Before Roaccutane Treatment
After Roaccutane Treatment
What causes acne scars?
Guys, I’m going to get really sciencey here and try to break down the research I’ve done into why we have acne scars and how can we get rid of them? So stay with me, it’s actually really interesting!
People who suffer or have suffered (like myself) from cystic acne are more prone to developing permanent acne scarring.
Scars are like a visible memory of an incident. Something we would often like to forget but our bodies love to hold onto these, sometimes for life.This is one of the main reasons you should not pick your spots as you are causing further damage to the already inflamed and delicate area.
“In inflammatory acne, the damage caused by these white blood cells can actually cause the underlying bacterial infection to spread, leading to more inflammation and tissue damage. This can create a vicious, self-fulfilling cycle of tissue damage that leads to permanent acne scars”. – The science of acne
Whats under our skin to cause this?
- epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin. (The one you see the scars physically on)
- subcutis: The inner layer of skin that is also called the hypodermis or subcutaneous layer. (Deepest layer)
- dermis: The middle layer of the skin. (Where the immune system cells come to fight infection and where we produce collagen).
- cutaneous membrane: The formal name for the skin.
Acne scarring occurs when the dermis layer is damaged. This happens after a spot when the body doesn’t make enough collagen to recreate enough tissue and can be replaced by fibrous scar tissue.
How can we rebuild the collagen and get rid of the scars?
After researching how to get rid of the scars, I came across dermarolling. Something I have been doing for the last 6 months but not really seeing long-lasting results I expected.
This is when I contacted acne scar specialist Ashley from L’ abeilleEsthtics about the best way to get rid of my scars.
“Scars are caused by a lack and loss of Collagen, this is also what happens when we age and causes wrinkles. To kick start our bodies natural Collagen process our skin needs go into shock mode, so by creating a controlled trauma to the skin, it sends a signal to our brain to produce new healthy Collagen and elastin. When we cut our hand, the skin grows back thicker and stronger and it’s the same principle with our facial skin. What you need to understand also with dermarolling is that it is a process that won’t achieve miraculous results overnight, it takes 4-6 weeks for our Collagen cycle to kickstart so you need to give it time to see results, but after around 3 sessions at 0.5mm , the Collagen will then keep producing for up to 12 months after, meaning we get longer lasting results than other treatments and best of all results that are permanent”.
I have just started my treatment this week and can honestly say I have already seen some results, so I will update next month with my progress and a full demonstration of my dermarolling technique.
The serums from Ashley I am using are:
Ingredients – Aqua, Snail Secretion Extract, Collagen, Trehalose, Vitamin B5
Snail extract, formally referred to as snail mucin, is packed with nutrients such as hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, proteoglycans and antimicrobial and copper peptides, all of which are commonly used in beauty products and proven to be beneficial for the skin. It has even been registered and recognized as an official cosmetic ingredient under the name, ‘snailsecretion filtrate.’”
Snail mucin’s ingredients are known to be anti-ageing by stimulating the formation of collagen and elastin, repair damaged skin, and restore hydration
Trehalose is a sugar found in plants, fungi and invertebrate animals, and used in cosmetics and personal care products as a flavouring agent and moisturizer. It is considered useful because of its rehydrating and water binding properties, as well as its antioxidant powers (CosmeticsCop.com and Wikipedia). “The sugar is thought to form a gel phase as cells dehydrate, which prevents disruption of internal cell organelles by effectively splinting them in position. Rehydration then allows normal cellular activity to be resumed without the major, lethal damage that would normally follow a dehydration/rehydration cycle.” In other words, Trehalose, when applied topically, may allow the skin to retain moisture that it would otherwise lose, creating dry skin and potentially increasing ageing signs.
and Placenta Serum
Ingredients – Aqua ,Placenta Extract , Coenzyme Q10 , Hyaluronic Acid ,Vitamin E
1.Apply to face and neck morning and night after cleansing and toning
2.Apply several drops the desired area, gently massage until absorbed fully
3.Combine with your favourite cream/moisturizer to enhance benefits. You should expect to see results in several weeks
Can you have acne scarring treatment while having acne?
I asked Ashley if this treatment would work for people currently suffering with acne?
“No, you need to get the acne solved and then have the treatment or it will happen again. Chemical peels are good to control oil in the skin and help with acne, however , a 0.2mm Roller is the only Roller suitable for acne sufferers as it doesn’t puncture your epidermis, and transdermal absorption of products is 20 times more effective. Rolling with 0.2mm and vitamin D is highly effective” .
If you want to get help with your acne scars and would like to speak to a scar expert, Ashley is based in London but travels to Liverpool and outer areas for clients. All her range can be purchased online.
Can I please ask when did you start dermarolling? I know it says those with acne can use a 0.2mm roller but I’m guessing this can’t be done during Roaccutane giving how sensitive your skin gets? Just looking for some advice as I’m keen to give it a go but I’m on Roaccutane at the moment.
Thanks 🙂
Author
Hi Sandra,
About 2 years after. My skin was soooo sensitive for quite a while after! xx
Hi
Just wondered if you have ever used any of the light therapy masks? I am thinking of investing in a neutrogena light therapy mask for acne on my chin and nose.
Author
Hi Samantha, no i havent yet but im booked in soon! so i shall let you know! xx
My son has struggled with cystic acne for over a year. He has used many other products including proactive, but nothing helped until I came across dermalmd acne serum and their other products. Breakouts are less frequent and typically last for 2 days at most. It really works for him.