What's the best method for reducing the appearance of acne scars?

I'm a new Esty and I'm trying to expand my knowledge in order to provide my clients with the best treatment and care.   I think specializing in Acne Treatment is very rewarding because of the satisfaction that I feel after helping someone with acne.  Once I get my clients clear and on a maintenance program, what treatment(s) can I offer them that would reduce the appearance of acne scars? 

 

I would love everyone's input on this.  Thanks!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rachael Pontillo on March 18, 2011 at 11:01am
I have been hearing a lot about using products with 1,3 beta glucans...they act as scavengers and apparently digest scar tissue.  I am using myself as a guinea pig...I have some scars I would love to reduce.  I was doing monthly glycolic peels, but I think it actually made the scars more apparent so I stopped.  I'm currently using the Osmosis acne products and have done one Facial Infusion.  I will be doing another one next week.  So far I am very happy with the results but it hasn't been long enough to determine any "transformation" or whether or not the scars actually will be reduced/improved.
Permalink Reply by Mary Lou Coleman on March 18, 2011 at 11:18am
Scars are hard.  The sooner they are treated, the better, but obviously, the client must be completely healed from their inflamed acne.  VERY shallow depression scars can be improved with microdermabrasion or keratolytic chemical peels.  I have used the two in combination - in a single treatment, microderm the skin reasonably aggressively and then do, say, a 30% glycolic peel, leaving on only a few minutes the first time, and then in subsequent treatments, as the client can tolerate it (these treatments are not comfortable, so start slowly), leaving the peel solution on longer and/or microderming more aggressively.  You'll want to consider perhaps 6 treatments, spaced at about every two weeks.  And sun protection is critical!  There is some controversy, by the way, about what order to do the two parts of the treatment in.  I've heard a very well respected medical esthetician say to peel first and microderm second.   In any case, be careful with higher Fitzpatrick types - these treatments are aggressive and can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  Those clients need to be on tyrosinase inhibitors for a couple to several weeks before treatments start.  Also, these treatments are not for people with sensitive skin until that issue is resolved.  There's not much an esthetician can do for deeper depression scars or ice-pick scars.  That's medical territory; getting into the somewhat scary realm of dermabrasion and lasers.
Permalink Reply by Virginia Mabbun on March 21, 2011 at 2:43pm

Thank you Rachel and Mary Lou.  I really appreciate your comments.  

 

Permalink Reply by Laura Cooksey on March 22, 2011 at 3:54pm
@Virginia - it depends on what you mean by acne scars?  Are you talking about red or dark spots? If so, that can definitely be lifted with homecare and peel treatments.  If you are talking about indented scarring that is a different conversation.  Can you tell me which one you are asking about?
Permalink Reply by Virginia Mabbun on March 22, 2011 at 4:04pm

@Laura - I have a client who had mild scarring, very shallow indentations.  I wanted to know if there was a treatment that could make hers skin look smoother and make those scars less appearant.   

Permalink Reply by Laura Cooksey on March 22, 2011 at 4:38pm
@Virginia - I have had good luck in taking a strong TCA solution (40% to 60%) and put it right in the indent itself.  It blanches white, then turns dark the next day and forms a scab.  It will fall off in about a week.  YOu do this treatment once a month for 6 to 8 months and you will see a noticeable difference in the depth of the scar.
Permalink Reply by Raquel Solis on October 25, 2011 at 4:40pm
Hi Laura. can u please tell me what skin line peel are you using for this reason. I work with Vivant skin care those products are fantastic....thank you so much for your help on this!!!
Permalink Reply by Laura Cooksey on October 25, 2011 at 4:50pm
Hi Raquel - I got the strong TCA from a doctor that I know, so I don't really have any "resources" for it.  You could use the 15% TCA in the Vivant Propeel Kit (bottle III) but it will take longer for the scar to blanch.
Permalink Reply by Mary Lou Coleman on March 23, 2011 at 10:07am
Laura, you are permitted to administer TCA in those percentages?  Holy cow.  Is this done with a doctor's "supervision?"  I'd love to try your technique, but my state board doesn't permit us to use TCA that strong ( I don't think).
Permalink Reply by Raquel Solis on October 25, 2011 at 4:40pm
Very true Mary....holy molly!
Permalink Reply by Laura Cooksey on March 23, 2011 at 11:01am
@Mary Lou - haha, probably not.  It's certainly not on my menu of services!
Permalink Reply by Barbara Calebaugh on February 7, 2012 at 4:17pm

Very smart answer Laura . Very interesting answer here! Regards from California!

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