Acne Scarring: Prevention and Treatment

Acne scarring affects many Kenyans long after active breakouts resolve. Understanding prevention and available treatments helps minimize lasting skin damage.

Prevention is paramount. Never pick, squeeze, or pop pimples, however tempting. This spreads infection and guarantees scarring. Early, effective acne treatment prevents scars from forming.

Dark skin, common in Kenya, is prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). While not true scarring, these dark marks can last months or years. Sun protection is crucial as UV exposure darkens these marks.

True acne scars come in several types. Ice pick scars are deep, narrow indentations. Rolling scars create wavy texture. Boxcar scars are broader depressions. Keloid scars, more common in African skin, are raised.

Professional treatments offer best results for established scarring. Chemical peels using glycolic or salicylic acid improve texture and pigmentation. Sessions cost KES 3,000-8,000 at Kenyan dermatology clinics.

Microneedling stimulates collagen production, improving indented scars. Professional treatments cost KES 5,000-12,000 per session. Multiple sessions are needed. Home devices are less effective.

Laser treatments, available in Nairobi and other major cities, effectively treat various scar types. Fractional laser resurfacing costs KES 15,000-30,000 per session. Not all lasers suit dark skin.

Subcision releases tethered scars, allowing skin to rise. Combined with fillers, it effectively treats rolling scars. Limited availability in Kenya requires research for qualified practitioners.

Topical treatments provide modest improvement. Retinoids, vitamin C, and niacinamide help with pigmentation and mild textural issues. Silicone sheets may flatten raised scars.

Natural remedies like aloe vera and honey may soothe but won't eliminate scars. Lemon juice, popular but problematic, can worsen pigmentation in dark skin.

Realistic expectations are crucial. Complete scar elimination is rarely possible, but significant improvement is achievable. Multiple treatments over months provide best results.