What Is the Most Effective Way to Treat Acne Scars, Large Pores and Uneven Skin Texture?

For indented acne scars, enlarged-looking pores and uneven skin texture, professional treatments that stimulate skin remodeling, particularly microneedling or microchanneling, can provide significant improvement. The most effective treatment depends on the type and depth of your acne scars, but microneedling works by creating controlled microchannels that stimulate collagen production, gradually helping skin look smoother, pores less noticeable and indented scars softer and more even.

At Muse Medical Artistry in Aurora, Colorado, we see many patients who aren't necessarily dealing with one isolated skin concern. They may have old acne scars on their cheeks, visible pores around their nose and uneven texture that becomes especially noticeable in certain lighting or when they apply makeup.

These concerns are often related, which is one reason microchanneling can be such a useful treatment.

Why Are Acne Scars Difficult to Treat?

Acne can affect more than the surface of your skin. When inflammation damages tissue below the surface, the healing process can alter the structure of the skin and leave a permanent scar.

This is why simply exfoliating the surface isn't always enough to improve acne scars.

One of the first things we consider when you come in for a consultation is what type of scar you actually have.

The best treatment for acne scars depends on the type of scar you have.

• Indented (known as atrophic) acne scars may respond to collagen-remodeling treatments such as microneedling.

• Raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scars often require a different treatment strategy.

Recognizing which type of acne scars is important and may explain why home treatments for acne scars aren't working.

Laser resurfacing and microneedling are two professional treatment options commonly considered for improving acne scarring and uneven skin texture. Muse Medical Artistry does not offer laser resurfacing, but we do offer microchanneling as a collagen-stimulating approach to improving skin texture. We also perform chemical peels which help clear the skin and reduce acne associated inflammation 

If you're unsure what kind of acne scars you have, call us and we can evaluate them during your consultation.

How Does Microneedling Help Indented Acne Scars?

Indented acne scars are sometimes called atrophic scars. Instead of creating raised tissue, these scars appear as depressions, pits or indentations in your skin.

Microneedling, or the microchanneling technique we use at Muse, approaches the problem differently from a topical skin-care product you might get from a dermatologist or an over-the-counter product you would buy at the store.

Very fine needles create thousands of controlled microscopic channels in the treatment area. Your body recognizes those channels as micro-injuries and initiates a proven, natural healing response that includes collagen production and remodeling.

Over time, that remodeling can help improve the overall structure and texture of the treated skin, making certain indented acne scars appear softer and less noticeable.

This isn't the same as "erasing" a scar, and results vary depending on the type, depth and extent of scarring. But the ability to stimulate remodeling beneath the surface is one reason microneedling is such a great treatment for acne scars.

If you'd like to understand why we use the term microchanneling at Muse, read "Microneedling vs. Microchanneling: What's the Difference?"

How do I Make Large Pores Look Smaller?

This is one of the most common questions we hear.

First, it's helpful to understand that you aren't actually opening and closing your pores. Pores can simply look more noticeable because of factors such as oil production, skin texture, loss of firmness and the way light reflects from an uneven surface.

Microchanneling can help improve the overall texture and quality of the skin by stimulating collagen remodeling. As the surrounding skin becomes smoother and firmer-looking, enlarged pores may become less visually prominent.

That's why someone may initially come to us asking about their pores but ultimately benefit from a treatment designed to improve the quality of the skin around them.

How can I Smooth Rough or Uneven Skin Texture?

Uneven texture is a broad description because it can have several causes. Old acne scars, enlarged-looking pores, sun exposure, age-related changes and irregular cell turnover can all contribute to skin that just doesn't look or feel as smooth as you'd like.

The most common time patients notice it is when applying foundation because makeup seems to emphasize rather than conceal the irregularities. Others notice it when they look at their skin in bright light.

Microchanneling is one of the most beneficial treatments for rough or uneven skin texture because it addresses texture by encouraging the skin to remodel itself from within.

