, such as from injury or aging. 

 

Treatment Options for Atrophic Scars 

There are several different treatment options for atrophic scars, depending on the severity and type of the scar. These can help improve the appearance of these scars: 

Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which removes the outer layers of damaged skin. This can help to improve the appearance of atrophic scars by promoting the growth of new, healthy skin. 

Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that involves the use of a special tool to remove the outer layers of skin. This can help to improve the appearance of atrophic scars by promoting collagen production and smoothing the skin's surface.
 

Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a more invasive treatment that involves the use of a laser to remove the outer layers of skin. This can help to improve the appearance of atrophic scars by stimulating collagen production and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin.
 

Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injectable substances that can help to fill in atrophic scars and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
 

Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove or repair atrophic scars. This may involve skin grafting or other surgical procedures to repair the skin's underlying structure.
 

If you are struggling with them, speak with a dermatologist to explore your treatment options for your specific needs.

How to Prevent Atrophic Scars

As your acne is healing, have trust in the process and let your skincare do its work. Avoid picking at, popping, or squeezing your pimples as this can increase the risk of scarring. It’s also best to start treating your acne before it has a chance to get worse.  

Of course, the best way to prevent acne scars is to prevent acne in the first place. This is why it is important to regularly flush out impurities from your pores so acne does not have a chance to form. 

Clear Out Clarifying Lotion is our best-seller and an acne community favorite. Packed with retinol and azelaic acid, it is clinically proven to flush out congestion, eliminate oils, and restore your skin texture without irritating or drying out your skin. Try it today and see clearer, healthier skin after 1 bottle. If you don’t, you can get your money back! 

If you have questions about your acne and acne scars, get in touch with us via Messenger chat or Instagram DM (@clearlybasics). We’re here to help!  

Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical-related matters, please consult your dermatologist.    

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Skin Type: Normal
Comments: Any ideas on how to get rid of brown skin damage
Skin defence

Marks of sun damage are still there they haven't faded much after using twice a day for 60 days. . I will continue until product is finished. I'm a bit disappointed

Skin Type: Combination

I am so happy that I stumbled upon clearly basics on instagram. I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a try and bought clear out clarifying lotion. It's been 2 months and my skin has improved a lot. I can see significant reduction in pores and acne.

Skin Type: Combination
Amazing

After years of medication and products, I decided to try clearly basics. In just 6 weeks my skin has calmed and I am now able to treat scarring.

So glad to have found these products!

Finding products that helped to control my acne without irritating my sensitive skin has always been a huge challenge. The clearly basics products have been my saviour, I can't recommend them enough ☺️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Excellent and actually works

I am so incredibly impressed with the TLC for pore minimising - it 💯 works and has transformed my skin.

I’m in my 50’s and always had hormonal flare ups with larger pores as I age - this is a game changer and have just reordered my 3rd bottle !

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Skin Type: Combination
This is the stuff.

So, long time sufferer of acne. Started when I was 12 and I'm 28 now still battling it. I've tried all kinds of different things to try and get it under control and besides birth control, nothing has helped long term. I never want to take birth control ever again and I just happened upon this brand and decided well, why not try? To my amazement, it has helped more than anything else I've tried, I'd say it has improved my skin to the level it was at when I took BC. Of course I still get pimples every now and then, and tiny flare ups during PMS but my skin is nowhere near as bad as it used to be. I highly recommend this company. To those who are considering trying this out, be aware that during the first week or so your skin will go through a purge and your acne will appear to get worse at first. Stick with it! Once that phase is over is when your skin will begin improving. I do need to use it every night for it to be fully effective, but even when I do forget, the pimples don't get too out of control. I just can't say enough good things about this product. It has helped my confidence improve immensely and I definitely recommend trying it to those who have skin as finicky as mine.

Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
The only moisturiser I trust

I am super sensitive and this is the only moisturiser that I trust honestly incredible.

Skin Type: Combination
Amazing!

I use this product and with the clear out and it has really helped my hormonal acne.

Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
Here one day, gone the next!

After success with Clearly Basics for my acne scars, I stocked up with all of the active acne products to prepare myself for how angry my acne would get when going off hormonal birth control. I have tried and failed twice as my acne comes back so bad that I just start taking it again. This time I have been using clearly basics without fail every day (lighten up and clear out). I have had 3 pimples start to form and I use ‘Stop Spot’ and the next day instead of a much redder, much angrier pimple with a big white head - the pimple is gone! I have been very happy with this product. I’m one month down (typically when acne gets the worst) - let’s do this!

I love that these products are gentle on my daughter skin.

This skin care routine is the o lay one that has helped clear up my daughters skin.

My daughters skin is really starting to look better!

Skin Type: Oily
So far so good

Bought this for my daughter that has struggled with acne for years. She has seen improvement and less frequent breakouts.

Best moisturizer I have found!

V
Lighten Up Redness Rescue Cream
Veronica Ilenya Ranieri
Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
Perfect

Has changed my skin from acne pro to almost perfect 😍😍

Skin Type: Combination
Obsessed !!

Obsessed with this cleanser!! It left me feeling fresh and prevented break outs. It is incredible . Loved this product so much

My skin feels so soft after using this moisturiser!

My skin feels so soft after using this moisturiser!

Skin Type: Combination
Fresh and clean!

My face is filled with energy and feels so fresh and clean!

Skin Type: Normal
excellent item!

have been using this for years! so good for my skin :)

C
So Fresh pH Balancing Cleanser
Carmelinda Di Manno
Skin Type: Combination
Fresh Feeling

My skin feels so clean and still hydrated when I use this cleanser. It’s balancing and refreshing. My skin has responded really well to it and at times my skin can be sensitive. I highly recommend this product to anyone with relatively oily t-zone area

Skin Type: Combination
Very happy!

Love the texture, the minty scent and the lather.
I wish the bottles were a bit bigger HOWEVER they are just small enough to fly with.

Skin Type: Normal
Comments: The only thing I now need to use to keep my skin clear.
The holy grail for clearing hormonal acne.

This is the only product that I have needed to keep my skin clear since discovering it about 2 years ago, after suddenly developing cystic hormonal acne at the age of 25. I now only need to use it every second night, so it's incredibly affordable. It has also never irritated my sensitive skin and it has faded previous acne marks to truly clear my skin. After years of trying expensive supplements/products/harsh prescription creams, Clear Out was the only thing that gave me long-lasting results.

Skin Type: Oily
Clearly Basics is the only product that has helped my Adult Acne

I have always struggled with dehydrated acne prone skin. Every month like clockwork I would get a new breakout on my chin or cheek area. These included large cystic acne that by the time they came to a head would take me months to clear. With new breakouts each month this created more & more spots before the first could heal leaving more hyper pigmentation spots that never have time to clear. Clearly basics changed all that for me. It gave my skin a chance to heal and reduced the number of breakouts each month. When I do get a new breakout it resolves itself quickly with less scarring and redness. Now that the acne is under control the products are helping to eliminate the remaining hyper pigmentation spots left from years of acne. I have not been using the product for long but I will continuing relying on this product and look forward to the day I can happily look in the mirror at a smooth clear & even complexion some day soon.

Skin Type: Combination
Comments: Product consistency in terms of smoothness/coarseness/stickiness/ is sometimes a miss, don't believe it affects the result provided.
Great Combo

Have seen great improvements by using these 2 items concurrently, hard to fault and wil continue purchasing.

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