If you are a skincare enthusiast or someone who is in search of effective treatments that can give you smooth skin, you may have encountered products that contain collagen. Collagen is a type of protein that is naturally produced by the body. Its primary function is to provide structure to various parts and organs of the body, especially the skin. When it comes to acne scar treatment, collagen plays a vital role as it helps get rid of dead skin cells and regenerate new ones. What exactly does collagen do to banish acne scars? Read on.
The Importance of Collagen
Collagen is a main component of the body’s bones, cartilage, connective tissues, skin, and tendons. It serves several bodily functions:
- It helps produce new skin cells
- It gives the skin its elasticity, strength, and structure
- It triggers the production of cells that help form connective tissues
- It serves as a covering to protect organs
As the body ages, its ability to produce collagen slows down. Likewise, the existing collagen in the body disintegrates faster. When the skin is unable to form enough collagen, depressed scars may form once your skin gets damaged and heals following an acne breakout.
Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars happen when the skin and the tissue underneath become damaged. This occurrence is usually caused by:
- Acne that has been popped or squeezed
- Cystic or nodular acne that has penetrated and caused inflammation deep into the skin
There are three main types of acne scars:
- Atrophic scars
- Hypertrophic scars
- Keloid scars
Atrophic scars are scars that leave dents in the skin after healing as a result of the body’s lack of collagen production. This particular acne scar is further classified into three kinds:
- Boxcar scars
- Icepick scars
- Rolling scars
Boxcar scars can be identified by its fine edges and flat crater, similar to a box. Ice pick scars have tiny openings, but go deep into the skin. Rolling scars have soft sloping borders with differing depths, which gives the skin an uneven or wavy surface.
Hypertrophic scars and keloid scars occur when the body produces too much collagen. Hence, the skin where the acne previously existed becomes thick and raised. These scars can be differentiated by their formation: the size of hypertrophic scars follow that of the acne, while keloid scars develop beyond the actual size of the acne.
Collagen and Acne Scar Treatments for Atrophic Scars
If depressed acne scars are caused by a shortage of collagen production, how can acne scars be treated? Simple. We turn to acne scar treatments that trigger the development of collagen in the skin.
Here are three popular acne scar treatments in Singapore:
- Acne Scar Subcision
- Dermal Fillers or Rejuran (S) Scar
- CO2 Fractional Acne Scar Laser
Acne scar subcisionis a procedure that is minimally invasive and done in a doctor’s clinic. This involves using a tiny needle beneath the skin to cut the fibrous bands that connect the surface of the skin to the dermis. This action releases the skin, allowing it to rise and lessen the skin’s indentation. To trigger the production of collagen or volumise the depressed area, dermal fillers or Rejuran S (Scar) is injected into the skin.
Dermal fillers or Rejuran S (Scar) are injectable substances that provide volume to the skin. Specifically, Rejuran S is made of DNA fragments called Polynucleotides (PN), which stimulates faster healing of the skin, encourages the production of collagen, improving the condition of damaged skin.
CO2 Fractional Acne Scar Laser is considered as the best treatment to banish acne scars. This in-office procedure uses a powerful laser equipment that precisely and safely injures the target area of the skin to encourage the body’s healing process. New collagen is produced by the body as it heals and the scarring is reduced as the skin regenerates. CO2 Fractional acne scar laser may be combined with Rejuran S and subcision for optimum results.
Collagen and Hypertrophic/Keloid Scars
As mentioned earlier, overproduction of collagen causes the development of hypertrophic and keloid scars. The approach in treating this type of scars is totally different and incorporating collagen in treating the skin may only aggravate its condition. Some effective treatments for hypertrophic or keloid scars include:
- Cryotherapy
- Injectable corticosteroids
- Laser therapy
- Surgery
If you are prone to developing hypertrophic or keloid scars, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider to seek guidance on the best practices to prevent developing these scars and learn about the ideal treatments to remove them.
Collagen Supplements and Acne Scars
The amount of oral and topical collagen products available in the market is staggering. From capsules to beverages as well as creams, lotions, and serums, these products containing collagen can indeed benefit the skin. However, using these at home to remove already existing pitted acne scars will not be enough. For the body’s skin cells to activate regeneration, it should be able to produce collagen naturally. This does not happen if the body does not recognise any need for healing the skin. Hence, undergoing acne treatments such as subcision, injectable fillers, and CO2 lasers are the effective ways to clear your skin of acne scar.
While the intervention of aesthetic procedures remains as the gold standard for improving the skin’s acne scar dilemma, this does not cancel out the benefits that collagen products and supplements can bring to your skin. In fact, long-term use of supplements and products rich in collagen have shown promising results in healing of wounds as the supplements improve the amount of collagen present in the skin. Collagen derived from supplements could help in healing and reducing acne scars that are just about to form after a breakout.
Finding the best acne scar treatment in Singapore
There are many clinics that offer acne scar treatments in Singapore. Find a reputable clinic that offers various treatments for acne scar removal and has gold standard products and equipment. Schedule a consultation to see if the doctor is an expert in treating acne scars. You may ask for a sample of their previous works to have an idea about their experience in this area.
–
Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic – Dr Edwin Lim
#02-12/13, Changi City Point
5 Changi Business Park Central 1,
Singapore 486038
By appointment only:
#05-51, Lucky Plaza
304 Orchard Road
Singapore 238863
+65 96372218 (Whatsapp)