Rather than simply exfoliating the outermost layer of skin, we're triggering a controlled healing response that continues after your appointment.

That's an important distinction when comparing professional collagen-stimulating treatments with products you use at home.

Can Serums and At-Home Skin Care Get Rid of Acne Scars?

Good home skin care absolutely has a role, but it's important to have realistic expectations about what topical products can accomplish.

Over-the-counter products containing ingredients such as retinoids, salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can encourage cell turnover, exfoliate the skin and help improve certain forms of discoloration. These products can be particularly helpful for the flat dark or discolored marks, often called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, that remain after a blemish heals.

But discoloration and an indented acne scar aren't the same thing.

Topical products cannot structurally rebuild a deep, pitted or depressed acne scar. If the actual architecture of the skin has changed, improving it generally requires a treatment capable of stimulating remodeling below the surface.

That's where professional treatments such as microneedling and laser resurfacing enter the conversation.

Are Chemical Peels Good to for Acne Scars and Skin Texture?

Chemical peels can play a different and complementary role to microchanneling.

At Muse Medical Artistry, we offer chemical peels that can help clear the skin, exfoliate accumulated surface cells and reduce inflammation associated with acne, depending on the patient's skin and the type of peel selected. They can also be useful for concerns involving superficial discoloration and skin tone.

The important point is that we don't automatically treat every acne-related concern the same way.

Someone primarily concerned about congestion, superficial discoloration and active breakouts may have different needs from someone whose main concern is deep, indented acne scarring.

In some cases, a treatment plan may involve more than one approach and, it's why asking a professional to look at your skin is so important.

Do I Need a Dermatologist for Acne Scars?

If you have active or severe acne, a dermatologist may be the appropriate place to start. Once the acne is controlled, treatments such as microchanneling can address some of the scars and uneven texture it leaves behind.

For patients primarily concerned about the appearance of existing scars, pores and texture, we can evaluate those concerns during a consultation at Muse and discuss whether microchanneling is the appropriate option for you.

You can also view our Microchanneling Before & After photos to see examples of the types of improvements that can occur following treatment.

How Many Microchanneling Treatments Will I Need?

There's no single number that's right for everyone. It truly depends on wether your treating acne scars alone, or if you want to improve your overall skin texture in a particular area. Someone looking for general improvement in texture may have very different needs from someone with significant acne scarring.

We consider the condition of your skin, the depth and type of scars, the treatment area and what you're realistically hoping to achieve.

It's also important to remember that collagen remodeling takes time. Microchanneling isn't a treatment where we expect your final result the following morning. This is the beauty of microchanneling. Your skin continues responding after the procedure, and a series of treatments may be recommended when we're trying to achieve more significant improvement.

What Is the Best Acne Scar Treatment in Aurora, Colorado?

If you're searching for the best acne scar treatment in Aurora, Colorado, the answer depends on the kind of scars you have rather than the name of a single treatment.

• Laser resurfacing may be appropriate for some patients.

• Microneedling and microchanneling can be particularly useful when the objective is stimulating collagen remodeling to improve indented acne scars and overall skin texture.

• Chemical peels can address other acne-related concerns, including surface buildup, inflammation and discoloration.

At Muse, our approach is to first determine what you're actually seeing in your skin and what needs to change to improve it.

That's much more useful than choosing a treatment simply because it's popular.

Ready to Do Something About Your Acne Scars and Uneven Skin Texture?

If you're tired of trying new serums and wondering why the indentations, enlarged-looking pores or uneven areas aren't going away, it may be time to consider whether the issue needs to be treated below the surface.

At Muse Medical Artistry in Aurora, Colorado, we can evaluate your skin, talk about what bothers you most and determine whether microneedling or microchanneling is an appropriate treatment for your acne scars, pores and uneven texture.

Schedule a consultation with Muse Medical Artistry to develop a treatment plan based on your skin, your concerns and the results you'd like to achieve.