"Acne," also known as acne vulgaris or follicular folliculitis, is a chronic inflammation of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. This inflammation resolves slowly and often damages the structure of the follicles and glands. For those with acne, severity varies—mild cases may leave no trace, while more severe cases can result in hyperpigmentation, affecting appearance.
"Poor personal habits during breakouts—such as habitually squeezing pimples—can exacerbate inflammation. This creates a situation where tissue repair coexists with ongoing damage, increasing the likelihood of scarring, hypertrophic scars, atrophic scars, and uneven pitted skin. Collectively, these are termed acne scars in medical terms."Chen Xuri from the Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Department at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University explained.
Foaming cleansers won't irritate acne
Not all teenagers develop acne, nor is acne exclusive to adolescents. During breakouts, what bad habits are most likely to cause scarring?Liao Nong advises maintaining facial cleanliness during breakouts while carefully selecting cleansers. "Foam-based cleansers are suitable for acne-prone skin, as they typically lack soap bases and alcohol, minimizing irritation to existing acne. Additionally, scrutinize ingredient lists before purchasing and avoid alkaline cleansers."
Cleansing should be consistent but never excessive. Over-cleansing triggers cells to produce more oil, creating a vicious cycle. Lather the cleanser in your palms, then gently wash in this order: neck, around the mouth, chin, cheeks, and nose bridge. Rinse off with warm water, then splash your face with cold water.
Those who use makeup to conceal acne must separate makeup removal and cleansing, as only oil-based makeup removers can thoroughly remove oil-based cosmetics.
Individuals prone to keloid scarring should especially avoid squeezing pimples.
Refrain from squeezing pimples with your hands to prevent worsening inflammation, particularly if you have keloid-prone skin.Weng Zhisheng, Director of Dermatology at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, explains: "Some individuals develop keloids after wound healing—raised, hardened areas larger than the original wound that may cause pain, itching, or redness. These individuals are termed keloid-prone."Acne on specific areas like the chin, chest, back, and arms is prone to scar hyperplasia.
Dietary adjustments include limiting chili peppers, sugar, and fats. To maintain regular bowel movements, increase intake of vegetables and fruits. Avoid stimulating foods like coffee, strong alcohol, and strong tea before bed to prevent sleep disruption.
Additionally, consulting a dermatologist or cosmetic specialist during breakouts allows for timely, appropriate treatment, reducing the likelihood of acne scarring. For those with excessive oil production unresponsive to lifestyle adjustments, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can regulate sebum secretion.
Address acne scars within 2 months
If acne scars or marks (primarily hyperpigmentation) persist, many resort to scar creams or cosmetics."This is usually ineffective," notes Chen Xuri. "The effective treatment window is within two months of their formation." This relates to the skin's activation and repair mechanisms, which typically stabilize after 3–6 months. Treatment at this later stage yields minimal results. Therefore, early intervention within two months of formation is recommended to minimize tissue damage, increase the likelihood of repair, and potentially restore the skin's original smoothness and texture.
Currently, acne scars are broadly categorized into two types: depressed scars and hypertrophic scars. Depressed scars can be treated with cosmetic methods like dermabrasion (traditional or laser) and dermal fillers. Hypertrophic scars are typically managed through laser therapy, local corticosteroid injections, or surgical excision.